Update on the role of noncoding RNAs in vitiligo

Non-coding RNAs (miRNAs - circRNAs - lncRNAs) and genes interact with the regulation of vitiligo

Vitiligo is a chronic skin disorder characterized by the loss of melanocytes, resulting in depigmented patches on the skin. The molecular mechanisms underlying vitiligo remain incompletely understood, with recent studies highlighting the role of non-coding RNAs in disease pathogenesis. To identify and analyze the roles of miRNAs, (circular RNAs) circRNAs, and (long non-coding RNAs) lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of vitiligo, focusing on their interactions with key coding genes and pathways. We utilized Microarray data from the GSE65127 and GSE75819 datasets in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to Vitiligo. The analysis was conducted using GEO2R for identifying upregulated and downregulated genes. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed using STRING and further analyzed with Cytoscape and CytoHubba. Gene Ontology (GO), disease pathways, Disease gene associations, and phenotypes are determined by many online software. miRNAs and cirRNas, lncRNAs were predicted using bioinformatics tools. The constructed network identified AKT1 as a central hub, hsa-miR-140-3p assumes a critical role by interacting with both AKT1 and CTSD, while circRNAs such as hsa_circ_0020776, hsa_circ_0033552, and hsa_circ_0020773 significantly modulate these interactions. Also, hsa-miR-921 is highly effective in binding to AKT1, as well as to hsa_circ_0033546 and hsa_circ_0033547. lncRNAs, including AFAP1-AS1 and MALAT1, contribute to the network by establishing connections with the mRNA of target genes. we determined two genes, two miRNAs, and 5 circRNAs may serve as potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets for vitiligo.

A comprehensive outline of the role of non-coding RNAs in vitiligo

Vitiligo is a common skin depigmentation condition caused by selective destruction of melanocytes. It is regarded as a polygenic disorder. In addition to protein-coding loci, non-coding regions of the genome contribute to the pathogenesis of vitiligo. A bulk of evidence highlights contribution of different classes of non-coding RNAs in this condition. Expression profile of different non-coding RNAs has been evaluated in the plasma, serum, blood cells and skin samples of patients with vitiligo. Notably, these transcripts not only partake the pathogenesis of vitiligo, but also are regarded as putative targets for prospective treatment strategies for this disorder. The current review focuses on depicting the role of miRNAs, long non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs in the etiology of vitiligo. Moreover, we discuss the shared functions of these transcripts in the pathogenesis of vitiligo and melanoma.

The Effect of Monobenzone Cream on Oxidative Stress and Its Relationship With Serum Levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in Vitiligo Patients

BACKGROUND

Monobenzyl ether hydroquinone (MEBHQ) is a cream that promotes the spread and evenness of skin patches in vitiligo. Our aim was to investigate the oxidative and inflammatory effects of this cream on vitiligo patients consuming MEBHQ.

METHODS

A case-control study was conducted with three groups of 30 people from the control group, vitiligo patients before and after treatment. The percentage of vitiligo spots was determined by a specialist doctor. The levels of biochemical factors, oxidative stress profile and inflammatory factors were measured by enzymatic, colorimetric and ELISA methods, respectively.

RESULTS

Vitiligo patients showed a high level of inflammation and oxidative stress compared to healthy people. Although after 3 months of using MBEHQ cream, the percentage of skin spots in vitiligo patients increased from an average of 63%-91% and the skin color became almost uniform, but it still increased the level of oxidative stress and inflammation in these patients. Although the level of oxidative stress increased significantly in these patients, there was no significant increase in the level of malondialdehyde. The lack of significant differences in the levels of biochemical factors between healthy people and vitiligo patients before and after using the treatment shows the absence of side effects.

CONCLUSION

The use of MBEHQ increased the size of skin spots and uneven skin color in vitiligo patients. Although MBEHQ did not show side effects such as diabetes, liver and kidney diseases, it increased the levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines, which needs further study.

