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Vitiligo Patients (vitiligo + patient)
Selected AbstractsAlterations of Mitochondria in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Vitiligo PatientsPIGMENT CELL & MELANOMA RESEARCH, Issue 5 2003Maria Lucia Dell'Anna The possible role for a defective mitochondrial functionality in the pathogenesis of vitiligo was investigated by measuring intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species and of antioxidants, the activity of Krebs cycle enzymes, as well as the effects of inhibitors of the electron transport chain, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with active or stable disease vs. normal subjects. Plasma glyoxal levels were also determined in the same groups of subjects as an index of systemic oxidative stress. In patients with vitiligo in active phase, we observed an increased intracellular production of reactive oxygen species with a consequent imbalance of the prooxidant/antioxidant equilibrium, whereas plasma did not show apparent alterations in glyoxal levels, ruling out a systemic oxidative stress. In patients with stable disease, the balance between pro-oxidants and anti-oxidants seems to be maintained. Moreover, a marked increase in the expression of mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase activity and a specific sensitivity to electron transport chain complex I inhibitor were observed. Overall, these data provide further evidence for an altered mitochondrial functionality in vitiligo patients. [source] Capecitabine-induced hand,foot syndrome and cutaneous hyperpigmentation in an elderly vitiligo patientJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 10 2007R Tavares-Bello [source] Photosensitive psoriasis in a vitiligo patientTHE JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 12 2006Daniele TORCHIA ABSTRACT We report a case of a 15-year-old Caucasian female, previously affected by non-segmental vitiligo and psoriasis vulgaris, who developed a psoriatic eruption on sun-exposed skin during the summer. Oral therapy with cyclosporine A achieved a rapid improvement of the clinical picture. The main features of photosensitive psoriasis and the association between psoriasis and vitiligo are discussed herein. [source] Autologous Cultured Melanocytes in Vitiligo TreatmentDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 9 2007RAFAL CZAJKOWSKI MD BACKGROUND Surgical treatment of vitiligo is indicated when lesions are localized in poorly responding areas. OBJECTIVES The objectives were: (1) to establish the melanocyte culture obtained from the epidermis of vitiligo patients for future treatment; (2) to estimate the influence of selected factors on the formation of suction blisters and the results of culture; and (3) to compare the results of treatment of vitiliginous macules localized in the dorsum of the hands and lower limbs by transplantation of cultured autologous melanocytes plus psoralen and ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy (CMP), suction blister transplantation plus PUVA therapy (SBP), cryotherapy plus PUVA-therapy (CP), and only PUVA therapy (OP). METHODS Forty patients were qualified for the study. The roofs of the suction blisters were used as a melanocyte source for culture establishment or were directly transplanted. RESULTS The CMP procedure was successfully performed on only 10 of 20 patients because of the difficulties in cell culture establishment. The SBP method was carried out on all 20 patients. A total lack of effectiveness was found in CP and OP methods. CONCLUSIONS The effectiveness of culture depends on time of suction blister forming, phototype, and previous PUVA therapy. This study demonstrated the advantage of the SBP over the CMP method. [source] Suction Device for Epidermal Grafting in Vitiligo: Employing a Syringe and a Manometer to Provide an Adequate Negative PressureDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 7 2000Han-uk Kim MD Background. Suction devices for epidermal grafting need a suction pump to provide a negative pressure. The authors have developed a suction device in which a syringe and a manometer are employed to provide a negative pressure. Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of our suction device in vitiligo patients. Methods. The suction device was used to obtain epidermal blisters from the donor site. A CO2 laser was employed to remove the depigmented epidermis. The blister roofs of the donor site were harvested and were placed onto the recipient area. Ten patients with stable vitiligo were treated by epidermal grafting. Results. Epidermal blisters were produced by suction in all patients. Also, all 10 patients regained repigmentation. Conclusion. Our suction blister device is simple and inexpensive to make, and it may become an alternative to the other suction devices. [source] The association between endothelin-1 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to vitiligo in a Korean populationEXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 7 2007Hyun-Jin Kim Abstract:, Background:, Vitiligo is a skin disorder affected by genetic, environmental, local and endocrine factors. Endothelin-1, which is expressed by keratinocytes, has paracrine effects on melanocytes, influencing their homeostasis, proliferation and pigmentation. It is thought to play a role in the skin response to 311-nm, narrow-band ultraviolet irradiation. Objective:, To investigate the association of endothelin-1 gene (EDN1) polymorphisms with vitiligo in a Korean population. Methods:, To evaluate the expression of endothelin-1 in cultured human keratinocytes after irradiation with narrow-band ultraviolet B (NBUVB), we performed RT-PCR and ELISA. In addition, we genotyped 312 vitiligo patients and 313 matched-healthy controls, and compared the genotype, allele and haplotype frequencies of EDN1 polymorphisms (intron 4 G/A, rs2071942 and exon 5 G/T, rs5370) between the