Pablo Vitiligo proposal – Presentation Transcript
1. Pablo Andrés González
Relationship Between Vitiligo and the Stress Produced Hormone Corticotropin
Dr. Edwin Vázquez Ph.D
July 12,2011
University of Puerto Rico Cayey
Biol-3009
2. About the Skin Condition
Vitiligo is a pigmentation disorder in which melanocytes in the skin are destroyed (a result of apoptosis).
As a result white patches appear on the skin.
The hair that grows on areas affected by vitiligo sometimes turns white.
It affects 1% of the worldwide population regardless of sex, age, and race.
3. Vitiligo Classifications
Vitiligo focalis- only one or more maculae in one area
Vitiligo segmentalis- one or more maculae in a quasidermatomal pattern
Vitiligo acrofacialis- distal extremity and face
Vitiligo vulgaris- scattered macules over the entire body
Vitiligo universalis- Almost all body depigmentation
4. Melanocytes
Melanocytes are special skin cells located in the bottom layer of the epidermis that are responsible for the production of melanin.
5. ACTH
ACTH is a hormone that stimulates the adreal cortex and its produced as a response to corticotropin- releasing hormones.
Corticotropin is released with stress.
6. Pathogenesis
There are four hypothesis to why these melanocytes are affected:
Autoimmune hypothesis
Neural hypothesis
Self-destruction hypothesis
Combination of 1, 2, and 3
7. Certain modifications in the immune system result in the destruction of the melanocytes.
The presence of a certain neurochemical mediator that is cytotoxic to pigment cells.
Precursors of melanogenesis are toxyc to melanocytes.
All of these factors are involved in the destruction of the melanocytes.
8. Other types of disorders
Psoriasis bulgaris
Alopecia areata
Seborrhea
9. Hypothesis
If I submit subjects, such as mice, to a stressful environment they will produce Adrenocorticotropic (ACTH or corticotropin) hormone and destroy they melanocytes. By analyzing this substance I can create something to counter that effect or to regenerate the damaged melanocytes.
10. Objective
To determine why the body produces adrenocorticotropic hormone during periods of extreme emotional stress that affect the melanocytes in the skin.
11. Methodology
Survey different types of people that have or are prone to the disease.
Make a culture of normal (people with medical history of vitiligo) and affected melanocytes. Then expose them to ACTH.
12. Steps
Make different groups of 5 people, depending on their age.
– One group 1-12 years
– Another group 15-20 years
– A group of 23-55 years
– One last group of 60-73 years
13. Ask them If they have any medical history of Vitiligo.
Question them about the first time they notice an outbreak of the disorder.
Where did the white patches start.
Did they feel any different.
What did they do to manage their condition.
14. Expected Results
The production of ACTH causes the destruction of melanocytes if the person has a medical history of Vitiligo. The melanocytes of the people affected with vitiligo will start to undergo apoptosis.
All,
I just read the Vitiligo Support International newsletter and found that Gastric Acid ( Acid Reflux) drugs reverse pigmentation. I have acid reflux and take these medicines and I have noticed increase in my vitiligo (I also blame this on stress ). I think all these drugs/stress as well as our eating habits are related.
Anyone in the community noticed something like this? If so let us know.
V