the role of functional polymorphisms of apoptotic bax (-248g>a) and anti-apoptotic bcl2 (-938c>a) genes in the development of vitiligo: a cross-sectional study

Background: vitiligo is an autoimmune skin disorder in which apoptosis plays an exceptionally vital role in its occurrence. research has shown a strong association between the presence of polymorphisms and the occurrence of diseases. this study aimed to determine the association of bax-248g>a and bcl2-938c>a polymorphisms with vitiligo.methods: this cross-sectional study utilized the tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction (arms pcr) in a cohort of vitiligo patients referred to the esteemed dermatology department of shahid faqihi hospital in shiraz between 2022 and 2023. the chi square test and t test were used to analyze data, and logistic regression was employed to calculate odds ratios (ors) and 95% confidence intervals (cis) for vitiligo risk associated with bax-248g>a, bcl2-938 c>a polymorphisms. p values<0.05 indicated statistical significance.results: from 112 healthy individuals and 107 vitiligo patients, our research uncovered a significant association between the c allele (bcl2-938c>a) and the chance of vitiligo, with the cc genotype increasing the risk of developing this disease (or=2.59, 95% ci=1.66-4.05, p<0.001). we also found that in individuals with the gg genotype (bax-248g>a), the risk of vitiligo is higher (or=4.576, 95% ci=1.19-17.60, p=0.027). parental kinship was strongly correlated with vitiligo (or=1.83, 95% ci=1.00-3.33, p=0.048). moreover, no significant association was observed between smoking and vitiligo. conclusion: the results showed that bcl2-938c>a and bax-248g>a polymorphisms may play a role in the pathogenesis of vitiligo and can be used as prognosis markers. however, further studies in larger groups and different populations are needed.