two groups, using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The effects of sex, onset age, the presence of autoimmune diseases, family history and clinical type were analysed statistically. Results:, NBUVB induced the expression of endothelin-1 in cultured human keratinocytes. The genotype distributions and allele frequencies of EDN1 polymorphisms did not differ significantly between vitiligo patients and healthy controls. Moreover, the results were not related to sex, onset age, the presence of autoimmune diseases or family history. Interestingly, the haplotype frequencies of EDN1 polymorphisms differed significantly between vitiligo patients and healthy controls. When analysed according to clinical type, the haplotype frequencies in the focal and segmental clinical types differed significantly from healthy controls. Conclusion:, This study suggests that EDN1 is related to the development of vitiligo in the Korean population. [source] Beliefs and perceptions of Arab vitiligo patients regarding their conditionINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 10 2010Khalid M. AlGhamdi MD Background, Patients' beliefs about their illness can result in positive and/or negative implications for the management of their disease. To examine the beliefs held by vitiligo patients about their condition and to explore the potential factors that might influence such beliefs. Methods, The illness perception questionnaire (IPQ) was translated into the particular regional language (Arabic) and administered to adult vitiligo patients visiting our Dermatology Department, from 2006 to 2008. Demographic and illness details were obtained. Results, We recruited 164 vitiligo patients (91 male subjects). The mean age was 27 years (SD = 13, range 15,57 years). It was believed that stress, altered immunity, and heredity were the cause of vitiligo by 33%, 26%, and 24% of the respondents respectively. Eighty-four percent and 28% believed in fate and evil eye as a cause of their illness respectively. Forty-two percent believed that their illness had a major effect on their lives and 44% believed that vitiligo had strongly affected the way others see them. For both beliefs, this was independent of the gender. Thirty-seven percent reported that they do not understand their illness. Six percent believed that their disease was contagious while 12% were not sure. Fifty-four and 57% reported feeling depressed and anxious respectively, because of their disease. This was more common in female patients (P = 0.019 and 0.031 respectively). Conclusion, Misconceptions and negative attitudes are widespread among vitiligo patients. The lack of disease-related understanding and the existence of anxiety and depression require targeted health education and psychosocial support. [source] The hair follicle melanocytes in vitiligo in relation to disease durationJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 8 2009T S Anbar Abstract Background and aims, Vitiligo is an acquired pigmentary disorder of skin and hair. Active melanocytes in hair follicles can be detected by DOPA and immunohistochemical staining, while amelanotic melanocytes can only be detected by the latter. None of the studies on hair melanocytes in vitiligo discussed the effect of disease duration on these melanocytes. Here, we study the presence of melanotic and amelanotic melanocytes in vitiligo hair follicles and statistically correlating their presence with the disease duration. Methods, This study was conducted on 30 patients with vitiligo and 10 normal volunteers. Three biopsies were taken from each patient: two from black and white hairs from vitiliginous areas and the third from apparently normal skin of the same patients. Sections were stained by DOPA reaction and NKI/beteb then examined for the presence of melanocytes. The presence of melanocytes and the disease duration were correlated statistically using the t -test. Results, Active melanocytes were detected in black hairs of 6.7% of vitiligo patients and in 100% of apparently normal skin of the same patients and controls. On examining black hairs of the 28 vitiligo patients with negative DOPA reaction, 19 of them (67.9%) showed positive NKI/beteb stain. Disease duration was inversely correlated with the melanocytes' presence within hair follicles. Melanocytes were absent from 100% of white hairs. Conclusions, The melanotic melanocytes were the first target of the disease process followed by the amelanotic melanocytes. Since the disappearance of the latter was inversely correlated with the disease duration, early treatment in vitiligo is advised. Conflicts of interest None declared. [source] A double-blind, randomized trial of 0.05% betamethasone vs. topical catalase/dismutase superoxide in vitiligoJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 11 2008G Sanclemente Abstract Background Among all the topical immunomodulators, vitiligo's mainstay therapy includes topical corticosteroids. Many other non-immune theories have also been suggested for vitiligo's pathogenesis, but the role of oxidative stress has gained more importance in recent years. Objective To compare the effect of topical 0.05% betamethasone vs. catalase/dismutase superoxide (C/DSO). Study design Randomized, matched-paired, double-blind trial. Setting Dermatology Section, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia. Subjects Patients (aged > 18 years or between 12 and 18 years) with parent's informed consent, with stable or active bilateral vitiligo. Intervention Topical 0.05% betamethasone or C/DSO. Methods Two lesions similar to each other in size were chosen. All assessments were made by two blinded investigators, and photographs were subjected to morphometry analysis. Main outcome Skin repigmentation by digital morphometry. Results Twenty-five patients were enrolled in the study (21 women and 4 men). Mean age of participants was 40 years (range: 12,74 years). One patient on