Regenerative Medicine-Based Treatment for Vitiligo: An Overview

October 2022 in “ Biomedicines ”

Barbara Bellei, Federica Papaccio, Mauro Picardo

vitiligo depigmentation disorder topical immunosuppressors UV light treatments antioxidants melanocyte loss surgical grafting cell transplantation epidermal sheet transplantation noncultured epidermal cell suspension mesenchymal stem cells adipose-derived stem cells platelet-rich plasma immunomodulatory properties PRP

Studysummary This review presents clinical and preclinical evidence supporting innovative regenerative approaches to treat vitiligo, as existing treatments lack a specific cure and predictable long-term repigmentation outcomes. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

Vitiligo, affecting 0.1–2% of the global population, is a complex depigmentation disorder with no definitive cure. The document reviewed regenerative medicine-based treatments, highlighting both medical and interventional therapies. Medical approaches included topical immunosuppressors, UV light treatments, and antioxidants, while interventional therapies focused on regenerative techniques to address melanocyte loss. Surgical grafting and cell transplantation methods, such as epidermal sheet transplantation and noncultured epidermal cell suspension, showed varying success. The potential of mesenchymal stem cells, particularly adipose-derived stem cells, and platelet-rich plasma was noted for their immunomodulatory properties. Despite promising results, the document emphasized the need for further studies to confirm long-term efficacy and safety.

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Research cited in this study

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research Melanocyte Progenitor Cells Reside in Human Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue

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7 citations , April 2020 in “Curēus”

In this pilot study, both microneedling and CO2 laser combined with hair transplantation and nbUVB demonstrated potential for inducing repigmentation in refractory palmar-plantar vitiligo, though further research is needed to ascertain their relative efficacy.

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124 citations , October 2019 in “Frontiers in Immunology”

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In this study, adipose tissue secretome was shown to enhance oxidative stress resistance and promote cell proliferation in vitiligo cells, suggesting a potential natural treatment approach.

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69 citations , April 2019 in “Biomedicines”

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In this study, different donor and recipient site preparation techniques for melanocyte-keratinocyte suspension were associated with similar repigmentation outcomes in stable vitiligo, but efficacy varied by body site.

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This study on a 30-year-old male reported that single-hair follicular unit transplant effectively repigmented a stable vitiligo patch, achieving complete pigmentation in 8 weeks with no recurrence after 6 months.

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