In his recent commentary, Robins (2009) disputed the role played by ultraviolet radiation (UVR), namely, the vitamin-D-producing wavelengths of ultraviolet B (UVB), in the evolution of human skin. He questioned the theory that reduced levels of pigmentation in human skin were selected to facilitate absorption of UVB. He provided evidence to support his idea that people can produce enough vitami...

This clinical report describes the successful use of lip repositioning technique for the reduction of excessive gingival display. A 34-year-old female patient reported with a chief complaint of gummy smile. The lip repositioning technique was performed under local anesthesia with the main objective of reducing gummy smile by limiting the retraction of elevator muscles (e.g. zygomaticus minor, l...

Human piebald trait is an autosomal dominant defect in melanocyte development characterized by patches of hypopigmented skin and hair. Although the molecular basis of piebaldism has been unclear, a phenotypically similar "dominant spotting" of mice is caused by mutations in the murine c-kit protooncogene. In this regard, one piebald case with a point mutation and another with a deletion of c-ki...

The foremost indication for gingival depigmentation is patient demand for improved aesthetics. In most cases after the removal of pigmented layer, the area is covered with periodontal packs. These dressings have no curative properties. They only minimise the likelihood of surface trauma during mastication. However, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) accelerates wound healing by effective neovascularisa...

In human vitiligo, cutaneous depigmentation involves cytotoxic activity of autoreactive T cells. It was hypothesized that depigmentation can progress in the absence of regulatory T cells (Treg). The percentage of Treg among skin infiltrating T cells was evaluated by immunoenzymatic double staining for CD3 and FoxP3, revealing drastically reduced numbers of Treg in non-lesional, perilesional and...

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease characterized by depigmented lesions on the skin, and T-cell mediated in that cytotoxic T-cells kill melanocytes, resulting lesional areas of skin depigmentation. Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) proposed to play a key role pathogenesis vitiligo. The Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer activator transcription factor (STAT) pathway downstream activated IFN-γ, thus util...