Overexpression of p53 tumor suppressor gene9,11,34 and overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor alpha) have been proposed to stimulate the production of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, resulting in reduced risk of skin cancer and anti-melanocyte immune response in vitiligo patients35. The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is skin neoplasm.