Transplantation of tissue-engineered epithelial autografts bearing melanocytes for the treatment of vitiligo: a preliminary clinical study

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of transplantation of cultured epithelial autografts bearing melanocytes for the treatment of stable vitiligo. Methods Fifteen patients aged 18-65 years with stable vitiligo were enrolled into this study from February to December in 2012. Normal skin tissues measuring 3-7.5 cm2 in size were harvested from these patients. According to the method described by Green, epidermal cells from these tissues were cultivated in vitro. After about 3 weeks of culture, keratinocytes formed epidermal grafts with some tension, which were subjected to autologous transplantation followed by compression bandaging. The sutures were removed after 2 weeks. Follow-up was carried out after transplantation. Repigmentation was analyzed by Wood's lamp, and adverse reactions were recorded. Results During the 12-24 months of follow-up, 1 patient was lost to follow up. Among the 15 patients with vitiligo, 6 with segmental vitiligo achieved 100% repigmentation, and another 6 achieved 75%-100% repigmentation. Lesions on the face and neck showed better repigmentation than those on the trunk after the transplantation. Conclusion Transplantation of cultured tissue-engineered epithelial autografts bearing melanocytes is effective and safe for the treatment of stable vitiligo, and worthy of clinical application. Key words: Vitiligo; Melanocytes; Tissue engineering; Transplantation, autologous; Organ culture techniques; Reconstructive surgical procedures; Skin transplantation