Exosomes containing miR-1469 regulate natural killer cells by targeting CD122 in non-segmental vitiligo

BACKGROUND

Plasma exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) have been used as potential biomarkers for various diseases and have been investigated for their possible involvement in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. However, the miRNA expression profile of plasma exosomes in patients with non-segmental vitiligo (NSV) has not been determined yet.

OBJECTIVE

To screen differentially expressed microRNAs in plasma exosomes derived from patients with NSV and explore their roles in the pathogenesis of NSV.

METHODS

High-throughput sequencing was performed to determine the expression profiles of exosomal miRNAs in NSV. The effect of upregulated miR-1469 in NSV circulating exosomes on natural killer (NK) cells was further investigated using various molecular biological techniques.

RESULTS

MiR-1469 was identified as a candidate biomarker whose expression was significantly increased in circulating exosomes of NSV patients. Circulating exosomes were internalized by NK cells and increased NK cell proliferation viability and IFN-γ secretion capacity delivering miR-1469. Further studies revealed that the upregulation of CD122, the predicted target of miR-1469, could partially reverse the effect of miR-1469 on natural killer cells.

CONCLUSION

Alterations in plasma exosomal cargo occur in NSV and appear to contribute to NK cell dysfunction. Exosomal miR-1469 may be a biomarker of disease activity and could be used as a therapeutic drug target against innate immunity in NSV patients. The present study provides new insights into the role of exosomal miRNAs in NSV and suggests a novel miR-1469-CD122-IFN-γ pathway of NK cell underlying pathogenesis of NSV.

Optimization of Monobenzone-Induced Vitiligo Mouse Model by the Addition of Chronic Stress

Vitiligo is a common primary, limited or generalized skin depigmentation disorder. Its pathogenesis is complex, multifactorial and unclear. For this reason, few animal models can simulate the onset of vitiligo, and studies of drug interventions are limited. Studies have found that there may be a pathophysiological connection between mental factors and the development of vitiligo. At present, the construction methods of the vitiligo model mainly include chemical induction and autoimmune induction against melanocytes. Mental factors are not taken into account in existing models. Therefore, in this study, mental inducement was added to the monobenzone (MBEH)-induced vitiligo model. We determined that chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) inhibited the melanogenesis of skin. MBEH inhibited melanin production without affecting the behavioral state of mice, but mice in the MBEH combined with CUMS (MC) group were depressed and demonstrated increased depigmentation of the skin. Further analysis of metabolic differences showed that all three models altered the metabolic profile of the skin. In summary, we successfully constructed a vitiligo mouse model induced by MBEH combined with CUMS, which may be better used in the evaluation and study of vitiligo drugs.

Current Concepts of Vitiligo Immunopathogenesis

Vitiligo is an acquired immune-mediated disorder of pigmentation clinically characterized by well-defined depigmented or chalk-white macules and patches on the skin. The prevalence of vitiligo varies by geographical area, affecting 0.5% to 2% of the population. The disease imposes a significant psychological burden due to its major impact on patients’ social and emotional aspects of life. Given its autoimmune background, vitiligo is frequently associated with other autoimmune diseases or immune-mediated diseases. Vitiligo is a multifaceted disorder that involves both genetic predisposition and environmental triggers. In recent years, major predisposing genetic loci for the development of vitiligo have been discovered. The current findings emphasize the critical role of immune cells and their mediators in the immunopathogenesis of vitiligo. Oxidative-stress-mediated activation of innate immunity cells such as dendritic cells, natural killer, and ILC-1 cells is thought to be a key event in the early onset of vitiligo. Innate immunity cells serve as a bridge to adaptive immunity cells including T helper 1 cells, cytotoxic T cells and resident memory T cells. IFN-γ is the primary cytokine mediator that activates the JAK/STAT pathway, causing keratinocytes to produce the key chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10. Complex interactions between immune and non-immune cells finally result in apoptosis of melanocytes. This paper summarizes current knowledge on the etiological and genetic factors that contribute to vitiligo, with a focus on immunopathogenesis and the key cellular and cytokine players in the disease’s inflammatory pathways.