Vitiligo: a manifestation of apoptosis?

Exosomes enriched with miR-31-3p from keratinocytes under oxidative stress promote vitiligo progression by destructing melanocytes and activating CD8+ T cells

Vitiligo is a skin disease characterized by the destruction of epidermal melanocytes due to oxidative stress. Keratinocytes are the main responder to oxidative stress and facilitate melanocyte loss by inducing melanocyte death and recruiting antigen-specific CD8+ T cell to skin to destroy melanocytes. It has been proved that keratinocytes secrete functional exosomes, but the role of exosomes secreted from keratinocytes under oxidative stress in vitiligo pathogenesis is unknown. The present study investigated the role of exosomes from H2O2-treated human keratinocytes in the vitiligo progression in vitro. and in vivo. The results demonstrated that oxidative stress enhanced the secretion of exosomes from keratinocytes. These exosomes (OS-Exos) suppressed the survival of melanocytes while promoting the proliferation and activation of CD8+ T cells in vitro. Then, we confirmed that OS-Exos administration aggravated melanocyte loss and CD8+ T cell infiltration in the epidermis in the vitiligo mouse model, thereby driving vitiligo progression. Further, we performed Small RNAs-seq to screen miRNAs enriched in OS-Exos. The subsequent results revealed that miR-31-3p, which was enriched in OS-Exos, facilitated melanocyte death and decreased the expression of melanogenesis-related genes through MITF signaling. Meanwhile, it was found that miR-31-3p promoted the activation of CD8+ T cells, which could depend on impaired immunosuppression and activated T-cell growth. Taken together, these data suggest that OS-Exos enriched with miR-31-3p facilitated vitiligo progression through the destruction of melanocytes and activation of CD8+ T cells. Keratinocytes-derived exosomes under oxidative stress could serve as an important mediator for oxidative stress-induced killing of melanocytes in vitiligo.

Therapeutic implications of baricitinib in mouse model of vitiligo

INTRODUCTION

Vitiligo, an autoimmune disorder marked by skin depigmentation, is closely linked to immune dysregulation, including T cell infiltration and pro-inflammatory cytokines. This study explores the potential of baricitinib, a JAK-STAT inhibitor, in promoting repigmentation in vitiligo lesions by modulating immune responses.

METHODS

Using a mouse model of vitiligo induced by hydroquinone, we assessed the effects of baricitinib treatment on lesion repigmentation, CD8 + T cell infiltration, T cell populations, and serum TNF-α levels. Immunostaining, flow cytometry, and ELISA were used to analyse these parameters.

RESULTS

Baricitinib treatment significantly reduced CD8 + T cell infiltration in the skin, lowered serum TNF-α levels, and decreased both CD4 + and CD8 + T cell populations in the blood. Remarkably, these immune modulations correlated with notable repigmentation of the lesions.

CONCLUSION

Baricitinib effectively reduces inflammation and T cell infiltration, suggesting it as a promising therapeutic for vitiligo. These findings highlight its potential to modulate immune responses and restore skin pigmentation in vitiligo patients.

Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Promote the Proliferation and Melanogenesis of Primary Melanocytes by Attenuating the H2O2-Related Cytotoxicity in vitro

Background

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-Exo) have therapeutic potential. However, the impact of MSC-Exo on the survival and melanogenesis of human primary melanocytes following H2O2-induced damage has not been clarified. We therefore investigated the effects of MSC-Exo on the H2O2-affected survival of human primary melanocytes and their proliferation, apoptosis, senescence, and melanogenesis in vitro.

Methods

MSC-Exo were prepared from human MSCs by sequential centrifugations and characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy, Western blot and Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis. Human primary melanocytes were isolated and treated with different concentrations of MSC-Exo, followed by exposing to H2O2. Furthermore, the impact of pretreatment with MSC-Exo on the proliferation, apoptosis, senescence and melanogenesis of melanocytes were tested by CCK-8, flow cytometry, Western blot, L-Dopa staining, tyrosinase activity and RT-qPCR.

Results

Pretreatment with lower doses of MSC-Exo protected human primary melanocytes from the H2O2-triggered apoptosis, while pretreatment with higher doses of MSC-Exo enhanced the H2O2-induced melanocyte apoptosis. Compared with the untreated control, pretreatment with a lower dose (1 µg/mL) of MSC-Exo enhanced the proliferation of melanocytes, abrogated the H2O2-increased p53, p21, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 expression and partially rescued the H2O2-decreased L-dopa staining reaction, tyrosinase activity, MITF and TRP1 expression in melanocytes.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that treatment with a low dose of MSC-Exo promotes the proliferation and melanogenesis of human primary melanocytes by ameliorating the H2O2-induced apoptosis and senescence of melanocytes. MSC-Exo may be a promising therapeutic strategy of vitiligo.

Leptin deficiency in CD8+ T cells ameliorates non-segmental vitiligo by reducing interferon-γ and Granzyme B

Background

Vitiligo is an autoimmune skin disease mainly mediated by CD8⁺ T cells, which affects about 0.1%-2% population of the world. Leptin plays a critical role in regulating the activation of CD8⁺ T cells. However, the effect of Leptin on vitiligo remains unclear.

Objectives

To explore the effect of leptin on CD8⁺ T cells and its influence on vitiligo.

Methods

RNA sequencing and Quantitative Real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) were used to explore the differentially expressed genes. Immunofluorescence staining was performed on skin lesions. Leptin in serum was detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The peripheral blood mononuclear cells were detected by flow cytometry after leptin stimulation for 72 hours. A vitiligo model was established by monobenzone on Leptin KO mice.

Results

557 differentially expressed genes were found, including 154 up-regulated and 403 down-regulated genes. Lipid metabolism pathways showed a close relationship to the pathogenesis of vitiligo, especially the PPAR signaling pathway. RT-qPCR (p = 0.013) and immunofluorescence staining (p = 0.0053) verified that LEPR expressed significantly higher in vitiligo. The serum leptin level of vitiligo patients was significantly lower than that of healthy controls (p = 0.0245). The interferon-γ subset of CD8⁺LEPR⁺ T cells from vitiligo patients was significantly higher (p = 0.0189). The protein level of interferon-γ was significantly increased after leptin stimulation in vitro (p = 0.0217). In mice, Leptin deficiency resulted in less severe hair depigmentation. Leptin deficiency also resulted in significantly lower expressed vitiligo-related genes, such as Cxcl9 (p = 0.0497), Gzmb (p < 0.001), Ifng (p = 0.0159), and Mx1 (p < 0.001) after modeling.

Conclusion

Leptin could promote the progression of vitiligo by enhancing the cytotoxic function of CD8⁺ T cells. Leptin may become a new target for vitiligo treatment.

