Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and CRH receptor 1 gene expression in vitiligo.
BACKGROUND
Vitiligo is a disorder characterized by depigmented patches in the skin. Psychological stress can activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in the brain as well as on the peripheral level and aggravate autoimmune skin diseases. Skin appendages have dual functions dually as prominent targets and sources of the peripheral corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)-proopiomelanocortin axis.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the role of CRH and CRHR-1 in vitiligo, and its possible association with psychological stress.


METHODS
In total, 30 patients with vitiligo and 30 healthy controls were collected from the outpatient clinic. Expression of CRH and CRHR-1 was measured by real-time PCR in lesions and control skin.


RESULTS
A significant increase in CRH and CRHR-1 expression was significantly correlated with psychological stress in vitiligo.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that CRH and CRHR-1 are altered by psychological stress and play an important role in the pathogenesis of vitiligo.
Department of Biochemistry Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt. olfatshaker@yahoo.com.
O G
OG
Shaker
Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
S M R
SM
Eltahlawi
Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
S O
SO
Tawfic
Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
A M
AM
Eltawdy
Department of Dermatology, Students' Hospital, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
N I E
NI
Bedair
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; D018019:Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism*; D014820:Vitiligo / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism*; D055815:Young Adult; D000099052:CRF Receptor, Type 1
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D018019:Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone; D000099052:CRF Receptor, Type 1; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone