Concise review of recent studies in vitiligo

Abstract

Vitiligo is an acquired pigmentry disorder of the skin and mucous membranes which manifests as white macules and patches due to selective loss of melanocytes. Etiological hypotheses of vitiligo include genetic, immunological, neurohormonal, cytotoxic, biochemical, oxidative stress and newer theories of melanocytorrhagy and decreased melanocytes survival. There are several types of vitiligo which are usually diagnosed clinically and by using a Wood's lamp; also vitiligo may be associated with autoimmune diseases, audiological and ophthalmological findings or it can be a part of polyendocrinopathy syndromes. Several interventions are available for the treatment for vitiligo to stop disease progression and/or to attain repigmentation or even depigmentation. In this article, we will present an overall view of current standing of vitiligo research work especially in the etiological factors most notably the genetic components, also, types and associations and various and newer treatment modalities.

Nilotinib induction of melanogenesis via reactive oxygen species‐dependent JNK activation in B16F0 mouse melanoma cells

“…Vitiligo is the cosmetic disfigurement of skin and affects about 0.5%‐1% of the population. Several reports implied that vitiligo is associated with genetic mutations, and several results from impairment of melanocytes and impediment of melanin synthesis . Therefore, agents with activities that stimulate melanogenesis are promising chemical candidates for treatment of vitiligo.…”

“…Several reports implied that vitiligo is associated with genetic mutations, and several results from impairment of melanocytes and impediment of melanin synthesis. [21,22] Therefore, agents with activities that stimulate melanogenesis are promising chemical candidates for treatment of vitiligo. In the present study, we investigated the effect of AMN on melanogenesis and provide evidence indicating that AMN activates melanin contents through c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation, leading to elevate TYR, TRP1 and TRP2 protein levels in B16F0 cells.…”

A comparative study for the short-term effects of targeted high-intensity UVB and narrow-band UVB in the treatment of vitiligo

“…Several etiological factors have been suggested, for which the most compelling evidence involves a combination of environmental, genetic and immunological factors interacting to contribute to autoimmune melanocyte destruction (3). …”

Efficacy and Safety of Topical Tacrolimus (0.03%) in the Treatment Localized Vitiligo

“…The etiology of vitiligo is unknown 8 . Genetic studies support a nonMendelian inheritance, suggesting that vitiligo is a multifactorial, polygenic disorder.…”