A comprehensive meta-analysis and prioritization study to identify vitiligo associated coding and non-coding SNV candidates using web-based bioinformatics tools

Vitiligo is a prevalent depigmentation disorder affecting around 1% of the general population. So far, various Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) and Candidate Gene Association Studies (CGAS) have identified several single nucleotide variants (SNVs) as a risk factor for vitiligo. Nonetheless, little has been discerned regarding their direct functional significance to the disease pathogenesis. In this study, we did extensive data mining and downstream analysis using several experimentally validated datasets like GTEx Portal and web tools like rSNPBase, RegulomeDB, HaploReg and STRING to prioritize 13 SNVs from a set of 291SNVs that have been previously reported to be associated with vitiligo. We also prioritized their underlying/target genes and tried annotating their functional contribution to vitiligo pathogenesis. Our analysis revealed genes like FGFR10P, SUOX, CDK5RAP1 and RERE that have never been implicated in vitiligo previously to have strong potentials to contribute to the disease pathogenesis. The study is the first of its kind to prioritize and functionally annotate vitiligo-associated GWAS and CGAS SNVs and their underlying/target genes, based on functional data available in the public domain database.

The Immunogenetics of Vitiligo: An Approach Toward Revealing the Secret of Depigmentation

Vitiligo is a hypomelanotic skin disease and considered to be of autoimmune origin due to breaching of immunological self-tolerance, resulting in inappropriate immune responses against melanocytes. The development of vitiligo includes a strong heritable component. Different strategies ranging from linkage studies to genome-wide association studies are used to explore the genetic factors responsible for the disease. Several vitiligo loci containing the respective genes have been identified which contribute to vitiligo and genetic variants for some of the genes are still unknown. These genes include mainly the proteins that play a role in immune regulation and a few other genes important for apoptosis and regulation of melanocyte functions. Despite the available data on genetic variants and risk alleles which influence the biological processes, only few immunological pathways have been found responsible for all ranges of severity and clinical manifestations of vitiligo. However, studies have concluded that vitiligo is of autoimmune origin and manifests due to complex interactions in immune components and their inappropriate response toward melanocytes. The genes involved in the immune regulation and processing the melanocytes antigen and its presentation can serve as effective immune-therapeutics that can target specific immunological pathways involved in vitiligo. This chapter highlights those immune-regulatory genes involved in vitiligo susceptibility and loci identified to date and their implications in vitiligo pathogenesis.

The fate of melanocyte: Mechanisms of cell death in vitiligo

Loss of melanocytes (MCs) is the most notable feature of vitiligo. Hence, it is critical to clarify the mechanisms of MC destruction in vitiligo. Apoptosis is most widely studied cell death pathways in vitiligo. In addition, the other two forms of cell death, conventional necrosis and autophagy seem to be involved in the death of vitiligo MCs under certain situations. Moreover, new types of regulated cell death including necroptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis may also participate in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. Anoikis is likely to be connected with the death of detached MCs, which is provoked specifically by loss of anchorage. Primary phagocytosis, later called phagoptosis can execute death of viable cells, probably partly responsible for the loss of MCs in vitiligo. In this review, we aim to summarize the latest insights into various forms of MC death in vitiligo and discuss the corresponding mechanisms.

Effect of TNF-α -308G/A (rs1800629) Promoter Polymorphism on the Serum Level of TNF-α Among Iraqi Patients with Generalized Vitiligo

Background

Vitiligo is a chronic acquired pigmentary disorder of the skin; it results from immunological distruction of functioning melanocytes. The cytokine TNF-α plays a central role in the initiation of melanocyte apoptosis in vitiligo. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the promoter region of the gene coding for serum TNF-α may affect its production.

Objective

The aim of this study is to assess serum TNF-α as a risk factor for generalized vitiligo among Iraqi patients and to rule out that polymorphism at the -308 position affects serum TNF-α.

Materials and Methods

This case-control study was conducted at Sulaymaniyah Dermatology Teaching Center (SDTC), Iraq. Serum concentration of TNF-α was measured using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique in 80 patients with generalized vitiligo and 40 clinically healthy controls. The amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) technique was used for detection of TNF-308G/A gene polymorphism. TNF-α level correlated with TNF-308G/A gene polymorphism. Serum concentration and TNF -308G/A gene polymorphism have been analyzed in correlation with demographic features and clinical characteristics of patients with generalized vitiligo.

Results

Statistically significant elevation of serum TNF-α seen in patients compared to a control group (p-value 0.01). Significantly higher TNF-α level (p-value 0.01) found among patients with active generalized vitiligo. Elevated serum levels of TNF-α were significantly associated with both TNFA1 (TNF-308G) allele (p-value 0.04) and TNFA2 (TNF-308A) allele (p-value 0.03). TNF-α -308GA polymorphism was not affected by demographic features and clinical characteristics of patients with generalized vitiligo.

Conclusion

TNF-α in the serum is a risk factor for generalized vitiligo among Iraqi patients. Patients with active vitiligo have a higher serum TNF-α level. No difference was found between serum level of TNF-α with TNF-α polymorphism at position -308 (TNF -308). This involves substituting G allele for the A allele.

Homocysteine induces melanocytes apoptosis via PERK-eIF2α-CHOP pathway in vitiligo

Vitiligo is a depigmentation disorder that develops as a result of the progressive disappearance of epidermal melanocytes. The elevated level of amino acid metabolite homocysteine (Hcy) has been identified as circulating marker of oxidative stress and known as a risk factor for vitiligo. However, the mechanism underlying Hcy-regulated melanocytic destruction is currently unknown. The present study aims to elucidate the effect of Hcy on melanocytic destruction and its involvement in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. Our results showed that Hcy level was significantly elevated in the serum of progressive vitiligo patients. Notably, Hcy induced cell apoptosis in melanocytes via activating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK)-eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α)-C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) pathway. More importantly, folic acid, functioning in the transformation of Hcy, could lower the intracellular Hcy level and further reverse the apoptotic effect of Hcy on melanocytes. Additionally, Hcy disrupted melanogenesis whereas folic acid supplementation could reverse the melanogenesis defect induced by Hcy in melanocytes. Taken together, Hcy is highly increased in vitiligo patients at progressive stage, and our in vitro studies revealed that folic acid could protect melanocytes from Hcy-induced apoptosis and melanin synthesis inhibition, indicating folic acid as a potential benefit agent for patients with progressive vitiligo.

