Melanocytes and Keratinocytes Transfer Using Sandpaper Technique Combined with Dermabrasion for Stable Vitiligo

Abstract

Transfer of melanocytes and keratinocytes with the sandpaper method is feasible, safe, and effective as treatment for stable vitiligo, although simple dermabrasion is as effective in the long term.

Epidermal curettage technique (ECT) for tissue harvest from the donor area for melanocyte autologous grafting in cases of vitiligo

“…8 There was a significant increase in the percentage of melanocytes in grafted areas, in comparison with control areas (that were only curetted). 8 Evidence of a discrete increase in the number of melanocytes in the control area was observed, a fact that was confirmed in other studies conducted by Barros et al and Quezada et al 9,10 …”

Advanced Treatment Modalities for Vitiligo

“…52 Dermabrasion Microdermabrasion, first introduced to the United States in 1994, involves the application of a continuous flow of aluminum oxide microcrystals over the skin with simultaneous negative pressure to remove the crystals and skin debris. 54 Another study by Sethi and colleagues 56 showed a success rate of 63% with dermabrasion monotherapy at 6 months after treatment. 53 As outlined above, dermabrasion is a useful tool in the preparation of the recipient site for multiple methods of melanocyte transfer.…”

“…Despite this strength, its tremendous laboratory requirements and associated costs severely limit the widespread implementation of autologous melanocyte cultures. 54,55 It is hypothesized that microdermabrasion or curettage monotherapy works by activating follicular melanocyte reservoirs, stimulating peripheral epidermal melanocytes, and possibly by activating metabolically inactive melanocytes in vitiliginous patches. 52 Dermabrasion Microdermabrasion, first introduced to the United States in 1994, involves the application of a continuous flow of aluminum oxide microcrystals over the skin with simultaneous negative pressure to remove the crystals and skin debris.…”

“…In addition, the use of growth factors and bovine serum has raised some concerns about possible teratogenicity of the transplanted tissue, 51 although initial investigations refute this claim. 54,56 A recent study by Quezada and colleagues 54 compared melanocyte and keratinocyte transfer using a sandpaper method with simple dermabrasion and found both to be equally effective in successfully inducing repigmentation in vitiliginous patches. Many variations of this technique have been developed since its initial introduction, including the application of sodium chloride crystals, magnesium oxide crystals, sodium bicarbonate crystals, and even particle-free units that use solutions with positive pressure.…”

Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Improve Efficacy of Melanocyte Transplantation in Animal Skin

“…Simultaneous transplantation of melanocytes and keratinocytes has been attempted to enhance engraftment rates and facilitate procedures (Falabella et al ., 1989; Guerra et al ., 2000; Quezada et al ., 2011), since keratinocytes produce lots of growth factors for melanocyte proliferation and migration. In clinical trial, an easier way of obtaining autologous tissue is also an important consideration.…”