NCT07232238

TRPM2 Gene Polymorphism, NLRP3 Inflammasome Expression in Vitiligo Patients

TRPM2 Gene Polymorphism in Relation to NLRP3 Inflammasome Expression in Vitiligo Patients

• Status: Active Not Recruiting
• Phase: —
• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Aswan University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

This study investigates the relationship between Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 2 (TRPM2) gene polymorphism and Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome expression in patients with vitiligo. Vitiligo is a common autoimmune depigmenting disorder characterized by melanocyte destruction associated with oxidative stress and immune dysregulation. TRPM2 is a calcium-permeable cation channel activated by oxidative stress, while NLRP3 inflammasome activation promotes inflammation through interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) release. This study aims to evaluate TRPM2 genetic variants, NLRP3 expression levels, and their possible correlation with disease severity measured using the Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI).

Detailed description

Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune depigmenting disorder characterized by selective loss of melanocytes. Oxidative stress plays a central role in triggering melanocyte damage. Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 2 (TRPM2) is a calcium-permeable cation channel activated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Activation of TRPM2 leads to increased intracellular calcium (Ca2+) influx and mitochondrial dysfunction, contributing to melanocyte apoptosis. The Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is an intracellular multiprotein complex activated by cellular stress signals, including Ca2+ influx, ROS, and mitochondrial injury. NLRP3 activation results in caspase-1 activation and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18), which further contribute to melanocyte destruction. Evidence suggests an interaction between TRPM2 activation and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling, particularly under oxidative stress conditions. However, this relationship has not been studied in vitiligo patients. This study investigates TRPM2 gene polymorphism, evaluates NLRP3 expression levels, and explores their association with disease presence and severity.

Conditions

• Vitiligo

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-10-20
• Primary completion: 2026-10-01
• Completion: 2027-05-01
• First posted: 2025-11-18
• Last updated: 2025-12-31

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Egypt