Objective  To analyze the correlation between progression of disease and balance of T helper cell 17 (Th17) and regulatory T cell (Treg) in peripheral blood of patients with vitiligo.

  Methods  A total of 109 patients with vitiligo were selected, including 56 patients in progressive stage and 53 patients in stable stage. At the same time, 59 healthy people with physical examinations were selected as control group. The number of Th17 and Treg cells in peripheral blood of the three groups was detected by flow cytometry. The levels of interleukin-17 (IL-17) and forkhead-box-protein P3 (Foxp3) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Pearson method was used to analyze the relationships between Th17, Treg cells and IL-17, Foxp3 in patients with vitiligo.

  Results   With the progress of the disease, the Th17 cell content, Th17/Treg and IL-17 levels in the control group, stable group and advanced group increased gradually, while the Treg cell content and Foxp3 level decreased gradually (P < 0.05). With the increase of vitiligo lesion area, Th17 cell content, Th17/Treg and IL-17 levels gradually increased, while Treg cell content and Foxp3 level gradually decreased (P < 0.05). There were significant negative correlations between Th17 cells and Treg cells, IL-17 and Foxp3 in vitiligo patients (r=-0.449, -0.497, P < 0.05).

  Conclusion   Conclusion Th17/Treg cell balance may be related to the occurrence and clinical features of vitiligo.