title: Neuro-immuno-endocrine processes in vitiligo pathogenesis.
abstract: Vitiligo  is  a  cutaneous  disorder  of  depigmentation,  clinically  characterized  by  well-demarcated,  white  macules  of  varying  size  and  distribution.  It  can  affect  up  to  2 percent of the population,  especially younger ages. In spite of recent findings implicating genetic, immune and oxidative stress factors, the exact pathogenesis of vitiligo remains obscure. Here, we briefly discuss the prevailing theories, and offer new suggestions that could explain in part the damage of melanocyte in the vitiliginous lesions. Our emerging hypothesis is that neuropeptides released from peripheral nerve endings could synergize with new cytokines to adversely affect melanocyte function and viability. These may include corticotropin- releasing hormone (CRH) and neurotensin (NT), as well as interleukin 33 (IL-33) and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP). Such interactions could serve the basis for further research, possibly leading to  new treatments.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Miniati
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Weng
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Stratigos
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Nicolaidou
authors.forename: T C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Theoharides
mesh_terms: D015551:Autoimmunity; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000502:physiology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000502:physiology; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000502:physiology; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D014820:Vitiligo / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D000094632:Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines; D009479:Neuropeptides; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone; D000094632:Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin