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Topical 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy for genital vitiligo

Authors :
Tingting Gao
Zhao Feng
Jing Ye
Meihua Chen
Xiaochun Guan
Yuan Wan
Li Qin
Source :
Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy, Vol 50, Iss , Pp 104405- (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
Elsevier, 2024.

Abstract

Vitiligo is an acquired chronic depigmentary skin disorder which results from the destruction of melanocytes. The clinical characteristic of vitiligo is the development of white macules due to the loss of functioning melanocytes in the skin or hair. Vitiligo in the genital area brings about a serious psychological impact on individuals. However, the choices of treatment for genital vitiligo are scarce. This study sheds light on the leverage of 5-ALA (5-Aminolevulinic Acid) Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) for the management of genital vitiligo. Nine patients with genital vitiligo who underwent 20 % ALA-PDT treatment were reported. The results revealed that the treatment protocol simulated melanocyte regeneration in the patients effectively. ALA-PDT exerts significant anti-inflammatory effects by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines and inducing regulatory T cells, which may help suppress the autoimmune response involved in vitiligo pathogenesis. Notably, five patients who were defined as responders showed moderate to excellent improvement in repigmentation and the treatment was well tolerated in all cases. Our findings suggest that ALA-PDT is a potential treatment option for genital vitiligo.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
15721000
Volume :
50
Issue :
104405-
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.905a40a1aed440e8ef031b7ec2be1ce
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdpdt.2024.104405