Exosomal Markers CD63 and CD9 in Vitiligo Before and After NB-UVB Therapy

Patients with clinically and dermoscopically diagnosed vitiligo were enrolled from the outpatient clinic of the Dermatology and Venereology Department, Tanta University Hospitals. Eligible patients had not received treatment for vitiligo during the 3 months before enrollment and provided written informed consent.

At baseline, all patients underwent complete history taking, general and dermatological examination, assessment of disease activity using the Vitiligo Disease Activity (VIDA) score, and assessment of disease severity using the Vitiligo Area Severity Index (VASI).

Before treatment, 4-mm punch biopsies were obtained from lesional and perilesional skin. The tissue specimens were formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded, and processed for routine hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical evaluation of the exosomal markers CD63 and CD9.

Patients then received narrow-band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) therapy for 3 months. After treatment, patients were clinically reassessed using VIDA and VASI. A 4-mm punch biopsy was obtained from repigmented skin to evaluate post-treatment changes in CD63 and CD9 expression.

Twenty normal skin specimens obtained during plastic surgery were used as healthy controls. The expression of CD63 and CD9 was compared among lesional skin, perilesional skin, post-treatment repigmented skin, and normal control skin.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients already diagnosed with vitiligo clinically and by dermoscopy.
• Patients who did not receive any treatment for vitiligo for 3 months before joining the study.
• Patients who accepted to be enrolled in the study and signed an informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

• Pregnant or lactating females.
• Patients with allergy to local anesthesia.
• Patients with a history of chronic debilitating diseases, autoimmune disorders, or other systemic diseases.
• Patients with other dermatological diseases.
• Patients with a history of bleeding disorders or receiving anticoagulant therapy.
• Patients with a history of keloid or abnormal scar formation