Expression of Endothelin-1, Endothelin Receptor-A, and Endothelin Receptor-B in facial melasma compared to adjacent skin.

Background/objectives: Although melasma is highly prevalent, its pathogenesis is not yet fully understood. In the skin, endothelin-1 (ET-1) is primarily produced by keratinocytes in response to UVB exposure, which is mediated by an increase in IL-1α or reactive oxygen species. ET-1 plays a role in melanogenesis by binding to specific receptor B (ERB) or receptor A (ERA).

Fibroblast morphology, growth rate and gene expression in facial melasma.

Background: In addition to melanocytic hyperfunction, changes are observed in the upper dermis of melasma, and fibroblasts play a central role in collagen synthesis and pigmentation induction.

Objective: To explore the morphology, growth rate, and gene expression profile of fibroblasts from the skin with melasma in comparison to fibroblasts from the adjacent healthy skin.

Methods: Ten women with facial melasma were biopsied (lesion and adjacent healthy skin), and the fragments were processed for fibroblast culture.

Histological changes in facial melasma after treatment with triple combination cream with or without oral tranexamic acid and/or microneedling: A randomised clinical trial.

Background Melasma is an acquired dyschromia with several histologic alterations in the epidermis, basement membrane and upper dermis. The treatment of melasma is challenging due to the irregular response and chronicity of the disease. To date, there are no curative strategies, largely due to the limited understanding of the intrinsic effects of each treatment.

Exploratory Study of Epidermis, Basement Membrane Zone, Upper Dermis Alterations and Wnt Pathway Activation in Melasma Compared to Adjacent and Retroauricular Skin.

Background: Melasma is a chronic acquired focal hypermelanosis which pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated. Classical pathophysiologic studies have analysed the affected and perilesional areas, but little is known about the status of sun-protected skin, which is subjected to the same endogenous and genetic factors.

Objective: To assess the histological characteristics of melasma compared to adjacent and retroauricular skin.

Evaluation of ex vivo melanogenic response to UVB, UVA, and visible light in facial melasma and unaffected adjacent skin.

Background: The independent role of solar radiation in the differential melanogenesis between melasma and adjacent skin is unknown.

Objectives: To assess the melanogenic responses of skin with facial melasma and of the adjacent skin to UVB, UVA, and visible light, in an ex vivo model.

Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study involving 22 patients with melasma.

A comparative study of topical 5% cysteamine versus 4% hydroquinone in the treatment of facial melasma in women.

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of topical 5% cysteamine versus 4% hydroquinone in the treatment of facial melasma in women. Topical 5% cysteamine is an antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitor that has been shown to be effective in the treatment of melasma. However, to date, no study has compared the performance of topical cysteamine to hydroquinone for facial melasma.