Vitiligo pathophysiology: Difference between revisions

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{{Vitiligo}}
{{Vitiligo}}
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{{CMG}}: {{AE}} {{GRN}}


==Overview==
==Overview==
Vitiligo  is caused by a loss of skin [[melanocytes]], and although the exact mechanism is not well understood, it is thought to involve autoimmune factors. <ref name="pmid12859615">{{cite journal| author=Gauthier Y, Cario Andre M, Taïeb A| title=A critical appraisal of vitiligo etiologic theories. Is melanocyte loss a melanocytorrhagy? | journal=Pigment Cell Res | year= 2003 | volume= 16 | issue= 4 | pages= 322-32 | pmid=12859615 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=12859615  }} </ref><ref name="pmid16965269">{{cite journal| author=Dell'anna ML, Picardo M| title=A review and a new hypothesis for non-immunological pathogenetic mechanisms in vitiligo. | journal=Pigment Cell Res | year= 2006 | volume= 19 | issue= 5 | pages= 406-11 | pmid=16965269 | doi=10.1111/j.1600-0749.2006.00333.x | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=16965269  }} </ref>
Vitiligo  is caused by a loss of skin [[melanocytes]].  Although the exact mechanism is not known, at least in some cases, an autoimmune process may play a role. <ref name="pmid12859615">{{cite journal| author=Gauthier Y, Cario Andre M, Taïeb A| title=A critical appraisal of vitiligo etiologic theories. Is melanocyte loss a melanocytorrhagy? | journal=Pigment Cell Res | year= 2003 | volume= 16 | issue= 4 | pages= 322-32 | pmid=12859615 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=12859615  }} </ref><ref name="pmid16965269">{{cite journal| author=Dell'anna ML, Picardo M| title=A review and a new hypothesis for non-immunological pathogenetic mechanisms in vitiligo. | journal=Pigment Cell Res | year= 2006 | volume= 19 | issue= 5 | pages= 406-11 | pmid=16965269 | doi=10.1111/j.1600-0749.2006.00333.x | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=16965269  }} </ref> The fact that vitiligo is more prevalent in patients with certain autoimmune disorders, such as [[Addison's disease]], [[hyperthyroidism]], [[alopecia areata]] and [[pernicious anemia]] supports this hypothesis,<ref>{{Cite journal
| author = [[Shahla Babaee Nejad]], [[Hamideh Herizchi Qadim]], [[Leila Nazeman]], [[Roohollah Fadaii]] & [[Mohamad Goldust]]
| title = Frequency of autoimmune diseases in those suffering from vitiligo in comparison with normal population
| journal = [[Pakistan journal of biological sciences: PJBS]]
| volume = 16
| issue = 12
| pages = 570–574
| year = 2013
| month = June
| pmid = 24494526
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal
| author = [[Daniel Holthausen Nunes]] & [[Ligia Maria Hademann Esser]]
| title = Vitiligo epidemiological profile and the association with thyroid disease
| journal = [[Anais brasileiros de dermatologia]]
| volume = 86
| issue = 2
| pages = 241–248
| year = 2011
| month = March-April
| pmid = 21603806
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal
| author = [[Kirsty J. MacLean]] & [[Michael J. Tidman]]
| title = Alopecia areata: more than skin deep
| journal = [[The Practitioner]]
| volume = 257
| issue = 1764
| pages = 29–32
| year = 2013
| month = September
| pmid = 24383154
}}</ref> but it should also be recognized that the majority of patients with vitiligo do not have any autoimmune disorder.