C/DSO experienced a mild local erythematous papular rash that self-resolved. At 4 months of therapy, there was no statistical difference on the percentage of repigmentation between betamethasone and C/DSO (5.63% ± 27.9 vs. 3.22% ± 25.8, respectively, P = 0.758). After 10 months of therapy, the percentage of skin repigmentation increased to 18.5 ± 93.14% with betamethasone and to 12.4 ± 59% with C/DSO, but again, we found no statistical differences (P = 0.79). Discussion and conclusions Few studies have described objective methods to evaluate repigmentation among vitiligo patients. Digital morphometry provides an objective assessment of repigmentation in vitiligo. Objective vitiligo repigmentation with topical C/DSO at 10 months is similar to topical 0.05% betamethasone. Although a mild adverse effect was related to the use of C/DSO, such finding was not severe enough to discontinue treatment. [source] Autoimmunity as an aetiological factor in vitiligoJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 7 2007N Rezaei Abstract Vitiligo is a common dermatological disorder characterized by the presence on the skin of depigmented macules resulting from the destruction of cutaneous melanocytes. Autoimmunity is an important hypothesis with regard to vitiligo aetiology and the evidence for autoimmune responses being involved in the pathogenesis of this disorder will be discussed in the present review. All immune system compartments, including innate and adaptive immunity have been implicated in vitiligo development. Particularly relevant are autoantibodies and autoreactive T cells in vitiligo patients that have cytotoxic effects upon pigment cells. Furthermore, predisposition to vitiligo appears to be associated with certain alleles of the major histocompatibility complex class II antigens as well as with other autoimmune-susceptibility genes. Moreover, the association of vitiligo with autoimmune disorders, the animal models of the disease, and the positive response to immunosuppressive therapeutic agents emphasize the role of autoimmunity in the development of this disorder. [source] Vitiligo and ocular findings: a study on possible associationsJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 7 2006E Bulbul Baskan Abstract Objective, In this study, we aimed to evaluate the ocular findings in vitiligo patients and reveal any clinical feature that might suggest an association or a risk factor. Background, Very few reports in the literature are available about the ocular findings in vitiligo and the possible associations of the ocular findings in vitiligo patients have not been studied so far. Methods, A total of 45 patients with previously documented cutaneous vitiligo were examined for ocular findings. Demographic features including age, gender, duration of vitiligo, presence of associated autoimmune diseases, type of vitiligo and the anatomical distributions of vitiligo were recorded to evaluate a possible relationship with the ocular findings. Univariate and multivariate analyses as well as cluster analysis were performed. After description of the clusters, the Mann,Whitney U -test and Fisher's exact test were used to determine the variables. Concordance among the variables in each group was evaluated with the McNemar test. Results, Ten patients had ocular findings that included anterior segment (iris) involvement, ring-like peripapillary atrophy around the optic nerve, atrophy of pigment epithelium, focal hypopigmented spots and diffuse hypopigmentation. The presence of periorbital vitiligo was significantly related to the ocular findings. Cluster analysis revealed concordances between periorbital and genitalial localizations of vitiligo and ocular findings. Conclusion, The number of patients and the range of ocular findings in our study are insufficient to make definite conclusions but anatomical localizations, primarily periorbital and to a lesser extent genitalial vitiligo, seem to be the most probably alerting features for ocular findings. [source] Psychosocial effects of vitiligoJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 1 2006K Ongenae Abstract A limited number of studies have paid attention to the psychosocial well-being of patients affected with vitiligo. We review the psychosocial effects of vitiligo, how patients deal with them and the psychiatric morbidity in vitiligo patients. Given the appreciable comorbidity, it is important to consider these observations in the management of patients, for example in patient,physician interaction but also in treatment strategies and evaluation of treatments. The effects of the psychological state on the disease itself together with the potential therapeutic implications are reviewed. Based on these data, we suggest how to further improve patient's management. [source] Depigmentation of the normally pigmented patches in universal vitiligo patients by cryotherapyJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 3 2000Mohammed Radmanesh Abstract Background Complete depigmentation may occur, albeit rarely, in patients with universal vitiligo. They usually have one or more pigmented patches that remain normal, most frequently over the malar area of the face and dorsal aspects of forearms. Total repigmentation may not occur in these patients, even after receiving 150 session of PUVA therapy alone or in conjunction with other medical or surgical procedures, and there is possibility of recurrence after cessation of therapy. These patients are usually more interested in depigmentation rather than trying for repigmentation. Objective Because of the relatively high sensitivity of melanocytes to cryotherapy and the possibility of isomorphic phenomenon in vitiligo patients, removal of the remaining normally pigmented patches was attempted in patients with universal vitiligo using cryotherapy. Method Five volunteer patients with universal vitiligo were chosen, all of whom wished to have their pigmented patches