Immunohistochemical study of perforin and apoptosis stimulation fragment ligand (FasL)in active vitiligo

Several studies demonstrated a major pathological role of melanocyte-specific cytotoxic CD8⁺ T cells in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. It has been suggested that apoptosis, rather than necrosis, is the mechanism of melanocyte depletion in vitiligo. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression and distribution of perforin and apoptosis stimulation fragment ligand (FasL) in the epidermis and dermis of the perilesional and non-lesional skin of vitiligo patients in comparison to controls, to assess their possible role in mediating apoptosis in vitiligo. Twenty patients with active non-segmental vitiligo and 20 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Skin biopsies were taken from perilesional and non-lesional skin of patients with vitiligo, as well as covered skin of controls. Immunostaining for perforin and FasL was performed and the quantitative analysis for the expression of perforin and FasL was carried out in the epidermis and dermis of biopsied specimens. Epidermal perforin, dermal perforin, epidermal FasL, dermal FasL were significantly higher in perilesional as well as non-lesional skin than controls. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between epidermal and dermal perforin in perilesional skin. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between epidermal and dermal perforin, as well as epidermal and dermal FasL in non-lesional skin. In conclusion, the significant expression of perforin and FasL in the epidermis and dermis of both perilesional and non-lesional skin of active vitiligo patients suggests the role of cytotoxic granules and apoptotic cell death pathways in the pathogenesis of active vitiligo.

RNA-seq Reveals Dysregulation of Novel Melanocyte Genes upon Oxidative Stress: Implications in Vitiligo Pathogenesis

Oxidative stress is known to induce melanocyte death, but the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. To identify oxidative stress-induced global gene expression changes in melanocytes, we treated PIG1 melanocytes with H₂O₂ in a dose- and time-dependent manner and performed RNA-seq. This approach allowed us to capture the events occurring early as well as late phase after treatment with H₂O₂. Our bioinformatics analysis identified differentially expressed genes involved in various biological processes of melanocytes which are known to contribute to the vitiligo development, such as apoptosis, autophagy, cell cycle regulation, cell adhesion, immune and inflammatory responses, melanocyte pluripotency, and developmental signaling such as WNT and NOTCH pathways. We uncovered several novel genes that are not previously described to be involved in melanocytic response to stress nor in vitiligo pathogenesis. Quantitative PCR and western blot analysis of selected proteins, performed on PIG1 and primary human epidermal melanocytes, confirmed the RNA-seq data. Interestingly, we discovered an aberrant regulation of several transcription factors that are involved in diabetes, neurological, and psychiatric diseases, all of which are comorbid conditions in patients with vitiligo. Our results may lead to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying vitiligo pathogenesis and help developing new drug targets for effective treatment.

Sodium tanshinone IIA silate increases melanin synthesis by activating the MAPK and PKA pathways and protects melanocytes from H2O2-induced oxidative stress

Vitiligo is an intriguing depigmentation disorder that affects about 0.5–2% of the world population. In the past decade, first-line treatments of vitiligo have involved the use of calcineurin inhibitors and corticosteroids. Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS) has been widely applied in the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in China. In the present study, the effect of STS on melanogenesis was confirmed in the B16F10 cells and zebrafish by direct observation. The prevention of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative stress has been proven to be beneficial to vitiligo patients, and STS that can protect the B16F10 cells against oxidative stress has been investigated in the present reversed study. Moreover, we found that pre-treatment with STS led to a concentration-dependent mitochondrial impairment and decreased cell apoptosis of the B16F10 cells in response to H₂O₂. In addition, we demonstrated that STS increased melanin synthesis in the B16F10 cells by activating the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and protein kinase A (PKA) pathways. STS also increased the Cdc42 and KIF5b expression to stimulate the translocation of melanin. These results suggest that STS protects the B16F10 cells against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress and exerts melanin synthesis activity in the B16F10 cells by activating the MAPK and PKA pathways; thus, it shows therapeutic potential for vitiligo.

Vitiligo is an intriguing depigmentation disorder that affects about 0.5–2% of the world population.

The convergence theory for vitiligo: A reappraisal

Vitiligo is characterized by progressive loss of skin pigmentation. The search for aetiologic factors has led to the biochemical, the neurologic and the autoimmune theory. The convergence theory was then proposed several years ago to incorporate existing theories of vitiligo development into a single overview of vitiligo aetiology. The viewpoint that vitiligo is not caused only by predisposing mutations, or only by melanocytes responding to chemical/radiation exposure, or only by hyperreactive T cells, but rather results from a combination of aetiologic factors that impact melanocyte viability, has certainly stood the test of time. New findings have since informed the description of progressive depigmentation. Understanding the relative importance of such aetiologic factors combined with a careful selection of the most targetable pathways will continue to drive the next phase in vitiligo research: the development of effective therapeutics. In that arena, it is likewise important to acknowledge that pathways affected in some patients may not be altered in others. Taken together, the convergence theory continues to provide a comprehensive viewpoint of vitiligo aetiology. The theory serves to intertwine aetiologic pathways and will help to define pathways amenable to disease intervention in individual patients.

Diabetes mellitus and the skin

Several dermatoses are routinely associated with diabetes mellitus, especially in patients with chronic disease. This relationship can be easily proven in some skin disorders, but it is not so clear in others. Dermatoses such necrobiosis lipoidica, granuloma annulare, acanthosis nigricans and others are discussed in this text, with an emphasis on proven link with the diabetes or not, disease identification and treatment strategy used to control those dermatoses and diabetes.

Vitiligo blood transcriptomics provides new insights into disease mechanisms and identifies potential novel therapeutic targets

BACKGROUND

Significant gaps remain regarding the pathomechanisms underlying the autoimmune response in vitiligo (VL), where the loss of self-tolerance leads to the targeted killing of melanocytes. Specifically, there is incomplete information regarding alterations in the systemic environment that are relevant to the disease state.

METHODS

We undertook a genome-wide profiling approach to examine gene expression in the peripheral blood of VL patients and healthy controls in the context of our previously published VL-skin gene expression profile. We used several in silico bioinformatics-based analyses to provide new insights into disease mechanisms and suggest novel targets for future therapy.

RESULTS

Unsupervised clustering methods of the VL-blood dataset demonstrate a "disease-state"-specific set of co-expressed genes. Ontology enrichment analysis of 99 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) uncovers a down-regulated immune/inflammatory response, B-Cell antigen receptor (BCR) pathways, apoptosis and catabolic processes in VL-blood. There is evidence for both type I and II interferon (IFN) playing a role in VL pathogenesis. We used interactome analysis to identify several key blood associated transcriptional factors (TFs) from within (STAT1, STAT6 and NF-kB), as well as "hidden" (CREB1, MYC, IRF4, IRF1, and TP53) from the dataset that potentially affect disease pathogenesis. The TFs overlap with our reported lesional-skin transcriptional circuitry, underscoring their potential importance to the disease. We also identify a shared VL-blood and -skin transcriptional "hot spot" that maps to chromosome 6, and includes three VL-blood dysregulated genes (PSMB8, PSMB9 and TAP1) described as potential VL-associated genetic susceptibility loci. Finally, we provide bioinformatics-based support for prioritizing dysregulated genes in VL-blood or skin as potential therapeutic targets.

