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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Ultrastructural characterization of damage in the basement membrane of facial melasma

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Author(s):
Cavalcante Esposito, Ana Claudia [1] ; Brianezi, Gabrielli [2] ; de Souza, Nathalia Pereira [2] ; Santos, Daniela Carvalho [3] ; Bartoli Miot, Luciane Donida [1] ; Miot, Hello Amante [1]
Total Authors: 6
Affiliation:
[1] FMB Unesp, Dept Dermatol & Radioterapia, Campus Rubiao Jr Unesp, BR-18618000 Botucatu, SP - Brazil
[2] FMB Unesp, Dept Patol, Botucatu, SP - Brazil
[3] IBB Unesp, Dept Morfol, Botucatu, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: ARCHIVES OF DERMATOLOGICAL RESEARCH; v. 312, n. 3, p. 223-227, APR 2020.
Web of Science Citations: 2
Abstract

The pathogenesis of melasma is not fully understood, and the role of skin basement membrane zone (BMZ) alterations in disease development and the maintenance of hypermelanogenesis are also poorly known. We performed a comparative study to characterize the ultrastructural alterations that occur in BMZ in melasma and adjacent normal skin, as well as we discuss the implications of these changes in the physiopathology of the disease. Pairs of facial skin biopsies (2 mm) from 10 women with melasma and normal skin (< 2 cm apart) were processed by Transmission Electronic Microscopy or immunohistochemistry for Melan-A counterstained with Periodic acid-Schiff stain. Cytoplasmic organelles (from keratinocyte or melanocyte), BMZ damage were assessed and melanocyte counting (total and pendulous) was done. There was greater amount of cytoplasmic organelles inside basal keratinocytes and melanocytes in melasma, as well as structural damaged areas in the lamina densa (disruptions, gaps, lower density and thinning) and anchoring fibrils (lamina lucida), compared to healthy adjacent skin. Areas with pendulous melanocytes are characterized by discontinuity of BMZ ultrastructure. The prominence of cytoplasmic organelles from melanocytes and keratinocytes evidences the involvement of both cell groups in melasma. The damage in the lamina densa and lamina lucida suggest the role of upper dermis injury/repair process in the pathogenesis of the disease. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 12/09233-5 - Morphofunctional and genomic evaluation of melanocytes culture from patients with facial melasma
Grantee:Hélio Amante Miot
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants