The essential role of microRNA 146a and Forkhead box protein 3 in pathogenesis of nonsegmental vitiligo

Purpose Vitiligo is a chronic, acquired disease that advances the immune system hostility against melanocytes. Nonsegmental vitiligo (NSV) is the most common form of vitiligo. It is characterized by asymptomatic, variable- sized, well‐circumscribed, round to oval‐shaped whitish patches involving both sides of the body. MicroRNA-146a (miR-146a) was considered an important modulator of innate and adaptive immunity, suggesting a potential role in developing various immune-mediated disorders. Forkhead box protein 3 (Foxp3) is an important transcription factor that governs regulatory T cells, which are essential in preventing autoimmune diseases. Patients and methods A total of 48 patients diagnosed with NSV and 48 healthy control subjects were recruited for this study. Peripheral blood samples were collected from all participants. Real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) was employed to quantify the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of Foxp3 and miR-146a. Results Our analysis revealed a significant upregulation of miR-146a expression in NSV patients compared with controls. Conversely, Foxp3 expression levels were demonstrably lower in the NSV group. Furthermore, a negative correlation was observed between Foxp3 and miR-146a expression levels within the NSV patient cohort. Additionally, Foxp3 expression exhibited a negative correlation with disease activity as measured by the vitiligo disease activity score, while a positive correlation was found with miR-146a expression. Notably, no significant correlation was detected between gene expression and the vitiligo area scoring index score, which reflects disease severity. Conclusion Foxp3 and miR-146a may be involved in the pathophysiology and deterioration of NSV.