Background: Vitiligo is a complicated, multifaceted condition of the skin. Abnormalities in the surrounding keratinocytes may lead to death of the melanocytes because growth factors are deprived. Ultraviolet band B (NB-UVB) is a successful treatment option particularly in generalised individuals. Objective: The purpose of this research was to assess in lesional skin of vitiligo patients the levels of MITF, alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone and IDH2 and the influence of NBUVB treatment on them. Methods: 20 patients have been enrolled. They got NBUVB twice weekly for a total of 20 sessions on non-consecutive days. Each patient received skin biopsies from lesional skin before and after treatment. Results: 10% of patients had great clinical response after treatment; 10% showed fair response; 40% showed moderate reactions; 35% showed poor reactions; and 5% exhibited advancing illness. α MSH tissue levels were considerably increased (0.04)after treatment prior to treatment. Conclusion: NB-UVB is an effective means of treating vitiligo, by upregulating α MSH, the master regulator of melanogenesis. |
