Adipose-derived Stem Cells Combined With Excimer Light in the Treatment of Stable Vitiligo

Adipose-derived Stem Cells Combined With Excimer Light in the Treatment of Stable Vitiligo

This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of intradermal injection of adipose-derived stem cells, alone and combined with excimer light in treatment of stable vitiligo.

Vitiligo is a common disfiguring autoimmune disease that negatively affects patients' self-esteem and quality of life. Vitiligo is caused by a dynamic interplay between genetic and environmental risks that initiates an autoimmune attack on melanocytes in the skin.

Adipose tissue-derived stem cells have the capacity to secrete a variable cytokines and growth factors, including hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), tumour necrosis factor (TNF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), that stimulate angiogenesis, tissue remodeling, and anti-apoptotic processes. Phototherapy has an eminent effect on stoppage of progression and repigmentaion of vitiligo patches. Narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA), and monochromatic excimer light (MEL) can be used in treatment of vitiligo. The specific 308-nm radiation wavelength is delivered in a targeted form by the xenon-chloride excimer laser and is also available in an incoherent form that is commonly referred to as the excimer lamp.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with two or more similar patches of stable vitiligo "absence of new patches of depigmentation or enlargement of the pre-existing patches" for 6 months at least.
• Patients who will accept to be enrolled in the study and will sign an informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unstable vitiligo for more than 6 months.
• Current bacterial or viral infection in the treatment area.
• Patients with unrealistic expectation.
• Very thin patients "poor donor areas".
• Patients with uncontrolled systemic disease such as diabetes or hypertension.
• Patients with hepatitis B or C virus infection.
• Patients with any other skin disease.
• Patients with bleeding or coagulopathy disorders.
• Pregnancy and lactation.
• Patients who received topical treatment for vitiligo during the last month, or systemic treatment during the past three months before the study.