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

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.