Exosomal Markers CD63 and CD9 in Vitiligo Before and After NB-UVB Therapy

This study evaluated the expression of the exosomal markers CD63 and CD9 in the skin of patients with vitiligo and assessed changes in their expression after narrow-band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) therapy. Twenty patients with vitiligo were included and received NB-UVB therapy for 3 months. Clinical disease activity and severity were assessed using the Vitiligo Disease Activity (VIDA) score and the Vitiligo Area Severity Index (VASI) before and after treatment. Before treatment, skin biopsies were obtained from lesional and perilesional skin. After treatment, skin biopsies were obtained from repigmented areas. The tissue specimens were evaluated histopathologically and by immunohistochemical staining for CD63 and CD9. Twenty normal skin specimens obtained during plastic surgery were used as healthy controls for comparison.