==Pathophysiology==
==Immune Mechanisms==
===Immune Mechanisms===
* Although there are a lot of mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of vitiligo, the evidence of an autoimmune etiology is important.
* Both cellular immunity and humoral immunity have been linked to the pathogenesis of vitiligo.<ref name="pmid19748188">{{cite journal| author=Michelsen D| title=The Double Strike Hypothesis of the vitiligo pathomechanism: new approaches to vitiligo and melanoma. | journal=Med Hypotheses | year= 2010 | volume= 74 | issue= 1 | pages= 67-70 | pmid=19748188 | doi=10.1016/j.mehy.2009.08.008 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=19748188  }} </ref>
* Both cellular immunity and humoral immunity have been linked to the pathogenesis of vitiligo.<ref name="pmid19748188">{{cite journal| author=Michelsen D| title=The Double Strike Hypothesis of the vitiligo pathomechanism: new approaches to vitiligo and melanoma. | journal=Med Hypotheses | year= 2010 | volume= 74 | issue= 1 | pages= 67-70 | pmid=19748188 | doi=10.1016/j.mehy.2009.08.008 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=19748188  }} </ref>
** A predominance of CD8+ T Lymphocytes and Th1 CD4+ T lymphocytes has been found in the perilesional areas<ref name="pmid15654968">{{cite journal| author=Steitz J, Brück J, Lenz J, Büchs S, Tüting T| title=Peripheral CD8+ T cell tolerance against melanocytic self-antigens in the skin is regulated in two steps by CD4+ T cells and local inflammation: implications for the pathophysiology of vitiligo. | journal=J Invest Dermatol | year= 2005 | volume= 124 | issue= 1 | pages= 144-50 | pmid=15654968 | doi=10.1111/j.0022-202X.2004.23538.x | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=15654968  }} </ref><ref name="pmid11407977">{{cite journal| author=Lang KS, Caroli CC, Muhm A, Wernet D, Moris A, Schittek B et al.| title=HLA-A2 restricted, melanocyte-specific CD8(+) T lymphocytes detected in vitiligo patients are related to disease activity and are predominantly directed against MelanA/MART1. | journal=J Invest Dermatol | year= 2001 | volume= 116 | issue= 6 | pages= 891-7 | pmid=11407977 | doi=10.1046/j.1523-1747.2001.01363.x | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=11407977  }} </ref> exhibiting cytotoxical activity against [[melanocytes]].<ref name="pmid19242513">{{cite journal| author=van den Boorn JG, Konijnenberg D, Dellemijn TA, van der Veen JP, Bos JD, Melief CJ et al.| title=Autoimmune destruction of skin melanocytes by perilesional T cells from vitiligo patients. | journal=J Invest Dermatol | year= 2009 | volume= 129 | issue= 9 | pages= 2220-32 | pmid=19242513 | doi=10.1038/jid.2009.32 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=19242513  }} </ref>
** A predominance of CD8+ T Lymphocytes and Th1 CD4+ T lymphocytes has been found in the perilesional areas<ref name="pmid15654968">{{cite journal| author=Steitz J, Brück J, Lenz J, Büchs S, Tüting T| title=Peripheral CD8+ T cell tolerance against melanocytic self-antigens in the skin is regulated in two steps by CD4+ T cells and local inflammation: implications for the pathophysiology of vitiligo. | journal=J Invest Dermatol | year= 2005 | volume= 124 | issue= 1 | pages= 144-50 | pmid=15654968 | doi=10.1111/j.0022-202X.2004.23538.x | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=15654968  }} </ref><ref name="pmid11407977">{{cite journal| author=Lang KS, Caroli CC, Muhm A, Wernet D, Moris A, Schittek B et al.| title=HLA-A2 restricted, melanocyte-specific CD8(+) T lymphocytes detected in vitiligo patients are related to disease activity and are predominantly directed against MelanA/MART1. | journal=J Invest Dermatol | year= 2001 | volume= 116 | issue= 6 | pages= 891-7 | pmid=11407977 | doi=10.1046/j.1523-1747.2001.01363.x | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=11407977  }} </ref> exhibiting cytotoxical activity against [[melanocytes]].<ref name="pmid19242513">{{cite journal| author=van den Boorn JG, Konijnenberg D, Dellemijn TA, van der Veen JP, Bos JD, Melief CJ et al.| title=Autoimmune destruction of skin melanocytes by perilesional T cells from vitiligo patients. | journal=J Invest Dermatol | year= 2009 | volume= 129 | issue= 9 | pages= 2220-32 | pmid=19242513 | doi=10.1038/jid.2009.32 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=19242513  }} </ref>
** Vitiligo patients have circulating [[IgG]] and [[IgA]] [[autoantibodies]] to [[melanocytes]] proteins as [[tyrosinase]], TYRP 1 and 2; the melanosomal matrix protein gp100 (Pmel17) and Melan A/MART 1.<ref name="pmid17289548">{{cite journal| author=Kemp EH, Gavalas NG, Gawkrodger DJ, Weetman AP| title=Autoantibody responses to melanocytes in the depigmenting skin disease vitiligo. | journal=Autoimmun Rev | year= 2007 | volume= 6 | issue= 3 | pages= 138-42 | pmid=17289548 | doi=10.1016/j.autrev.2006.09.010 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=17289548  }} </ref><ref name="pmid20067874">{{cite journal| author=Ali R, Ahsan MS, Azad MA, Ullah MA, Bari W, Islam SN et al.| title=Immunoglobulin levels of vitiligo patients. | journal=Pak J Pharm Sci | year= 2010 | volume= 23 | issue= 1 | pages= 97-102 | pmid=20067874 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=20067874  }} </ref> Passive immunization with monoclonal autoantibodies against the melanocyte membrane protein  gp75 (TYRP1) in an animal model induced vitiligo-like lesions.<ref name="pmid7595233">{{cite journal| author=Hara I, Takechi Y, Houghton AN| title=Implicating a role for immune recognition of self in tumor rejection: passive immunization against the brown locus protein. | journal=J Exp Med | year= 1995 | volume= 182 | issue= 5 | pages= 1609-14 | pmid=7595233 | doi= | pmc=PMC2192219 | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=7595233  }} </ref>
** Vitiligo patients have circulating [[IgG]] and [[IgA]] [[autoantibodies]] to [[melanocytes]] proteins as [[tyrosinase]], TYRP 1 and 2; the melanosomal matrix protein gp100 (Pmel17) and Melan A/MART 1.