Publikationsdatum:
2016-10-28
Beschreibung:
Background Vitiligo is attributable to loss of functional melanocytes and is the most common acquired depigmenting disorder. Oxidative stress and intense UV irradiation are known to aggravate this condition. The non-histone high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) DNA binding protein is a physiologic activator of immune responses, cellular proliferation, and cell death. Although implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases and cutaneous disorders, the precise role of HMGB1 in melanocytes has yet to be studied. Objective To elucidate the effect of HMGB1 on melanocytic survival and its involvement in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. Methods Melanocytes were treated with recombinant HMGB1 (rHMGB1). Thereafter, apoptosis, autophagy, and melanogenesis-related molecules were detected. Ex vivo skin organ culture was performed after rHMGB1 treatment. Also, levels of HMGB1 were examined in blood and skin specimens from vitiligo patients. Results In this study, rHMGB1 increased expression of cleaved caspase 3 and decreased melanin production and expression of melanogenesis-related molecules. rHMGB1-induced caspase 3 activation was confirmed through preincubation with pan-caspase inhibitor. In ex vivo experiment for the confirmation of HMGB1-induced melanocyte apoptosis, melanocyte disappearance and increased caspase 3 activation were observed in rHMGB1-treated skin tissues. In western blot analysis and ELISA results, patients with active vitiligo showed significantly higher blood levels of HMGB1 (vs. healthy controls). Also, greater expression of HMGB1 was observed in vitiligous skin (vs. uninvolved skin). Conclusion In conclusion, external stimuli (e.g., oxidative stress and UV irradiation) may trigger HMGB1 release by keratinocytes, thereby perpetuating vitiligo through HMGB1-induced melanocytic apoptosis. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Print ISSN:
0007-0963
Digitale ISSN:
1365-2133
Thema:
Medizin
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