Role of Tyrosinase (TYR) gene variants (rs28940876 and rs61754379) in genetic susceptibility to Vitiligo

Abstract

An acquired disease, vitiligo is a disorder distinguished by depigmentation mostly of skin, skin and mucous membrane. Its etiology of is still not totally known. However, recent studies advocate that there is a systematic damage to melanocytes (cells responsible for producing melanin), especially in the mucous membranes, eyes and the membranes inside the ear. Other reports suggested an association between vitiligo and ocular manifestation, hearing loss and autoimmune diseases. Hearing loss is one of the most usual symptoms associated with vitiligo prevalent in 4% to 20% patients [1, 2]. The term vitiligo is derived from Latin and was first used by Celsus in his De Medicane[3]. In nineteenth century the clinical features of vitiligo were described Brocq and Kapose. Kaposi further depicted that in the basal layer cells of epidermis of the area of the skin affected by vitiligo showed absence of pigment granules.[4] Vitiligo is a common pigmentation disorder with India showing the highest occurrence of 8.8% in the world[5]. Although its global incidence is 1%[6]. Both genders are influenced equally, irrespective of their age. However, in 70%-80% of the cases, the disease develops before the age of 30[7]. Additionally, it has also been observed that the onset of vitiligo before the age of 12 years is common.