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. Aim: 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. Conclusion: We conclude that CRH and CRHR-1 are altered by psychological stress and play an important role in the pathogenesis of vitiligo.