Effects of CO2 Fractional Laser Therapy on Peripheral Blood Cytokines in Patients with Vitiligo

Abstract

Vitiligo is a disease pathologically characterized by specific damage to melanocytes. The aim of this study was to explore the mechanism underlying CO2 fractional laser treatment of vitiligo by detecting the levels of Th1 cytokines (IL‐2 and IFN‐γ), Th2 cytokines (IL‐4 and IL‐10), and Th17 cytokines (IL‐17 and IL‐23) in peripheral blood. Twenty five vitiligo patients were enrolled in this study and were treated with a CO2 fractional laser four to eight times. The cytokines of 25 vitiligo patients and 20 healthy volunteers were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. After CO2 fractional laser therapy, six cases were cured, and the apparent efficiency was 72.0% (18/25), while the efficiency was 92.0% (23/25). Before CO2 fractional laser therapy, IL‐2 and IFN‐γ levels in vitiligo patients were higher than those in the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant (p > .05). IL‐4, IL‐10, IL‐17, and IL‐23 levels were also higher in vitiligo patients than those in the control group (p < .05). After treatment, IL‐2 and IFN‐γ levels in vitiligo patients were lower than before treatment, but the difference was not statistically significant (p > .05), while IL‐4, IL‐10, IL‐17, and IL‐23 levels were significantly lower compared with before treatment (p < .05). The results show that CO2 fractional laser treatment has a good curative effect in the treatment of vitiligo.

Regulating the Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway Promotes Repigmentation in Vitiligo Using Fire Needle Therapy

“…FNT acts as a controlled injury method, drawing parallels with contemporary treatments such as CO2 fractional laser and microneedling [34,35]. In addition, Wnt ligands in epithelial cells activate Wnt signalling in epidermal melanocytes during wound healing [28].…”

Management of the refractory vitiligo patient: current therapeutic strategies and future options

“…Therefore, fractional CO 2 laser may induce melanocyte migration during the inflammation and healing phases ( 104 ). Research has shown that fractional CO 2 laser increases IL-4, IL-10, IL-17, and IL-23 levels, which demonstrates the restoration of the Th balance of the immune system ( 105 ). The common laser settings were as follows: pulse energy of 100 mJ, spot density ranging from 150 to 200 spots/cm 2 , and 2 passes over the assigned area.…”

Bridging Molecular Mechanism and Clinical Practice in Vitiligo Treatment: An Updated Review

“…The induction of various melanogenic cytokines, such as MMP-2, during the wound-healing process may stimulate the migration of melanocytic stem cells from hair follicles [125]. The serum levels of IL-4, IL-10, IL-17, and IL-23 were significantly decreased after CO 2 fractional laser therapy, suggesting that it could restore the Th balance of the immune system allowing melanocytes to gradually recover [126]. In addition, impairment of the skin barrier could increase the penetration of UV radiation.…”