Teachable moment in classrooms:
- integumentary system – layers/strata of epidermis
- integumentary system – melanocytes produce melanin for skin pigmentation
- immune system chapter – the white blood cells called cytotoxic (CD8) T lymphocytes can kill invaders and infected cells
- endocrine system chapter – some hormone receptors in the cell membrane send chemical signals to the inside of the cell
The news item: Recently the following new item appeared online:
More Vitiligo Patients Respond with Longer Use of Opzelura
Longer-term use of Opzelura was well tolerated, with no serious treatment-related adverse events, according to a poster presented at the annual dermatology meeting.
The article states that vitiligo is a disorder where skin loses color, and that it is likely an autoimmune reaction. The article also states that Opzelura is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, and that JAK signaling is responsible for inflammation in vitiligo.
So, Why Do I Care?? While vitiligo is not a life-threatening condition, the appearance of “bleached” white spots on the face or hands hinders social interactions, and may cause social withdrawal, and associated psychological stress of vitiligo sufferers. The improved coloration of the skin through medical treatment increases quality of life by lowering the psychological stress.
Plain English, Please!!! First, let’s talk about how normal skin pigmentation is created. The deepest layer of the epidermis is called stratum basale, and in that layer, scattered among keratinocytes, we find the cells called melanocytes that make the brownish pigment called melanin. Melanin is exocytosed, secreted, from melanocytes, and then neighboring keratinocytes of stratum basale and stratum spinosum endocytose, soak up melanin. Inside the keratinocytes melanin protects the DNA from UV light.
Second, let’s talk about how vitiligo changes skin pigmentation. People with vitiligo has melanocytes that are more sensitive to UV light or chemical stress. The stressed melanocytes release stress-related