<ref name="pmid17289548">{{cite journal| author=Kemp EH, Gavalas NG, Gawkrodger DJ, Weetman AP| title=Autoantibody responses to melanocytes in the depigmenting skin disease vitiligo. | journal=Autoimmun Rev | year= 2007 | volume= 6 | issue= 3 | pages= 138-42 | pmid=17289548 | doi=10.1016/j.autrev.2006.09.010 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=17289548  }} </ref><ref name="pmid20067874">{{cite journal| author=Ali R, Ahsan MS, Azad MA, Ullah MA, Bari W, Islam SN et al.| title=Immunoglobulin levels of vitiligo patients. | journal=Pak J Pharm Sci | year= 2010 | volume= 23 | issue= 1 | pages= 97-102 | pmid=20067874 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=20067874  }} </ref> Passive immunization with monoclonal autoantibodies against the melanocyte membrane protein  gp75 (TYRP1) in an animal model induced vitiligo-like lesions.<ref name="pmid7595233">{{cite journal| author=Hara I, Takechi Y, Houghton AN| title=Implicating a role for immune recognition of self in tumor rejection: passive immunization against the brown locus protein. | journal=J Exp Med | year= 1995 | volume= 182 | issue= 5 | pages= 1609-14 | pmid=7595233 | doi= | pmc=PMC2192219 | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=7595233  }} </ref>
==Non-immune Mechanisms==
* A genetic predisposition to an alteration of the pathway of biopterins and [[catechols]] has been observed.
* The high production of toxic metabolites, mainly 6- and 7-BH<sub><small>4</small></sub> and [[noradrenaline]], in combination with a [[redox]] unbalance lead to [[melanocyte]] damage.<ref name="pmid10761993">{{cite journal| author=Cucchi ML, Frattini P, Santagostino G, Orecchia G| title=Higher plasma catecholamine and metabolite levels in the early phase of nonsegmental vitiligo. | journal=Pigment Cell Res | year= 2000 | volume= 13 | issue= 1 | pages= 28-32 | pmid=10761993 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=10761993  }} </ref><ref name="pmid11168813">{{cite journal| author=Schallreuter KU, Moore J, Wood JM, Beazley WD, Peters EM, Marles LK et al.| title=Epidermal H(2)O(2) accumulation alters tetrahydrobiopterin (6BH4) recycling in vitiligo: identification of a general mechanism in regulation of all 6BH4-dependent processes? | journal=J Invest Dermatol | year= 2001 | volume= 116 | issue= 1 | pages= 167-74 | pmid=11168813 | doi=10.1046/j.1523-1747.2001.00220.x | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=11168813  }} </ref><ref name="pmid1748819">{{cite journal| author=Schallreuter KU, Wood JM, Berger J| title=Low catalase levels in the epidermis of patients with vitiligo. | journal=J Invest Dermatol | year= 1991 | volume= 97 | issue= 6 | pages= 1081-5 | pmid=1748819 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=1748819  }} </ref>
* Following melanocyte damage, these are eliminated by three possible mechanisms:<ref>{{Cite journal
| author = [[Maria Lucia Dell'anna]] & [[Mauro Picardo]]
| title = A review and a new hypothesis for non-immunological pathogenetic mechanisms in vitiligo
| journal = [[Pigment cell research / sponsored by the European Society for Pigment Cell Research and the International Pigment Cell Society]]
| volume = 19
| issue = 5
| pages = 406–411
| year = 2006
| month = October
| doi = 10.1111/j.1600-0749.2006.00333.x
| pmid = 16965269
}}</ref>
** [[Necrosis]]
** [[Apoptosis]]<ref>{{Cite journal
| author = [[R. M. van den Wijngaard]], [[J. Aten]], [[A. Scheepmaker]], [[I. C. Le Poole]], [[A. J. Tigges]], [[W. Westerhof]] & [[P. K. Das]]
| title = Expression and modulation of apoptosis regulatory molecules in human melanocytes: significance in vitiligo
| journal = [[The British journal of dermatology]]
| volume = 143
| issue = 3
| pages = 573–581
| year = 2000
| month = September
| pmid = 10971331
}}</ref>
** Detachment, so-called "''melanocytorrhagy''"<ref>{{Cite journal
| author = [[Y. Gauthier]], [[M. Cario-Andre]], [[S. Lepreux]], [[C. Pain]] & [[A. Taieb]]
| title = Melanocyte detachment after skin friction in non lesional skin of patients with generalized vitiligo
| journal = [[The British journal of dermatology]]
| volume = 148
| issue = 1
| pages = 95–101
| year = 2003
| month = January
| pmid = 12534601
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal
| author = [[Yvon Gauthier]], [[Muriel Cario Andre]] & [[Alain Taieb]]
| title = A critical appraisal of vitiligo etiologic theories. Is melanocyte loss a melanocytorrhagy?
| journal = [[Pigment cell research / sponsored by the European Society for Pigment Cell Research and the International Pigment Cell Society]]
| volume = 16
| issue = 4
| pages = 322–332
| year = 2003
| month = August
| pmid = 12859615
}}</ref>
* '''Unified theory''': the alterations in the [[membrane]] of the [[melanocytes]] and the liberation of [[antigens]] due to [[apoptosis]] and [[necrosis]] could sensitize the [[immune cells]] leading to an [[autoimmune]] process.<ref>{{Cite journal
| author = [[Tara M. Kroll]], [[Hemamalini Bommiasamy]], [[Raymond E. Boissy]], [[Claudia Hernandez]], [[Brian J. Nickoloff]], [[Ruben Mestril]] & [[I. Caroline Le Poole]]
| title = 4-Tertiary butyl phenol exposure sensitizes human melanocytes to dendritic cell-mediated killing: relevance to vitiligo
| journal = [[The Journal of investigative dermatology]]
| volume = 124
| issue = 4
| pages = 798–806
| year = 2005
| month = April
| doi = 10.1111/j.0022-202X.2005.23653.x
| pmid = 15816839
}}</ref>


