The impact on the quality of life and sleep complaints in a vitiligo sample and the influence of inflammatory cytokines in the interaction between vitiligo and sleep.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Vitiligo is an autoimmune dermatosis that affects quality of life, which englobes sleep quality. Sleep regulates the immune system, including inflammatory cytokines, and other pathways, which may influence vitiligo pathogenesis. OBJECTIVES: To analyze levels of immune serum components (cytokines) in a vitiligo group, and assess whether there was any association with sleep. METHODS: This study comprised 30 vitiligo patients and 26 control individuals. Quality of life and sleep questionnaires were completed [Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI)]. Seven cytokines have been measured IFN-γ, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-12 p40 and TNF-α. RESULTS: The mean age of the vitiligo group was 47.7 years-old, with prevalence of females (66.7 %). Mucosal (70 %), acral (60 %) and focal subtype (53.3 %) predominated. Signs of vitiligo activity were identified in 63.3 % of the disease sample. Total PSQI scores and scores for domain 4 (sleep efficiency) were statistically worse in vitiligo group. The SF-36 and ISI total scores were worse in the vitiligo group, although not statistically significant compared with controls. Four SF-36 domains were statistically worse in vitiligo sample, and the DLQI mean score was mild to moderate (5.57). Cytokine levels were not different between groups, or when associated with PSQI. Higher ISI scores (more severe insomnia) were related to increased IL-17A. Higher IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 levels were associated with previous phototherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Poor sleep and impaired aspects of quality of life predominated in the vitiligo sample. Insomnia was related to IL-17A increase in vitiligo. Increased levels of IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 were related to previous ultraviolet B narrow band (UVB-NB) phototherapy, suggesting an interaction of this treatment on immune system. Sleep disruption and the course of vitiligo may have common pathways in respect of circadian cytokines, which may represent an important subject in vitiligo management.