CONCLUSIONS

We examined the VL-blood transcriptome in context with our (previously published) VL-skin transcriptional profile to address a major gap in knowledge regarding the systemic changes underlying skin-specific manifestation of vitiligo. Several transcriptional "hot spots" observed in both environments offer prioritized targets for identifying disease risk genes. Finally, within the transcriptional framework of VL, we identify five novel molecules (STAT1, PRKCD, PTPN6, MYC and FGFR2) that lend themselves to being targeted by drugs for future potential VL-therapy.

IL-33 circulating serum levels are increased in patients with non-segmental generalized vitiligo

IL-33 is a recently identified cytokine, encoded by the IL-33 gene, which is a member of the IL-1 family that drives the production of T-helper-2 (Th-2)-associated cytokines. Serum levels of IL-33 have been reported to be up-regulated in various T-helper (Th)-1/Th-17-mediated diseases, such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel. To investigate whether cytokine imbalance plays a role in the pathogenesis of vitiligo, we performed a case-control association study by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of IL-33 in our patients. IL-33 serum levels were measured by a quantitative enzyme immunoassay technique in patients with non-segmental generalized vitiligo and compared with those of healthy controls. IL-33 serum levels in patients with vitiligo were significantly increased than those in healthy controls. There was a positive correlation of IL-33 serum levels with extension of vitiligo and disease activity. This study suggests a possible systemic role of IL-33 in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. Inhibiting IL-33 activity might be a novel therapeutic strategy in the treatment of autoimmune inflammatory disease, like vitiligo.

Focus on Vitiligo: A Generalized Skin Disorder

Vitiligo is an acquired pigmentation disorder due to a disappearance of functioning melanocytes from the epidermis and clinically characterized by achromic patches, often spreading over time. It is still not fully understood how melanocytes disappear in vivo, inducing these peculiar lesions. There are three major hypotheses for the pathogenesis of the disease: the autoimmune hypothesis considers that the disappearance of melanocytes is due to an autoimmune effector mechanism, the neural hypothesis suggests that an accumulation of neurochemical substances is able to damage epidermal melanocytes, and the metabolic hypothesis indicates that an increased sensitivity of melanocytes to oxidative stress is the crucial factor of the disease. Besides these well accepted hypotheses there are also some new interpretations based on a defective adhesion of melanocytic cells, an imbalance in the epidermal production of cytokines and an altered expression of melanocyte receptors. All these theories seem to be based on convincing evidence, indicating that they may contribute in variable proportions to the disease. There is also reasonable evidence at present that vitiligo potentially involves the whole integument, suggesting that it is a generalized skin disorder probably including different cell types during the active phase of the disease. It appears that the different theories may integrate with each other, supporting the concept that in vitiligo there is a final common step, i.e. a loss of pigment in the epidermis as well as different, possibly interacting, pathways leading up to this conclusive result.

Interleukin 10 protects primary melanocyte by activation of Stat-3 and PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathways

Vitiligo is a common melanocytopenic disorder of the skin, with acquired focal depigmentation. Normal human skin relies on melanocytes to provide photoprotection and thermoregulation by producing melanin. Interleukin 10 (IL-10) is a pleiotropic immunoregulatory cytokine drawing more and more researchers' attention. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of IL-10 on melanocytes and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. We proved that IL-10 play no role in regulating melanogenesis of normal human foreskin-derived epidermal melanocytes (NHEM). IL-10 stimulation activated the JAK/Stat-3 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. Moreover, IL-10 treatment increased translocation of p65 NF-κB into the nuclear compartment, and up-regulated expression of the pro-survival proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. IL-10 restored anti-apoptotic proteins expression and suppressed cytochrome c release in H2O2-induced apoptosis. In conclusion, IL-10 may provide pro-survival cues to melanocytes and be applied in the treatment of vitiligo and other depigmenting disorders.

Serum Homocysteine and Total Antioxidant Status in Vitiligo: A Case Control Study in Indian Population

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress is considered as an initial pathogenic event in melanocyte destruction. These free radicals are scavenged by antioxidants, whose sum of activity in serum is measured by total antioxidant status (TAS). In addition, homocysteine (Hcy) may mediate melanocyte destruction via increased oxidative damage. However, previous studies investigating these parameters in vitiligo provide equivocal results.

AIMS

To study and compare serum Hcy and TAS levels in vitiligo patients with controls and also to correlate these parameters with the various disease characteristics. The present study further looked into any correlation between serum Hcy and TAS in vitiligo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A case control study was conducted on 82 vitiligo patients and 83 controls aged 18-45 years after excluding factors which could potentially alter serum Hcy or TAS levels. Disease characteristics were studied and blood samples were obtained for measuring serum Hcy and TAS levels.

RESULTS

TAS levels were lower in vitiligo patients than controls (1.79 ± 0.51 vs. 2.16 ± 0.63 mmol/L; P < 0.001) and had a negative correlation with disease activity (r = -0.410, P < 0.001). However, serum Hcy levels were comparable between vitiligo patients (18.68 ± 9.90 μmol/L) and controls (20.21 ± 13.39 μmol/L) (P = 0.406). No significant correlation was found between serum Hcy and serum TAS levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum TAS may be further investigated to establish its role as biomarker for vitiligo since its levels also correlate with disease activity. However, serum Hcy may not be a reliable marker in Indian population probably because of differences in dietary habits.

Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels in patients with acne vulgaris and its association with disease severity

BACKGROUND

Since vitamin D is a recent known immunoregulatory factor in some diseases which are addressed in immune system disorders such as SLE, [psoriasis] and others.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the serum levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 [25(OH)D] in patients with acne vulgaris and its association with clinical features.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted over months. This study included 39 patients with acne vulgaris and 40 healthy controls. Subjects who did not use alcohol, vitamin D supplements, oral steroids or PUVA and/or NBUVB for more than three months were included. Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured. Baseline demographics, family history and comorbidities like PCO were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 16.0.0.

RESULTS

The median concentration of 25(OH)D was 8.4 ng/mL (range: 1.4-99) in patients and 10.4 ng/mL (range: 3.1-56.7) in controls, with no statistical significant difference. PCOS was a significant predictor of the occurrence of acne vulgaris (OR=6.25; 95% CI: 1.52-25.66; p=0.01). There were no significant associations between severity of disease and serum 25(OH)D levels (rs=-0.12, p=0.45), age (rs=-0.28, p=0.09), BMI (rs=-0.12, p=0.46), age at onset of disease (rs=-0.08, p=0.63) and duration of disease (rs=-0.10, p=0.54).