==Genetics==
==Genetics==
Jin in the New England Journal of Medicine reported a study comparing 656 people with and without vitiligo in 114 families, which found several mutations (single-nucleotide polymorphisms) in the [[Pattern recognition receptor|NALP1]] gene.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Gregersen PK |title=Modern genetics, ancient defenses, and potential therapies |journal=N. Engl. J. Med. |volume=356 |issue=12 |pages=1263-6 |year=2007 |pmid=17377166 |doi=10.1056/NEJMe078017}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author=Jin Y, Mailloux CM, Gowan K, Riccardi SL, LaBerge G, Bennett DC, Fain PR, Spritz RA |title=NALP1 in vitiligo-associated multiple autoimmune disease |journal=N. Engl. J. Med. |volume=356 |issue=12 |pages=1216-25 |year=2007 |pmid=17377159 |doi=10.1056/NEJMoa061592}}</ref> The NALP1 gene, which is on chromosome 17 located at 17p13, is on a cascade that regulates inflammation and cell death, including myeloid and lymphoid cells, which are white cells that are part of the immune response. NALP1 is expressed at high levels in T cells and Langerhan's cells, white cells that are involved in skin autoimmunity.  
Among 656 people with and without vitiligo in 114 families, several mutations (single-nucleotide polymorphisms) were identified in the [[Pattern recognition receptor|NALP1]] gene.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Gregersen PK |title=Modern genetics, ancient defenses, and potential therapies |journal=N. Engl. J. Med. |volume=356 |issue=12 |pages=1263-6 |year=2007 |pmid=17377166 |doi=10.1056/NEJMe078017}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author=Jin Y, Mailloux CM, Gowan K, Riccardi SL, LaBerge G, Bennett DC, Fain PR, Spritz RA |title=NALP1 in vitiligo-associated multiple autoimmune disease |journal=N. Engl. J. Med. |volume=356 |issue=12 |pages=1216-25 |year=2007 |pmid=17377159 |doi=10.1056/NEJMoa061592}}</ref> The NALP1 gene, which is on chromosome 17 located at 17p13, is on a cascade that regulates inflammation and cell death, including myeloid and lymphoid cells. [[NALP1]] is expressed at high levels in [[T cells]] and [[Langerhan's cells]], white cells that are involved in skin autoimmunity.
Among the inflammatory products of [[NALP1]] are [[caspase 1]] and [[caspase 5]], which activate the inflammatory cytokine [[interleukin-1β]]. Interleukin-1β is expressed at high levels in patients with vitiligo.


