Therapeutic Effects of Topical Mycophenolate Mofetil on Hydroquinone-Induced Depigmentation in Guinea Pigs and Mice

August 2025 in “ Annals of Medicine ”

Yuan Guo, Yifei Yang, Yanhua-Li, Yun Zhang, Haixia-Shi

Mycophenolate mofetil hydroquinone depigmentation vitiligo melanocytes melanin hair follicles tyrosinase melanin-associated genes WNT signaling pathway melanocyte differentiation repigmentation

Studysummary This study found that mycophenolate mofetil can enhance skin pigmentation in vitiligo models by activating the WNT signaling pathway and increasing melanin-related gene expression.

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The study explores the effects of topical Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) on hydroquinone-induced depigmentation in guinea pigs and mice, with a focus on its potential for treating vitiligo. MMF was shown to enhance pigmentation by increasing melanocytes and melanin in hair follicles, activating tyrosinase, and upregulating melanin-associated genes. It also activated the WNT signaling pathway, important for melanocyte differentiation and repigmentation. Conducted on 54 guinea pigs and C57/BL6 mice, the study found that MMF effectively mitigated depigmentation without adverse effects on liver and kidney function, suggesting it could be a promising and safe treatment for skin pigmentation disorders, though further research is needed for human application.

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