CONCLUSION

Based on the previous studies this is highly suspected that vitamin D would be a prominent factor in acne patients and more performances with bigger sample size could be useful to get positive results.

Vitamin D and the skin: Focus on a complex relationship: A review

The "sunshine" vitamin is a hot topic that attracted ample attention over the past decades, specially that a considerable proportion of the worldwide population are deficient in this essential nutrient. Vitamin D was primarily acknowledged for its importance in bone formation, however; increasing evidence point to its interference with the proper function of nearly every tissue in our bodies including brain, heart, muscles, immune system and skin. Thereby its deficiency has been incriminated in a long panel of diseases including cancers, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular and neurological disorders. Its involvement in the pathogenesis of different dermatological diseases is no exception and has been the subject of much research over the recent years. In the current review, we will throw light on this highly disputed vitamin that is creating a significant concern from a dermatological perspective. Furthermore, the consequences of its deficiency on the skin will be in focus.

Association of IFN-γ : IL-10 Cytokine Ratio with Nonsegmental Vitiligo Pathogenesis

Background and Objectives. Cytokines regulate immune response and inflammation and play a crucial role in depigmentation process of vitiligo. The present study aimed to estimate the serum levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, IFN-γ and IL-10, and their ratios in nonsegmental vitiligo patients and healthy individuals from India. Methods. Blood samples were collected from 280 subjects and serum IFN-γ and IL-10 levels were measured using standard ELISA. Results. Nonsegmental vitiligo patients showed increased levels of IFN-γ (12.4 ± 3.2 versus 9.9 ± 4.4 pg/mL) and decreased levels of IL-10 (9.3 ± 1.7 versus 11.5 ± 5 pg/mL) compared to controls. Ratio of IFN-γ : IL-10 differed significantly from patients to controls (p < 0.05). IFN-γ concentrations and IFN-γ : IL-10 ratio varied significantly with respect to clinical variants, disease stability, and social habits (smoking and alcohol consumption) and showed a positive correlation with disease duration. Family history of vitiligo was significantly associated with IFN-γ : IL-10 ratio but not with their individual levels. Conclusion. The ratio of IFN-γ : IL-10 serum levels may be considered as one of the promising immunological markers in nonsegmental vitiligo. This is the first study considering multiple aspects in relation to ratio of cytokine levels. Similar studies with large samples are warranted to confirm our observations.

Vitiligo: How do oxidative stress-induced autoantigens trigger autoimmunity?

Vitiligo is a common depigmentation disorder characterized by a loss of functional melanocytes and melanin from epidermis, in which the autoantigens and subsequent autoimmunity caused by oxidative stress play significant roles according to hypotheses. Various factors lead to reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction in the melanocytes of vitiligo: the exogenous and endogenous stimuli that cause ROS production, low levels of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, disturbed antioxidant pathways and polymorphisms of ROS-associated genes. These factors synergistically contribute to the accumulation of ROS in melanocytes, finally leading to melanocyte damage and the production of autoantigens through the following ways: apoptosis, accumulation of misfolded peptides and cytokines induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress as well as the sustained unfolded protein response, and an 'eat me' signal for phagocytic cells triggered by calreticulin. Subsequently, autoantigens presentation and dendritic cells maturation occurred mediated by the release of antigen-containing exosomes, adenosine triphosphate and melanosomal autophagy. With the involvement of inducible heat shock protein 70, cellular immunity targeting autoantigens takes the essential place in the destruction of melanocytes, which eventually results in vitiligo. Several treatments, such as narrow band ultraviolet, quercetin and α-melanophore-stimulating hormone, are reported to be able to lower ROS thereby achieving repigmentation in vitiligo. In therapies targeting autoimmunity, restore of regulatory T cells is absorbing attention, in which narrow band ultraviolet also plays a role.

Immunohistochemical Analysis of GDNF and Its Cognate Receptor GFRα-1 Protein Expression in Vitiliginous Skin Lesions

BACKGROUND

Vitiligo is an idiopathic skin disease, characterized by circumscribed white macules or patches on the skin due to loss of the functional melanocytes. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and its cognate receptor (GFRα-1) are distal members of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily. GDNF, produced by the basal cell keratinocytes, is involved in the migration and differentiation of the melanocytes from the neural crest to the epidermis. This study examines the hypothesis that expression of GDNF protein and its cognate receptor GFRα-1 protein is altered in vitiliginous skin.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

To test our hypothesis, we examined the expression patterns of these proteins in vitiliginous and corresponding healthy (control) skin biopsies (20 specimens each) using immunoperoxidase staining techniques.

RESULTS

We found variations between the vitiliginous skin and healthy skin. In healthy skin, the expression of GDNF and GFRα-1 proteins was strong (basal cell keratinocytes and melanocytes), moderate (spinous layer), and weak (granular cell layer). In contrast, weak expression of GDNF protein was observed in all epidermal layers of vitiliginous skin. GFRα-1 protein expression was strong (basal cell keratinocytes and melanocytes), moderate (spinous layer), and weak (granular cell layer). In both healthy skin and vitiliginous skin, the expression of GDNF and GFRα-1 proteins was strong in the adnexal structures.

CONCLUSIONS

We report, for the first time, decreased expression of GDNF proteins in the epidermal keratinocytes of vitiliginous skin. Our findings suggest possible pathogenetic roles for these proteins in the development of vitiligo. The clinical ramifications of these observations mandate further investigations.

A systems-biological study on the identification of safe and effective molecular targets for the reduction of ultraviolet B-induced skin pigmentation

Melanogenesis is the process of melanin synthesis through keratinocytes-melanocytes interaction, which is triggered by the damaging effect of ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays. It is known that melanogenesis influences diverse cellular responses, including cell survival and apoptosis, via complex mechanisms of feedback and crosstalk. Therefore, an attempt to suppress melanin production by modulating the melanogenesis pathway may induce perturbations in the apoptotic balance of the cells in response to UVB irradiation, which results in various skin diseases such as melasma, vitiligo, and skin cancer. To identify such appropriate target strategies for the reduction of UVB-induced melanin synthesis, we reconstructed the melanogenesis signaling network and developed a Boolean network model. Mathematical simulations of the melanogenesis network model revealed that the inhibition of beta-catenin in the melanocytes effectively reduce melanin production while having minimal influence on the apoptotic balance of the cells. Exposing cells to a beta-catenin inhibitor decreased pigmentation but did not significantly change the B-cell Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/lymphoma 2 expression, a potent regulator of apoptotic balance. Thus, our systems analysis suggests that the inhibition of beta-catenin may be the most appropriate target strategy for the reduction of UVB-induced skin pigmentation.