Among the inflammatory products of NALP1 are caspase 1 and caspase 5, which activate the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β. Interleukin-1β is expressed at high levels in patients with vitiligo. There are compounds which inhibit caspase and interleukin-1β, and so might be useful drugs for vitiligo and associated autoimmune diseases.  
Of the 656 people, 219 had vitiligo only, 70 had vitiligo with autoimmune thyroid disease, and 60 had vitiligo and other autoimmune diseases.  Addison's disease (typically an autoimmune destruction of the adrenal glands) may be associated with vitiligo as well.  


Of the 656 people, 219 had vitiligo only, 70 had vitiligo with autoimmune thyroid disease, and 60 had vitiligo and other autoimmune diseases.  Addison's disease (typically an autoimmune destruction of the adrenal glands) may cause vitiligo.
In one of the mutations, the amino acid [[leucine]] in the NALP1 protein was replaced by [[histidine]] (Leu155->His). The original protein and sequence is highly conserved in evolution, and found in humans, chimpanzee, [[Rhesus Macaque|rhesus monkey]], and the bush baby, which means that it's an important protein and an alteration is likely to be harmful.  
 
In one of the mutations, the amino acid leucine in the NALP1 protein was replaced by histidine (Leu155->His). The original protein and sequence is highly conserved in evolution, and found in humans, chimpanzee, [[Rhesus Macaque|rhesus monkey]], and bush baby, which means that it's an important protein and an alteration is likely to be harmful.  


The following is the normal DNA and protein sequence in the NALP1 gene:  
The following is the normal DNA and protein sequence in the NALP1 gene:  
Line 72: Line 160:


The normal sequence of the DNA code for NALP1 of TCACTCCTCTACCAA is replaced in some of these vitiligo families by the sequence TCACACCTCTACCAA,<ref>[http://www.ensembl.org/Homo_sapiens/transview?transcript=ENST00000262467;db=core Ensembl Transcript Report Ensembl Transcript ID: NST00000262467]</ref> which respectively code for the amino acid sequence of the normal NALP1 protein SLLYQ being replaced by SHLYQ.<ref>[http://www.ensembl.org/Homo_sapiens/protview?db=core;peptide=ENSP00000262467 Ensembl Protein Report Ensembl Peptide: ID ENSP00000262467]</ref>
The normal sequence of the DNA code for NALP1 of TCACTCCTCTACCAA is replaced in some of these vitiligo families by the sequence TCACACCTCTACCAA,<ref>[http://www.ensembl.org/Homo_sapiens/transview?transcript=ENST00000262467;db=core Ensembl Transcript Report Ensembl Transcript ID: NST00000262467]</ref> which respectively code for the amino acid sequence of the normal NALP1 protein SLLYQ being replaced by SHLYQ.<ref>[http://www.ensembl.org/Homo_sapiens/protview?db=core;peptide=ENSP00000262467 Ensembl Protein Report Ensembl Peptide: ID ENSP00000262467]</ref>
==Associated Conditions==
Vitiligo is associated with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, commonly thyroid overexpression and underexpression.
==Gross Pathology==


