Background/Aims: Vitiligo is a pigmentary skin disorder hallmarked by destruction of melanocytes. There are many theories concerning the pathogenesis of vitiligo. Catecholamines, particularly dopamine, has been implicated in vitiligo pathogenesis due to its release during oxidative stress, resulting in accumulation of reactive oxygen species. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to explore the association between vitiligo and the dopamine pathway in the pathogenesis of vitiligo.
Methods: Searches were conducted on Medline, Cochrane and Embase for studies investigating the association between dopamine and vitiligo. In vitro and animal studies were excluded.
Results: After screening, 121 studies met the search criteria, of which, 12 studies were included and of these, three papers including 85 vitiligo patients and 50 control patients could be used for meta-analysis. Dopamine levels in vitiligo patients are significantly higher (SMD 1.68), particularly in urine and skin and during active disease. Vitiligo patients also have a higher expression of genes involved in the dopamine metabolism pathway.
Conclusions and Significance/Impact: Dopamine levels in the urine and skin are higher in vitiligo patients. Catecholemines and dopamine may play a role in inducing and sustaining active vitiligo disease.