Proteasome subunit beta type-8 (PSMB8) is a protein that contributes to -2-
the complete assembly of 20 S proteasome complexes which play a role in the
pathogenesis of vitiligo.
Aim of the work: The study aimed to evaluate the association between PSMB8 gene
polymorphisms with vitiligo to assess its clinical significance among an Egyptian sample
of vitiligo patients.
Subjects and methods: Genomic DNA was isolated from blood samples of 100 vitiligo
patients and 100 control subjects and detection of PSMB8 polymorphisms was done by
Real Time PCR. Data analysis was carried out for the entire cohort. Statistics were
performed using software. Audiological evaluation including pure-tone audiometry,
extended high-frequency audiometry, transient evoked otoacoustic emissions, and
auditory brainstem response was carried out.
Results: There was a significant difference between PSMB8 genotypes and alleles
distribution in patients and control groups. Ten percent of the study sample had
sensorineural hearing loss. The patients with hearing loss were significantly older
(p=0.0002), had significantly later age of onset (p=0.0007), longer duration (p=0.0021),
higher BMI (p=0.045) and higher VASI scores (p=0.0015). All of them suffered from
extensive forms of vitiligo (generalized and universal). Regarding the VIT rs2071543
polymorphism, all of vitiligo patients with hearing loss were carrying the CA and AA
genotypes. None of them carried the reference genotype; CC. The A allele of VIT
rs2071543 was significantly associated with hearing affection (p=0.024)
Conclusion: PSMB8 polymorphism was associated with the susceptibility to develop
vitiligo and has clinical significance among the studied group of Egyptian patients.
Factors predicting auditory abnormalities should be further studied for early detection -3-
and management |