==Microscopic Pathology==
==Microscopic Pathology==
[[Histological]] examination typically shows an absence of [[melanocytes]] in the affected areas of the [[skin]]. However, it is possible to sometimes identify degenerating [[melanocytes]] at the borders of the affected areas. In these patients, normal [[melanocytes]] may be found in normal [[skin]] areas yet, even in these regions, changes such as abnormal [[keratinocytes]] may be found, showing evidence of vacuolated [[cytoplasm]] in the [[Stratum germinativum|basal layers]] of [[cells]] as well as granular [[extracellular]] materials.<ref>{{cite book | last = Soutor | first = Carol | title = Clinical dermatology | publisher = McGraw-Hill Education/Lange Medical Books | location = New York | year = 2013 | isbn = 978-0-07-177296-9 }}</ref> In certain situations it is possible to identify [[lymphocytic]] infiltrates on the margin of the [[lesions]], which is consistent with the underlying [[immunological]] mechanism, responsible for the destruction of the [[melanocytes]].<ref>{{cite book | last = Goldsmith | first = Lowell | title = Fitzpatrick's dermatology in general medicine | publisher = McGraw-Hill Medical | location = New York | year = 2012 | isbn = 0071669043 }}</ref>





Latest revision as of 18:14, 27 June 2014

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]: Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Guillermo Rodriguez Nava, M.D. [2]

Overview

Vitiligo is caused by a loss of skin melanocytes. Although the exact mechanism is not known, at least in some cases, an autoimmune process may play a role. [1][2] The fact that vitiligo is more prevalent in patients with certain autoimmune disorders, such as Addison's disease, hyperthyroidism, alopecia areata and pernicious anemia supports this hypothesis,[3][4][5] but it should also be recognized that the majority of patients with vitiligo do not have any autoimmune disorder.

Immune Mechanisms

  • Both cellular immunity and humoral immunity have been linked to the pathogenesis of vitiligo.[6]
    • A predominance of CD8+ T Lymphocytes and Th1 CD4+ T lymphocytes has been found in the perilesional areas[7][8] exhibiting cytotoxical activity against melanocytes.[9]
    • Vitiligo patients have circulating IgG and IgA autoantibodies to melanocytes proteins as tyrosinase, TYRP 1 and 2; the melanosomal matrix protein gp100 (Pmel17) and Melan A/MART 1.[10][11] Passive immunization with monoclonal autoantibodies against the melanocyte membrane protein gp75 (TYRP1) in an animal model induced vitiligo-like lesions.[12]

Non-immune Mechanisms

Genetics

Among 656 people with and without vitiligo in 114 families, several mutations (single-nucleotide polymorphisms) were identified in the NALP1 gene.[21][22] The NALP1 gene, which is on chromosome 17 located at 17p13, is on a cascade that regulates inflammation and cell death, including myeloid and lymphoid cells. NALP1 is expressed at high levels in T cells and Langerhan's cells, white cells that are involved in skin autoimmunity. Among the inflammatory products of NALP1 are caspase 1 and caspase 5, which activate the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β. Interleukin-1β is expressed at high levels in patients with vitiligo.

Of the 656 people, 219 had vitiligo only, 70 had vitiligo with autoimmune thyroid disease, and 60 had vitiligo and other autoimmune diseases. Addison's disease (typically an autoimmune destruction of the adrenal glands) may be associated with vitiligo as well.

In one of the mutations, the amino acid leucine in the NALP1 protein was replaced by histidine (Leu155->His). The original protein and sequence is highly conserved in evolution, and found in humans, chimpanzee, rhesus monkey, and the bush baby, which means that it's an important protein and an alteration is likely to be harmful.

