HLA-DQ3 is associated with idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis, whereas HLA-DR8 is not, in a group of renal transplant patients.
BACKGROUND
The etiology of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH) remains uncertain; however, solar exposure and heredity have been proposed as causative factors.


OBJECTIVE
To explore the genetic predisposition to the development of IGH.


METHODS
A comparative case-control study was performed at a dermatology department at a university hospital. Forty-seven subjects (22 renal transplant patients and 25 controls) were enrolled. Clinical examination and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) determination were performed.


RESULTS
In the group of subjects with HLA-DQ3 (10/13, P = 0.025), there was a statistically significant (P < 0.05) positive association for the presence of IGH; in the group of subjects with HLA-DR8 (6/6, P = 0.023), there was a statistically significant negative association for the presence of IGH.


CONCLUSIONS
The presence of HLA-DQ3 in patients with IGH suggests a genetic basis in a group of renal transplant subjects. HLA-DR8 was found in patients without IGH, and it could play a role as a "protective factor" preventing subjects from developing IGH.
Arrunategui
Adriana
A
Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia.
Trujillo
Rodolfo A
RA
Marulanda
Maria P
MP
Sandoval
Fabian
F
Wagner
Adriana
A
Alzate
Alberto
A
Falabella
Rafael
R
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006683:HLA-DQ Antigens / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics; D059810:HLA-DR Serological Subtypes; D006801:Humans; D017496:Hypopigmentation / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics*; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D008297:Male; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology
D006683:HLA-DQ Antigens; C051569:HLA-DQ3 antigen; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D059810:HLA-DR Serological Subtypes; C041559:HLA-DR8 antigen