These authors contributed equally to this work.
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ORIGINAL ARTICLE
In vivo vitiligo induction and therapy model: double-blind, randomized clinical trial
Article first published online: 2 NOV 2011
DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-148X.2011.00922.x
© 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S
Additional Information
How to Cite
van Geel, N., Speeckaert, R., Mollet, I., De Schepper, S., De Wolf, J., Tjin, E. P.M., Luiten, R. M., Lambert, J. and Brochez, L. (2012), In vivo vitiligo induction and therapy model: double-blind, randomized clinical trial. Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research, 25: 57–65. doi: 10.1111/j.1755-148X.2011.00922.x
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These authors contributed equally to this work.
Publication History
- Issue published online: 16 DEC 2011
- Article first published online: 2 NOV 2011
- Accepted manuscript online: 10 OCT 2011 12:05AM EST
- PUBLICATION DATA Received 4 September 2011, revised and accepted for publication 6 October 2011, published online 10 October 2011
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Keywords:
- Koebner phenomenon;
- vitiligo;
- topical immunomodulators;
- treatment;
- experimental model
Summary
In this study, we developed an in vivo vitiligo induction model to explore the underlying mechanisms leading to Koebner’s phenomenon and to evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic strategies. The model consisted of 12 pigmented test regions on the back of generalized vitiligo patients that were exposed to three Koebner induction methods: cryotherapy, 755 nm laser therapy, and epidermal abrasion. In addition, four cream treatments (pimecrolimus, tacrolimus, steroid and placebo) were randomly applied. Koebnerization was efficiently induced by all three induction methods. In general, cryotherapy was the best method of Koebner induction, followed by 755 nm laser therapy and epidermal abrasion. Reproducible results were obtained, which showed enhanced depigmented surface areas and higher amounts of T lymphocytes in placebo-treated test zones compared to active treated areas. Tacrolimus and local steroids were better inhibitors of Koebner’s process (P < 0.05) compared to pimecrolimus. Our in vivo vitiligo induction model is very informative to investigate vitiligo induction and to determine the efficacy of topical treatments in vitiligo. This proof of concept confirms the efficient comparison of head-to-head therapeutic strategies intra-individually in a standardized, specific and better timed way.