Evaluation of the Langerhans cells role in vitiligo and its relationship to NB‐UVB

Abstract

Background: Langerhans cells (LCs) are antigen-presenting cells that are characterized by CD1a and CD207/langerin expression. The disturbance in the communication network among keratinocytes, melanocytes, and antigen-presenting cells may be involved in vitiligo pathogenesis. Aims:The current work aims to detect and quantify LCs in involved skin of patients affected by vitiligo before and after treatment with NB-UVB using CD1a immunohistochemistry, in addition to correlate percentage of LCs with the clinicopathological parameters.Methods: Twenty vitiligo patients and 10 age and sex matched controls were investigated. Patients were received NB-UVB thrice weekly for 12 weeks.Results: There was a significant reduction in LCs percentage in skin affected by vitiligo before treatment in comparison with normal skin. About 65% (13/20) of vitiligo patients responded to NB-UVB, and the liability to respond was correlated with LCs percentage in specimens before treatment. However, there was no statistical difference between specimens before and after treatment regarding LCs percentage. Conclusions:Reduction in LCs in vitiligo may be a sign of active disease and melanocytes destruction. The percentage of LCs affects response to NB-UVB since higher percentage is associated with greater response to therapy. Therefore, modulation of LCs as a type of immunotherapy could be beneficial in improvement of vitiligo.

Morphological Alterations and Increased S100B Expression in Epidermal Langerhans Cells Detected in Skin from Patients with Progressive Vitiligo

“…Previous studies investigating the quantity of LCs in vitiligo-affected skin have reported contradictory results, with some observing a reduction in the percentage of epidermal LCs [ 13 ] and others reporting an increase in epidermal LCs [ 11 , 12 ]. To resolve this issue and determine whether there are changes in LC numbers in the epidermis of patients with vitiligo, we obtained formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue from eight lesional skin samples of non-segmental vitiligo in the progressive state, ten lesional skin samples of non-segmental vitiligo in the stable state, and five normal skin samples.…”

“…Studies by Prignano et al and Seite et al [ 12 , 29 ] reported that narrow-band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) and UVA1 treatment reduced LC density, redistributed main LCs, and slightly altered morphology of LCs in vitiligo. However, recently, in a study with 20 vitiligo patients and 10 age- and sex-matched controls, Shoeib et al [ 13 ] reported a reduction in LC percentage in skin affected by vitiligo and found no statistical change in LC percentage after NB-UVB therapy. Thus, the quantity and role of epidermal LCs in vitiligo has remained unclear.…”

“…Epidermal LCs have been proposed to contribute to vitiligo, although their exact role remains unclear. In particular, a number of studies have reported contradictory results regarding the quantity of epidermal LCs in vitiligo, and there are no published data describing their features in vitiliginous skin [ 11 , 12 , 13 ].…”

Effect of transcutaneous neuromodulation on normalization of dermal body temperature and pain in a tender scar in the presence of low back pain: An update and case report

“… 10 , 13 This modulates cutaneous sensory transduction, 33 influencing both inflammatory responses and the immune and endocrine systems as a whole. 20 , 34 , 35 The tape with magnetic particles (TMP) is an elastic adhesive bandage with particles with magnetic properties. When TMP comes in contact with electromagnetic fields, such as those generated by living beings, it creates a magnetic flux, that, in turn, produces a magnetic induction proportional to the variation of the magnetic flux.…”