In a new study published in Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, it was shown that ApaI and BsmI polymorphisms in vitamin D receptor (VDR) have been linked to vitiligo susceptibility in the Asian population.

The susceptibility to vitiligo may be significantly influenced by polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor. Numerous research studies have examined the links between Vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms and the chance of developing vitiligo, although the results are still controversial. In order to ascertain if polymorphisms in the VDR are related to the susceptibility to vitiligo, Young Ho Lee and colleagues carried out this investigation.

Using the PubMed/Medline and Embase databases, VDR polymorphisms in vitiligo patients and controls were found. Through the use of meta-analyses of all individuals as well as Asian, Arab, European, and Latin American groups, the associations between the VDR ApaI, BsmI, TaqI, and TaqI polymorphisms and vitiligo were examined.
The key findings of this review were:

1. 13 studies totaling 2,034 patients and 2,771 controls were incorporated into this meta-analysis.
2. There was no association between vitiligo and the VDR ApaI A allele in any of the participants.
3. However, there was a connection between the VDR ApaI A allele and vitiligo in Asians but not in Europeans or Arabs.
4. Vitiligo has been linked to the VDR ApaI polymorphism in Asians using recessive, dominant, and homozygote contrast models.
5. In a meta-analysis of the VDR BsmI polymorphism, vitiligo and the B allele were significantly associated.
6. For TaqI and FokI polymorphisms, however, no association between vitiligo and VDR polymorphisms was found.
In conclusion, the findings of this study emphasize the need for additional investigation into the associations between VDR polymorphisms and vitiligo in various ethnic groups based on the underlying ethnic variances. Large-scale research on individuals of different races is necessary in order to completely comprehend the role of VDR gene variations in vitiligo development.
Reference:
Lee, Y. H., & Song, G. G. (2022). Association between vitamin D receptor polymorphisms and vitiligo susceptibility: An updated meta‐analysis. In Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.15474