Statins role in vitiligo: A mini-review

Vitiligo is a chronic acquired disease of pigmentation disorder. Melanocytes damage and hypopigmentation relate to the induction of oxidative and autoimmune disorders. Different previous studies illustrated the possible role of statins in the treatment of different types of vitiligo. Therefore, objective of this study was to elucidate the role of statins in the management of vitiligo. In general, an endeavor of this study article was to present a mini-review regarding the potential therapeutic effect of statins in the therapy of vitiligo. Results of the present study illustrated that statins inhibit the production of interferon gamma, expression of major histocompatibily complex, and T-cells activation in patients with active vitiligo. Statins have significant anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating activates in different modalities of vitiligo. Statins, have a potential effect against oxidative stress through the activation of anti-oxidant capacity and reduction of ROS in human melanocytes by upregulation of nuclear erythroid 2-related factor in the melanocytes. Statins improve melanogenesis in melanocytes though increasing tyrosinase mRNA production and augment the stimulatory effect of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone from the pituitary gland on the melanocytes. Finally, statins therapy may produce significant inhibition of inflammatory reactions through the inhibition of chemokines. In conclusion, this study highlighted the potential role of statins in the treatment of vitiligo either systemic or localized through significant suppressions of oxidative stress, autoimmunity, and inflammatory reactions. Bidirectional effects of statins on oxidative and autoimmunity/inflammatory pathway making it as a novel therapy for vitiligo.