Differential expression of mRNA for T-bet and GATA-3 transcription factors in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with vitiligo

BACKGROUND

There is accumulating evidence that aberrant T helper (Th)1 and Th2 cell responses play critical roles in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. However, their importance in the pathobiology of vitiligo have yet to be elucidated.

AIM

To evaluate the expression profile of two transcription factors, namely, T-bet, a Th1-specific T box transcription factor and GATA binding protein 3 (GATA-3), a Th2-specific transcription factor, and to measure expression levels of interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-4 mRNAs as the signature cytokines of Th1 and Th2 cells, respectively.

METHODS

Gene expression analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was performed using real-time reverse transcriptase PCR.

RESULTS

In patients with vitiligo compared with controls, mRNA expression was significantly higher for T-bet and IFN-γ, and significantly lower for GATA-3 and IL-4 mRNAs (P ≤ 0.05).

CONCLUSION

These data suggest additional implications for the role of Th1/Th2 balance in the immunopathogenesis of vitiligo.

Vitiligo--part 1

Vitiligo is a chronic stigmatizing disease, already known for millennia, which mainly affects melanocytes from epidermis basal layer, leading to the development of hypochromic and achromic patches. Its estimated prevalence is 0.5% worldwide. The involvement of genetic factors controlling susceptibility to vitiligo has been studied over the last decades, and results of previous studies present vitiligo as a complex, multifactorial and polygenic disease. In this context, a few genes, including DDR1, XBP1 and NLRP1 have been consistently and functionally associated with the disease. Notwithstanding, environmental factors that precipitate or maintain the disease are yet to be described. The pathogenesis of vitiligo has not been totally clarified until now and many theories have been proposed. Of these, the autoimmune hypothesis is now the most cited and studied among experts. Dysfunction in metabolic pathways, which could lead to production of toxic metabolites causing damage to melanocytes, has also been investigated. Melanocytes adhesion deficit in patients with vitiligo is mainly speculated by the appearance of Köebner phenomenon, recently, new genes and proteins involved in this deficit have been found.

Stress-induced RNASET2 overexpression mediates melanocyte apoptosis via the TRAF2 pathway in vitro

The recent genome-wide association study identified a link between vitiligo and genetic variants in the ribonuclease T2 (RNASET2) gene; however, the functional roles of RNASET2 in vitiligo pathogenesis or in melanocyte apoptosis have yet to be determined. The current study was designed to investigate the vitiligo-related expression pattern of RNASET2 and its molecular function involving apoptosis-related signaling proteins and pathways. The results showed overexpression of RNASET2 in epidermis specimens from 40 vitiligo patients compared with that from matched healthy controls. In addition, in vitro analyses indicated that overexpression of RNASET2 was inducible in cultured primary human melanocytes and keratinocytes by stress conditions, that is, exposure to UV irradiation, hydrogen peroxide, and inflammatory factors, respectively, and led to increased cell apoptosis via the tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2)-caspases pathway through the physical interaction of RNASET2 with TRAF2. Thus, RNASET2 may contribute to vitiligo pathogenesis by inhibiting TRAF2 expression and, as such, RNASET2 may represent a potential therapeutic target of vitiligo.

The association of FOXO3A gene polymorphisms with serum FOXO3A levels and oxidative stress markers in vitiligo patients

Vitiligo is an acquired epidermal pigment loss of the skin. Oxidative stress is one of the major theories in the pathophysiology of vitiligo. FOXO3A is the forkhead members of the class O (FOXO) transcription factors, and plays an important role in cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and DNA repair. The aim of our study was to investigate FOXO3A gene polymorphisms and FOXO3A protein levels, activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase antioxidant enzymes in vitiligo patients and healthy controls. Moreover, the level of plasma advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) in subjects was evaluated to understand the possible role of protein oxidation in disease etiology. Study groups included 82 vitiligo patients and 81 unrelated healthy controls. FOXO3A polymorphisms were determined using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. FOXO3A levels and catalase activity were measured by ELISA whereas AOPP levels and SOD activity was measured by spectrophotometric analysis. We found a significant relationship between rs4946936 polymorphism of FOXO3A gene and vitiligo/active vitiligo patients (p=0.017; p=0.019 respectively), but not for rs2253310 (p>0.05). SOD activity and AOPP levels of vitiligo patient were increased compared with control group, whereas FOXO3A levels and catalase enzyme activity of vitiligo patient were decreased compared with control group (p<0.05). Our study indicates that rs4946936 of FOXO3A gene may associate susceptibility of vitiligo, especially active vitiligo. Moreover, our results confirm that oxidative stress may play a role in the pathophysiology of vitiligo. Further studies with larger samples are required to elucidate the role of FOXO3A in vitiligo.

Tumor necrosis factor B (TNFB) genetic variants and its increased expression are associated with vitiligo susceptibility

Genetic polymorphisms in TNFB are involved in the regulation of its expression and are found to be associated with various autoimmune diseases. The aim of the present study was to determine whether TNFB +252A/G (rs909253) and exon 3 C/A (rs1041981) polymorphisms are associated with vitiligo susceptibility, and expression of TNFB and ICAM1 affects the disease onset and progression. We have earlier reported the role of TNFA in autoimmune pathogenesis of vitiligo, and we now show the involvement of TNFB in vitiligo pathogenesis. The two polymorphisms investigated in the TNFB were in strong linkage disequilibrium and significantly associated with vitiligo. TNFB and ICAM1 transcripts were significantly increased in patients compared to controls. Active vitiligo patients showed significant increase in TNFB transcripts compared to stable vitiligo. The genotype-phenotype analysis revealed that TNFB expression levels were higher in patients with GG and AA genotypes as compared to controls. Patients with the early age of onset and female patients showed higher TNFB and ICAM1 expression. Overall, our findings suggest that the increased TNFB transcript levels in vitiligo patients could result, at least in part, from variations at the genetic level which in turn leads to increased ICAM1 expression. For the first time, we show that TNFB +252A/G and exon 3 C/A polymorphisms are associated with vitiligo susceptibility and influence the TNFB and ICAM1 expression. Moreover, the study also emphasizes influence of TNFB and ICAM1 on the disease progression, onset and gender bias for developing vitiligo.

Involvement of interferon-gamma genetic variants and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in onset and progression of generalized vitiligo

Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is a paracrine inhibitor of melanocytes and genetic variability due to intron 1 polymorphisms in IFNG has been reported to be associated with increased risk for several autoimmune diseases. The aim of present study was to determine whether intron 1 +874A/T (rs2430561) and CA microsatellite (rs3138557) polymorphisms in IFNG are associated with generalized vitiligo (GV) susceptibility and expression of IFNG and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM1) affects the disease onset and progression. Here we report that IFNG CA microsatellite but not +874A/T may be a genetic risk factor for GV; however, +874T allele plays a crucial role in increased expression of IFNG mRNA and protein levels which could affect the onset and progression of the disease. Active GV patients showed increased IFNG levels compared to stable GV patients. The genotype-phenotype analysis revealed that IFNG expression levels were higher in patients with +874 TT genotypes and 12 CA repeats. Patients with the early age of onset showed higher IFNG expression and female GV patients showed higher IFNG and ICAM1 expression implicating gender biasness and involvement of IFN-γ in early onset of the disease. Moreover, the increased IFN-γ levels in patients lead to increased ICAM1 expression, which could be a probable link between cytokines and T-cell involvement in pathogenesis of GV.

