Evaluation of plasma zonulin level and its relationship with inflammatory cytokines in patients with vitiligo

Background It has been proven that there is an increase in intestinal permeability in some autoimmune diseases. In our study, we purposed to assess intestinal permeability in vitiligo disease by looking at zonulin levels. At the same time, we aimed to examine the correlation of inflammatory cytokines and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels with zonulin. Methods Forty-one patients and 41 healthy participants were involved in our study. Blood samples were taken from all patients and controls, and the levels of zonulin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6 and LPS were examined. Results The mean of zonulin in the patient group was found to be statistically higher than the control group (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was found between zonulin level and IL-6, TNF-alpha, and LPS levels (p < 0.05). TNF-alpha and LPS levels in the vitiligo group were significantly higher than in the control group, but there was no such significance in terms of IL-6 levels. Conclusion We think that serum zonulin level increases and intestinal permeability increases in vitiligo disease.