Vitiligo is a pigmentary disorder with an unknown cause that affects the skin and is characterized by well-defined, depigmented macules and patches that develop as a result of the selective loss of melanocytes. Vitiligo can be classified into segmental and nonsegmental which is the most common and unclassifible vitiligo. The pathogenesis of vitiligo is still unclear but it may be due to interplay of theories including genetic, environmental factors, immunological theory, reactive oxygen system theory, and neural theory. Treatment for vitiligo aims to promote repigmentation and cause stability. There are three types of treatment: pharmaceutical, surgical, and physical.
CXCL12 is an effective vitiligo predictor. In early vitiligo, it is produced by epidermal melanocytes and is surrounded by CXCR4+ cells.CXCR4 and CXCL12 have been recognized as critical mediators for mobilizing the IFN-producing cells and Langerhans cellsto the site's proximity to melanocytes, resulting in melanocyte destruction and pigmentation in the skin.

AIM:
The aim of this work was to evaluate serum level of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) and its relation to disease activity in vitiligo patients.