The following is the normal DNA and protein sequence in the NALP1 gene:

TCA CTC CTC TAC CAA
Ser Leu Leu Tyr Gln
S L L Y Q

In some cases of vitiligo the first leucine is altered to histidine, by a Leu155→His mutation:

TCA CAC CTC TAC CAA
Ser His Leu Tyr Gln
S H L Y Q

(Leucine is nonpolar and hydrophobic; histidine is positively charged and hydrophilic, so it is unlikely to serve the same function.[23] [24])

The normal sequence of the DNA code for NALP1 of TCACTCCTCTACCAA is replaced in some of these vitiligo families by the sequence TCACACCTCTACCAA,[25] which respectively code for the amino acid sequence of the normal NALP1 protein SLLYQ being replaced by SHLYQ.[26]

Microscopic Pathology

Histological examination typically shows an absence of melanocytes in the affected areas of the skin. However, it is possible to sometimes identify degenerating melanocytes at the borders of the affected areas. In these patients, normal melanocytes may be found in normal skin areas yet, even in these regions, changes such as abnormal keratinocytes may be found, showing evidence of vacuolated cytoplasm in the basal layers of cells as well as granular extracellular materials.[27] In certain situations it is possible to identify lymphocytic infiltrates on the margin of the lesions, which is consistent with the underlying immunological mechanism, responsible for the destruction of the melanocytes.[28]


