Mechanisms of Repigmentation Induced by Photobiomodulation Therapy in Vitiligo

The document from January 30, 2019, reviews how photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy, using helium-neon (He-Ne) laser treatment, can induce repigmentation in vitiligo by initiating mitochondrial retrograde signaling that activates CREB-related pathways. This signaling promotes differentiation, migration, and melanogenesis of melanocyte stem cells and melanoblasts, as well as migration and proliferation of perilesional melanocytes, leading to perifollicular and marginal repigmentation. The He-Ne laser treatment also increases protein expression related to cell mobility, stimulates melanocyte proliferation, and enhances growth factor release from keratinocytes and fibroblasts, which supports melanocyte survival and migration. These findings suggest that He-Ne PBM therapy could be a significant treatment for vitiligo, including in cases resistant to other treatments or in sensitive areas.