Title:Current Debates on Etiopathogenesis and Treatment Strategies for Vitiligo
Volume: 23
Issue: 13
关键词:
脱色，黑色素细胞，黑色素，白癜风，自身免疫，氧化应激，神经肽。
摘要: Vitiligo is an acquired, chronic, and progressive depigmentation or hypopigmentation
characterized by the destruction of melanocytes and the occurrence of white patches or macules in the
skin, mucosal surface of eyes, and ears. Melanocytes are the melanin pigment-producing cells of the
skin which are destroyed in pathological conditions called vitiligo. Approximately 0.5 - 2.0% of the
population is suffering from vitiligo, and a higher prevalence rate of up to 8.8% has been reported in
India. It is caused by various pathogenic factors like genetic predisposition, hyperimmune activation,
increased oxidative stress, and alteration in neuropeptides level. Genetic research has revealed a multi-
genetic inheritance that exhibits an overlap with other autoimmune disorders. However, melanocytes
specific genes are also affected (such as DDR1, XBP1, NLRP1, PTPN22, COMT, FOXP3,
ACE, APE, GSTP1, TLR, SOD, and CTLA-4). A number of therapeutic options are employed for the
treatment of vitiligo. The topical corticosteroids and immunomodulators are currently in practice for
the management of vitiligo. Phototherapies alone and in combinations with other approaches are used
in those patients who do not respond to the topical treatment. The main focus of this review is on the
etiopathological factors, pharmacological management (phototherapy, topical, systemic, and surgical
therapy), and herbal drugs used to treat vitiligo.