removed. In all five patients a small area was tested first in order to assure the patients of what the procedure involved and to show its likely result. All pigmented areas were then treated to 1,3 sessions of cryotherapy using a closed contact CO2 cryogun, with 4,6-week intervals. Results Complete and permanent depigmentation was achieved in all five patients with excellent cosmetic results and no complications or scarring. Conclusion Cryotherapy is a cost effective, non-complicating, easily available procedure which can be used for depigmentation of normally pigmented patches in patients with universal vitiligo. [source] Alterations of Mitochondria in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Vitiligo PatientsPIGMENT CELL & MELANOMA RESEARCH, Issue 5 2003Maria Lucia Dell'Anna The possible role for a defective mitochondrial functionality in the pathogenesis of vitiligo was investigated by measuring intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species and of antioxidants, the activity of Krebs cycle enzymes, as well as the effects of inhibitors of the electron transport chain, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with active or stable disease vs. normal subjects. Plasma glyoxal levels were also determined in the same groups of subjects as an index of systemic oxidative stress. In patients with vitiligo in active phase, we observed an increased intracellular production of reactive oxygen species with a consequent imbalance of the prooxidant/antioxidant equilibrium, whereas plasma did not show apparent alterations in glyoxal levels, ruling out a systemic oxidative stress. In patients with stable disease, the balance between pro-oxidants and anti-oxidants seems to be maintained. Moreover, a marked increase in the expression of mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase activity and a specific sensitivity to electron transport chain complex I inhibitor were observed. Overall, these data provide further evidence for an altered mitochondrial functionality in vitiligo patients. [source] Quality of life for Korean patients with vitiligo: Skindex-29 and its correlation with clinical profilesTHE JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 6 2009Do Young KIM ABSTRACT Vitiligo considerably influences the psychological well-being of patients. Disease-induced disfigurement can cause patients to experience a high level of stigmatization, which can lead to psychosocial stresses and negative impacts on quality of life (QOL). This study aims to ascertain the QOL of vitiligo patients compared to patients with other mild skin disorders. We also attempt to study which clinical features of vitiligo are closely related to the patient's QOL. One hundred and thirty-three vitiligo patients and 112 patients with mild skin disorders were analyzed. All participants were asked to fill out questionnaires covering comprehensive clinical profiles and the Korean version of Skindex-29. Statistical correlation between Skindex-29 and each clinical profile were analyzed. The symptom scale of Skindex-29 was significantly lower in vitiligo patients than in controls, but the function scale and the emotion scale were significantly higher in the vitiligo group than in controls. However, the difference in function scales between groups was significant in female patients, but not in male patients. Several clinical profiles, such as duration of disease, severity scores and previous history of treatments, showed close correlations with the function scale. Family history of vitiligo, Köebner phenomenon, patients' perspectives on disease prognosis, and discordance of the severity scores between physicians and patients also influenced the Skindex-29 subscales differently. In conclusion, the present study suggests that patients with vitiligo were highly affected in the functional and emotional aspects of QOL, with some sex differences. Various clinical features may play an important role in the QOL of vitiligo patients. [source] Increased numbers of circulating polyfunctional Th17 memory cells in patients with seronegative spondylarthritidesARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 8 2008Camilla Jandus Objective A distinct subset of proinflammatory CD4+ T cells that produce interleukin-17 was recently identified. These cells are implicated in different autoimmune disease models, such as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and collagen-induced arthritis, but their involvement in human autoimmune disease has not yet been clearly established. The purpose of this study was to assess the frequency and functional properties of Th17 cells in healthy donors and in patients with different autoimmune diseases. Methods Peripheral blood was obtained from 10 psoriatic arthritis (PsA), 10 ankylosing spondylitis (AS), 10 rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and 5 vitiligo patients, as well as from 25 healthy donors. Synovial tissue samples from a separate group of patients were also evaluated (obtained as paraffin-embedded sections). Peripheral blood cells were analyzed by multiparameter flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Cytokine production was examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and intracellular cytokine staining using specific monoclonal antibodies. Synovial tissue was examined for infiltrating T cells by immunohistochemical analysis. Results We found increased numbers of circulating Th17 cells in the peripheral blood of patients with seronegative spondylarthritides (PsA and AS), but not in patients with RA or vitiligo. In addition, Th17 cells from the spondylarthritis patients showed advanced differentiation and were polyfunctional in terms of T cell receptor,driven cytokine production. Conclusion These observations suggest a role of Th17 cells in the pathogenesis of certain human autoimmune disorders, in particular the seronegative spondylarthritides. [source] | ||||||||||