Association of NLRP1 genetic variants and mRNA overexpression with generalized vitiligo and disease activity in a Gujarat population

BACKGROUND

It has been suggested that NLRP1 is involved in susceptibility to a wide range of autoimmune diseases including generalized vitiligo (GV). Genetic polymorphisms in the gene encoding NLRP1 (previously known as NALP1) have previously been shown to be associated with GV and there is speculation about their involvement in the regulation of NLRP1 expression.

OBJECTIVES

To explore NLRP1 polymorphisms and investigate their association with NLRP1 mRNA expression and disease activity in patients with GV.

METHODS

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism and TaqMan single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping techniques were used to genotype NLRP1 A/G (rs2670660), T/C (rs6502867) and A/T (rs12150220) polymorphisms in 537 patients with GV and 645 controls in Gujarat. NLRP1 mRNA levels were measured in the whole blood of 122 patients with GV and 175 controls using real-time PCR.

RESULTS

The NLRP1 rs2670660 and rs6502867 polymorphisms were found to be in significant association with GV, minor alleles of these SNPs being prevalent in active cases of GV. The rs12150220 polymorphism was found have a marginal association with GV. The frequency of susceptible haplotype 'GCT' was significantly higher in patients with GV and increased the risk of vitiligo twofold. A significant increase in NLRP1 mRNA expression was observed in patients with GV and patients with active GV. NLRP1 mRNA expression was increased in patients with GV with the susceptible GG (rs2670660) and CC (rs6502867) genotypes. Patients with the susceptible GG (rs2670660) and CC (rs6502867) genotypes had early age of onset of GV. Moreover, patients in the age at onset group of 1-20 years showed increased expression of NLRP1 mRNA compared with the older age groups. Female patients showed a significant increase in NLRP1 mRNA and early age at onset of GV compared with male patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that NLRP1 rs2670660 and rs6502867 polymorphisms may be genetic risk factors for susceptibility to and progression of GV. The upregulation of NLRP1 mRNA in patients with susceptible genotypes advocates the crucial role of NLRP1 in GV.

Vitiligo: interplay between oxidative stress and immune system

Vitiligo is a multifactorial polygenic disorder with a complex pathogenesis, linked with both genetic and non-genetic factors. The precise modus operandi for vitiligo pathogenesis has remained elusive. Theories regarding loss of melanocytes are based on autoimmune, cytotoxic, oxidant-antioxidant and neural mechanisms. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) in excess have been documented in active vitiligo skin. Numerous proteins in addition to tyrosinase are affected. It is possible that oxidative stress is one among the main principal causes of vitiligo. However, there also exists ample evidence for altered immunological processes in vitiligo, particularly in chronic and progressive conditions. Both innate and adaptive arms of the immune system appear to be involved as a primary event or as a secondary promotive consequence. There is speculation on the interplay, if any, between ROS and the immune system in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. The article focuses on the scientific evidences linking oxidative stress and immune system to vitiligo pathogenesis giving credence to a convergent terminal pathway of oxidative stress-autoimmunity-mediated melanocyte loss.

Increased Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α and its promoter polymorphisms correlate with disease progression and higher susceptibility towards vitiligo

Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α, is a paracrine inhibitor of melanocytes, which plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases including vitiligo, as abnormal immune responses have frequently been observed in vitiligo patients. Moreover, vitiligo patients show higher lesion levels of TNF-α. Genetic polymorphisms in the promoter region of TNF-α are involved in the regulation of its expression. The present study explores TNF-α promoter polymorphisms and correlates them with TNF-α transcript and protein levels in vitiligo patients and controls of Gujarat along with its effect on disease onset and progression. PCR-RFLP technique was used for genotyping of these polymorphisms in 977 vitiligo patients and 990 controls. TNF-α transcript and protein levels were measured by Real time PCR and ELISA respectively. The genotype and allele frequencies for the investigated polymorphisms were significantly associated with vitiligo patients. The study revealed significant increase in TNF-α transcript and protein levels in vitiligo patients compared to controls. In particular, haplotypes: AATCC, AACCT, AGTCT, GATCT, GATCC and AGCCT were found to increase the TNF-α levels in vitiligo patients. Analysis of TNF-α levels based on the gender and disease progression suggests that female patients and patients with active vitiligo had higher levels of TNF-α. Also, the TNF-α levels were high in patients with generalized vitiligo as compared to localized vitiligo. Age of onset analysis of the disease suggests that the haplotypes: AACAT, AACCT, AATCC and AATCT had a profound effect in the early onset of the disease. Moreover, the analysis suggests that female patients had an early onset of vitiligo. Overall, our results suggest that TNF-α promoter polymorphisms may be genetic risk factors for susceptibility and progression of the disease. The up-regulation of TNF-α transcript and protein levels in individuals with susceptible haplotypes advocates the crucial role of TNF-α in autoimmune pathogenesis of vitiligo.

Clinical patterns of vitiligo and its associated co morbidities: A prospective controlled cross-sectional study in South India

Aim:

The purpose of this study is to assess the clinical patterns and associations of vitiligo, audiometric functions, and ocular involvement and to correlate the morphology, clinical behaviour and comorbidities associated with vitiligo.

Settings and Design:

For this prospective and cross-sectional study 80 self-reporting patients in the age group 7-75 years with vitiligo attending the outpatient department of Manipal hospital during the period August 2008 to February 2010 were selected and the data was analysed.

Materials and Methods:

The patients were subjected to detailed history, clinical examination and investigations [complete blood count (CBC), absolute eosinophil count (AEC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), vitamin B12 estimation, fasting blood sugar (FBS), and post prandial blood sugar (PPBS),antibody titre estimations that is antithyroid peroxidase (ATPA), antithyroglobulin (ATA), antinuclear antibodies (ANA),urine analysis], audiometric evaluation and ophthalmic examination.

Statistical Analysis Used:

The Fisher exact test has been used to find the significance of study parameters on categorical scale between two or more groups.

