Repigmentation by outer-root-sheath-derived melanocytes: proof of concept in vitiligo and leucoderma

BACKGROUND: Treatment of depigmented skin is an unmet medical need. OBJECTIVE: Melanocytes or stem cells thereof residing in the outer root sheath (ORS) of hair follicles might be used to repigment skin. METHODS: After de-epidermisation, autologous ORS cell solutions were applied to 5 patients with vitiligo and 1 with leucoderma. RESULTS: Stable repigmentation in a variable percentage was documented in all the patients. CONCLUSION: Applying ORS-derived melanocytes is a promising technology to improve autologous melanocyte transplantation.

A Model to quantify Disease state based on the ayurvedic concept of Tridosa

The ancient Indian system of Ayurveda revolves around the concept of tridosha namely vata, pitta and kapha. The disturbance in the steady state of these three factors is said to be the starting point of the development of diseases. Even though the diseases and their associated symptoms are well- described in the medical system, no mention is directly made in the basic texts about the quantification. We offer here a specific protocol to quantify a disease in terms of ayurvedic principles