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Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition characterised by the loss of melanin (pigment) in the skin resulting in distinct patches in various parts of the body. Recent studies highlight the potential impact of the skin microbiome in the development and progression of vitiligo. These studies suggest that an imbalance or specific changes in the skin microbiome may trigger or worsen the condition, offering new insights into its underlying mechanisms and potential paths for treatment.
What we know:
Vitiligo affects between 0.1% and 2% of the global population, and although it does not impact life expectancy, vitiligo can cause considerable psychological distress, similar to the effects seen in other skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis (Perez et al., 2023).
Studies have found out that there are distinct differences in the skin microbiome of individuals with vitiligo compared to those without, indicating a potential role in the disease's progression (Lu et al., 2021).
Individuals with vitiligo have less microbial diversity within their skin, with a decrease in Staphylococcus and Cutibacterium populations and an increase in Proteobacteria, which is linked to inflammation (Al-Smadi et al., 2023).
The altered skin microbiome contributes to an autoimmune response that leads to the destruction of melanocytes (ultimately resulting in the development of white patches), immunological homeostasis, oxidative stress levels, and the integrity of the skin barrier (Al-Smadi et al., 2023).
There is also a link between the gut microbiome and the development of vitiligo. Changes in the gut microbiome can have an effect on skin health via the gut-skin axis, potentially influencing vitiligo (Luan et al., 2023).
The gut microbiome of vitiligo patients had an increase of Bacillota, Bacteroidota, and Actinomycetota. Clostridium spp, Coprococcus comes and Streptococcus thermophilus were reduced in patients with vitiligo (Luan et al., 2023).
Industry impact & potential:
Understanding the microbial profile of vitiligo individuals will be able to more accurately diagnose the condition and monitor its progression over time.
The development of probiotic-based treatments and other microbiome-modulating therapies could aid in the management of vitiligo.
Skincare companies can formulate products that promote a healthy skin microbiome, potentially preventing or reducing conditions like vitiligo.
Our solution:
Sequential uses advanced techniques such as qPCR sequencing, to be able to study the microbial profile to its strain level. In addition, we aim to create probiotic-based treatments, and apply scientific findings practically to whatever your needs are. We also have board certified and in-house dermatologists, to better assess your skin.
Reference:
Al-Smadi K, Leite-Silva VR, Filho NA, Lopes PS, Mohammed Y. Innovative Approaches for
Maintaining and Enhancing Skin Health and Managing Skin Diseases through Microbiome-Targeted Strategies. Antibiotics (Basel). 2023 Dec 4;12(12):1698. doi: 10.3390/antibiotics12121698. PMID: 38136732; PMCID: PMC10741029.
Lu H, Xu J, Hu Y, Luo H, Chen Y, Xie B, Song X. Differences in the skin microbial community
between patients with active and stable vitiligo based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Australas J Dermatol. 2021 Nov;62(4):e516-e523. doi: 10.1111/ajd.13721. Epub 2021 Sep 15. PMID: 34523726.
Luan M, Niu M, Yang P, Han D, Zhang Y, Li W, He Q, Zhao Y, Mao B, Chen J, Mou K, Li P.
Metagenomic sequencing reveals altered gut microbial compositions and gene functions in patients with non-segmental vitiligo. BMC Microbiol. 2023 Sep 22;23(1):265. doi: 10.1186/s12866-023-03020-7. PMID: 37737154; PMCID: PMC10515041.
Perez-Bootello J, Cova-Martin R, Naharro-Rodriguez J, Segurado-Miravalles G. Vitiligo:
Pathogenesis and New and Emerging Treatments. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Dec 9;24(24):17306. doi: 10.3390/ijms242417306. PMID: 38139134; PMCID: PMC10743634.
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