Results:

In the present series of 80 cases, 41 (51.25%) were males and 39 (48.75%) were females. The male to female ratio was 1.05:1. In our study 20% cases gave definite family history of vitiligo and patients in the age group of 20 - 30 years were the most commonly affected. Generalized vitiligo (31.3%) was the most common type followed by segmental (30%), focal (18.8%), acrofacial (8.8%), and mucosal vitiligo (11.3%). In the present study there was a high incidence of autoantibodies (22.5%), vitamin B12 deficiency (30%), hypothyroidism (11.3%), elevated absolute eosinophil count (16.3%), hypoacusis (10%) and retinal changes (8.8%). This suggests multisystem autoimmunity in vitiligo.

Vitiligo in a Patient Treated with Interferon Alpha-2a for Behçet's Disease

Behçet's disease (BD) and vitiligo are diseases of unknown etiology. Interferon (IFN) alpha therapy is commonly used in Behçet uveitis. Interferon treatment in various diseases have also been observed causing certain autoimmune diseases such as vitiligo because of its immunomodulatory activity. The association between IFN therapy and vitiligo has been reported in the literature. We report a 21-year-old man with BD in whom vitiligo occurred during IFN treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of such an association.

Tumor necrosis factor-α -308G/A polymorphism is associated with active vitiligo vulgaris in a northeastern Mexican population

Vitiligo is a skin disease characterized by depigmentation. Its etiopathogenesis is unclear, but it has been associated with autoimmune processes. Gene polymorphisms in the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) have been associated with several imflammatory diseases. In particular, the -308G/A polymorphism in the gene promoter region has been reported to be associated with increased plasma levels of TNF-α and with an increased risk to develop autoimmune diseases. To date, this polymorphism has not been associated with vitiligo. To assess a possible association between the TNF-α -308G/A and vitiligo vulgaris (VV), 198 vitiligo patients and 395 control subjects were recruited for the study. A complete demographic and clinical profile of each case was registered to analyze the possible risk factors of vitiligo. Genomic DNA isolated from peri pheral blood was subjected to PCR-RFLP for genotyping of the TNF-α -308G/A polymorphism. Causal associations were determined by χ(2) test and their respective OR was assessed in a 2×2 contingency table. When population variables of type of vitiligo, gender, age of disease onset, and active disease status were considered, an association between active VV and the TNF-α GA genotype was found (P=0.0295, OR=2.0; 95% CI 1.01-3.93). All other variables were irrelevant to vitiligo. Our data suggest a possible association between the TNF-α -308 GA genotype and the active form of VV in a Mexican population.

Understanding mechanisms of vitiligo development in Smyth line of chickens by transcriptomic microarray analysis of evolving autoimmune lesions

Background

The Smyth line (SL) of chicken is an excellent avian model for human autoimmune vitiligo. The etiology of vitiligo is complicated and far from clear. In order to better understand critical components leading to vitiligo development, cDNA microarray technology was used to compare gene expression profiles in the target tissue (the growing feather) of SL chickens at different vitiligo (SLV) states.

Results

Compared to the reference sample, which was from Brown line chickens (the parental control), 395, 522, 524 and 526 out of the 44 k genes were differentially expressed (DE) (P ≤ 0.05) in feather samples collected from SL chickens that never developed SLV (NV), from SLV chickens prior to SLV onset (EV), during active loss of pigmentation (AV), and after complete loss of melanocytes (CV). Comparisons of gene expression levels within SL samples (NV, EV, AV and CV) revealed 206 DE genes, which could be categorized into immune system-, melanocyte-, stress-, and apoptosis-related genes based on the biological functions of their corresponding proteins. The autoimmune nature of SLV was supported by predominant presence of immune system related DE genes and their remarkably elevated expression in AV samples compared to NV, EV and/or CV samples. Melanocyte loss was confirmed by decreased expression of genes for melanocyte related proteins in AV and CV samples compared to NV and EV samples. In addition, SLV development was also accompanied by altered expression of genes associated with disturbed redox status and apoptosis. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis of DE genes provided functional interpretations involving but not limited to innate and adaptive immune response, oxidative stress and cell death.

Conclusions

The microarray results provided comprehensive information at the transcriptome level supporting the multifactorial etiology of vitiligo, where together with apparent inflammatory/innate immune activity and oxidative stress, the adaptive immune response plays a predominant role in melanocyte loss.

Hypothesis: zinc can be effective in treatment of vitiligo

Vitiligo is a common depigmenting skin disorder (prevalence 0.1-2%), still represents a cause of stigmatization and quality of life impairment in a large population. Several theories on vitiligo etiopathogenesis have been suggested including in trauma, stress, and autoimmune and genetic predisposition, accumulation of toxic compounds, altered cellular environment, imbalance in the oxidant-antioxidant system, impaired melanocyte migration and/or proliferation, infection, and psychological factors. Zinc, as a trace element, has many vital functions in human. It is antiapoptotic factor and needed as a cofactor for antioxidant defense system. It plays an important role in the process of melanogenesis. It may be effective in prevention and treatment of vitiligo via some mechanism. Herein, we suggested some probable protective mechanism for zinc in association with vitiligo.

Vitiligo: a review of the published work

Vitiligo is a common depigmenting skin disorder, characterized by acquired, idiopathic, progressive, circumscribed hypomelanosis of the skin and hair, with total absence of melanocytes microscopically. It occurs worldwide, with an incidence rate of between 0.1% and 2%. Vitiligo is an important skin disease having a major impact on the quality of life of the patient suffering from it. The causes of this condition are uncertain but seem to be dependent on the interaction of genetic, immunological and neurological factors. Vitiligo coexists with other autoimmune disorders, Sutton or halo nevus, and malignant melanoma. The substantial disfigurement associated with vitiligo can cause serious emotional stress for the patient, which necessitates treatment. Because its pathogenesis is still not understood, there is a plethora of different treatments. Among them, topical steroids and narrowband ultraviolet B monotherapy were the most common as current treatments for localized and generalized vitiligo, respectively. Cosmetic improvement can be achieved by camouflage products and self-tanning dyes. The course of vitiligo is unpredictable, but often progressive. Spontaneous repigmentation may occur in a few people (10–20%), mainly in children, but this tends to be only partial and on sun-exposed areas. In this article, we review vitiligo as a whole, including epidemiology, pathogenesis and etiology, histopathology, clinical manifestations, classification, clinical variants, diagnosis and differential diagnoses, specific investigation, treatment, prognosis, psychosocial view and its association with other disorders.

Vitiligo: a review of some facts lesser known about depigmentation

Vitiligo is a disorder that causes the destruction of melanocytes. It has three important factors underlying this destruction. The depigmented skin has many aberrant functions such as a muted response to contact allergens, a phenomenon also seen in mice that depigment. The white skin of those with vitiligo does not form non-melanoma skin cancers although the white skin of albinos, which has a similar color as vitiligo, is highly susceptible to skin cancer.