About Careers MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Study Highlights Causes of Mysterious Skin Disease

by Kathy Jones on June 8, 2010 at 6:34 PM
Font : A-A+

 Study Highlights Causes of Mysterious Skin Disease

Generalized vitiligo - a disease that typically causes patches of white skin on the face and neck, is associated with slight variations in genes that play a role in the body's natural defences, scientists have said.

The scientists found variations in 10 genes associated with the body's immune response in people with vitiligo, saying that although immunity is a good thing, cells that guard the body apparently become too aggressive, killing pigment-producing cells called melanocytes that give colour to skin.

Advertisement

"Generalized vitiligo is a complex disorder that involves not just genetics, not just the environment, but a combination of factors," said Margaret "Peggy" Wallace, a professor of molecular genetics and microbiology and a member of the UF Genetics Institute and the Center for Epigenetics.

"A number of different targets for therapies probably exist. As we do more research on the pathways underlying vitiligo, we can begin figuring out ways to interrupt them. This could present an opportunity to practice personalized medicine, in which therapies are tailored to people with different genetic susceptibilities."
Advertisement

In addition to producing blotches of white skin, vitiligo can cause patches of hair to turn white or drain the colour from the mucous membranes of the mouth.

"It has a huge psychological effect on people. We live in a society that places value on personal appearance, and anyone who looks different, children in particular, can be made to feel very self-conscious and uncomfortable," said Wayne McCormack, an associate professor of pathology, immunology and laboratory medicine and associate dean for graduate education with the College of Medicine.

The findings appear in today's Nature Genetics.

Source: ANI
Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Reading

Latest Research News

 Microparticle Therapy Offers a Glimmer of Cure for Multiple Sclerosis
Utilizing microparticles for therapy could mark a significant milestone in the fight against multiple sclerosis (MS) and other autoimmune diseases.
 Cranial Epilepsy Surgery Offers Hope for Children With Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
A study revealed that children with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) had the highest survival rate beyond 10 years when they underwent cranial epilepsy surgery.
Shaping the Brain's Destiny for Treating Neuropsychiatric Disorders
From childhood through adolescence, the brain constantly changes, and researchers are making strides in identifying a potential treatment target for neuropsychiatric disorders.
Uncovering the Reasons Behind Japan's Fertility Rate Drop
In Japan, babies born in 2022 was also a record low at 770,747, down 40,875 from 2021, revealed data.
Why Is Deep Brain Stimulation Important for Memory?
The first direct evidence supported the main theory for how human memory is amalgamated during sleep.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

Study Highlights Causes of Mysterious Skin Disease Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests