Surg Cosmet Dermatol. 2019;11(4):281-286
INTRODUCTION: Vitiligo is a pigmentation disorder characterized by white spots on the skin and mucous membranes. Wnt1 protein belongs to the Wnt signaling pathway. Wnt1 induction is linked with melanocyte stem cell differentiation in hair follicles on lentigo solaris, which is a hyperpigmentation skin disorder in sun-exposed area. This assumes the possibility of Wnt1 induction with NB-UVB therapy, which causes perifollicular repigmentation on vitiligo.
OBJECTIVES: To compare Wnt1 expressions in vitiligo repigmentation after NB-UVB treatment and to identify the relationship between Wnt1 expressions and vitiligo repigmentation area.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subjects of the study were 18 vitiligo patients. Immunohistochemical examination was conducted on vitiligo skin tissues pre- and post-phototherapy treatment twice a week for two months.
RESULTS: There were significant differences in the vitiligo lesion area between pre and post-therapy. Also, there were significant differences in Wnt1 expressions between pre and post-therapy. There was a correlation between the post-therapy Wnt1 expressions and the post-therapy vitiligo lesion area.
CONCLUSIONS: Wnt1 induction occurs in hair follicles post-NB-UVB therapy, causing pigmentation around hair follicles. Further studies are needed on the Wnt1 protein mechanism resulting in pigmentation around hair follicles.
Keywords: Hair Follicle; Melanocytes; Ultraviolet Therapy; Wnt1 Protein; Phototherapy; Vitiligo
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