References

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  2. Dell'anna ML, Picardo M (2006). "A review and a new hypothesis for non-immunological pathogenetic mechanisms in vitiligo". Pigment Cell Res. 19 (5): 406–11. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0749.2006.00333.x. PMID 16965269.
  3. Shahla Babaee Nejad, Hamideh Herizchi Qadim, Leila Nazeman, Roohollah Fadaii & Mohamad Goldust (2013). "Frequency of autoimmune diseases in those suffering from vitiligo in comparison with normal population". Pakistan journal of biological sciences: PJBS. 16 (12): 570–574. PMID 24494526. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  4. Daniel Holthausen Nunes & Ligia Maria Hademann Esser (2011). "Vitiligo epidemiological profile and the association with thyroid disease". Anais brasileiros de dermatologia. 86 (2): 241–248. PMID 21603806. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  5. Kirsty J. MacLean & Michael J. Tidman (2013). "Alopecia areata: more than skin deep". The Practitioner. 257 (1764): 29–32. PMID 24383154. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  6. Michelsen D (2010). "The Double Strike Hypothesis of the vitiligo pathomechanism: new approaches to vitiligo and melanoma". Med Hypotheses. 74 (1): 67–70. doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2009.08.008. PMID 19748188.
  7. Steitz J, Brück J, Lenz J, Büchs S, Tüting T (2005). "Peripheral CD8+ T cell tolerance against melanocytic self-antigens in the skin is regulated in two steps by CD4+ T cells and local inflammation: implications for the pathophysiology of vitiligo". J Invest Dermatol. 124 (1): 144–50. doi:10.1111/j.0022-202X.2004.23538.x. PMID 15654968.
  8. Lang KS, Caroli CC, Muhm A, Wernet D, Moris A, Schittek B; et al. (2001). "HLA-A2 restricted, melanocyte-specific CD8(+) T lymphocytes detected in vitiligo patients are related to disease activity and are predominantly directed against MelanA/MART1". J Invest Dermatol. 116 (6): 891–7. doi:10.1046/j.1523-1747.2001.01363.x. PMID 11407977.
  9. van den Boorn JG, Konijnenberg D, Dellemijn TA, van der Veen JP, Bos JD, Melief CJ; et al. (2009). "Autoimmune destruction of skin melanocytes by perilesional T cells from vitiligo patients". J Invest Dermatol. 129 (9): 2220–32. doi:10.1038/jid.2009.32. PMID 19242513.
  10. Kemp EH, Gavalas NG, Gawkrodger DJ, Weetman AP (2007). "Autoantibody responses to melanocytes in the depigmenting skin disease vitiligo". Autoimmun Rev. 6 (3): 138–42. doi:10.1016/j.autrev.2006.09.010. PMID 17289548.
  11. Ali R, Ahsan MS, Azad MA, Ullah MA, Bari W, Islam SN; et al. (2010). "Immunoglobulin levels of vitiligo patients". Pak J Pharm Sci. 23 (1): 97–102. PMID 20067874.
  12. Hara I, Takechi Y, Houghton AN (1995). "Implicating a role for immune recognition of self in tumor rejection: passive immunization against the brown locus protein". J Exp Med. 182 (5): 1609–14. PMC 2192219. PMID 7595233.
  13. Cucchi ML, Frattini P, Santagostino G, Orecchia G (2000). "Higher plasma catecholamine and metabolite levels in the early phase of nonsegmental vitiligo". Pigment Cell Res. 13 (1): 28–32. PMID 10761993.
  14. Schallreuter KU, Moore J, Wood JM, Beazley WD, Peters EM, Marles LK; et al. (2001). "Epidermal H(2)O(2) accumulation alters tetrahydrobiopterin (6BH4) recycling in vitiligo: identification of a general mechanism in regulation of all 6BH4-dependent processes?". J Invest Dermatol. 116 (1): 167–74. doi:10.1046/j.1523-1747.2001.00220.x. PMID 11168813.
  15. Schallreuter KU, Wood JM, Berger J (1991). "Low catalase levels in the epidermis of patients with vitiligo". J Invest Dermatol. 97 (6): 1081–5. PMID 1748819.
  16. Maria Lucia Dell'anna & Mauro Picardo (2006). "A review and a new hypothesis for non-immunological pathogenetic mechanisms in vitiligo". Pigment cell research / sponsored by the European Society for Pigment Cell Research and the International Pigment Cell Society. 19 (5): 406–411. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0749.2006.00333.x. PMID 16965269. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  17. R. M. van den Wijngaard, J. Aten, A. Scheepmaker, I. C. Le Poole, A. J. Tigges, W. Westerhof & P. K. Das (2000). "Expression and modulation of apoptosis regulatory molecules in human melanocytes: significance in vitiligo". The British journal of dermatology. 143 (3): 573–581. PMID 10971331. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  18. Y. Gauthier, M. Cario-Andre, S. Lepreux, C. Pain & A. Taieb (2003). "Melanocyte detachment after skin friction in non lesional skin of patients with generalized vitiligo". The British journal of dermatology. 148 (1): 95–101. PMID 12534601. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  19. Yvon Gauthier, Muriel Cario Andre & Alain Taieb (2003). "A critical appraisal of vitiligo etiologic theories. Is melanocyte loss a melanocytorrhagy?". Pigment cell research / sponsored by the European Society for Pigment Cell Research and the International Pigment Cell Society. 16 (4): 322–332. PMID 12859615. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  20. Tara M. Kroll, Hemamalini Bommiasamy, Raymond E. Boissy, Claudia Hernandez, Brian J. Nickoloff, Ruben Mestril & I. Caroline Le Poole (2005). "4-Tertiary butyl phenol exposure sensitizes human melanocytes to dendritic cell-mediated killing: relevance to vitiligo". The Journal of investigative dermatology. 124 (4): 798–806. doi:10.1111/j.0022-202X.2005.23653.x. PMID 15816839. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  21. Gregersen PK (2007). "Modern genetics, ancient defenses, and potential therapies". N. Engl. J. Med. 356 (12): 1263–6. doi:10.1056/NEJMe078017. PMID 17377166.
  22. Jin Y, Mailloux CM, Gowan K, Riccardi SL, LaBerge G, Bennett DC, Fain PR, Spritz RA (2007). "NALP1 in vitiligo-associated multiple autoimmune disease". N. Engl. J. Med. 356 (12): 1216–25. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa061592. PMID 17377159.
  23. List of Amino Acids and Their Abbreviations
  24. The Genetic Code (DNA)
  25. Ensembl Transcript Report Ensembl Transcript ID: NST00000262467
  26. Ensembl Protein Report Ensembl Peptide: ID ENSP00000262467
  27. Soutor, Carol (2013). Clinical dermatology. New York: McGraw-Hill Education/Lange Medical Books. ISBN 978-0-07-177296-9.
  28. Goldsmith, Lowell (2012). Fitzpatrick's dermatology in general medicine. New York: McGraw-Hill Medical. ISBN 0071669043.

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