Cholecalciferol (vitamin D) might play a physiological role in photo-induced melanogenesis in human skin. We estimated the levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] before, during, and after Narrow Band Ultraviolet B (NBUVB) radiation in patients of vitiligo and their correlation with NBUVB induced pigmentation. Thirty patients of vitiligo and equal number of age and sex matched controls were recruited for the study. Vitiligo patients were treated with NBUVB thrice weekly for 12 weeks. [25(OH)D] levels and Vitiligo Area and Severity Index (VASI) were calculated at 0 (baseline), 6, and 12 weeks. Baseline [25(OH)D] levels were measured in controls. Significant reduction in VASI score was observed after 12 weeks of therapy. Comparison and correlation between mean improvement in VASI and [25(OH)D] levels at 12 weeks showed moderate correlation, and the results were statistically insignificant. Mean reduction in VASI and increase in [25(OH)D] levels after 12 weeks of NBUVB showed moderate correlation. Thus, vitamin D might play a significant role in photo-induced melanogenesis. However, there might be additional effects of the phototherapy on melanogenesis. The complete mechanism of NBUVB induced pigmentation in vitiligo needs to be elucidated. 1. Introduction Vitiligo is characterized by complete but selective loss of melanocytes from the interfollicular epidermis [1]. Convergence theory proposes that autoimmune diathesis, genetic factors, defective free radical defence, accumulation of neurochemical substances, chemicals (4-tertiary butyl phenol), psychological factors like stress, and an intrinsic defect of the function of melanocytes probably contribute in variable proportions to the destruction of pigment cells [2]. Recently, there has been growing interest in the role of vitamin D3 in the pathomechanism of vitiligo and its relevance in the treatment of vitiligo. A significant body of data suggests that vitamin D3 is strongly immunosuppressive and that low levels are associated with autoimmune conditions including vitiligo. However, the cause of low vitamin D3 in patients with autoimmune conditions remains unknown [3]. Further, Tomita et al. showed that vitamin D3 increased the tyrosinase content of cultured human melanocytes [4]. These findings suggest a possible role of vitamin D3 in modulating melanogenesis. Narrow Band Ultraviolet B (NBUVB) therapy has found favor amongst dermatologists since its first use by Westerhof and Nieuweboer-Krobotova in the treatment of vitiligo in 1997 because of its safety and efficacy. Nevertheless, the mechanism of
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