Ravinder Kumar

• PHD
• Professor (Assistant) at Panjab University

Introduction Vitiligo, an autoimmune disorder marked by skin depigmentation, is closely linked to immune dysregulation, including T cell infiltration and pro-inflammatory cytokines. This study explores the potential of baricitinib, a JAK-STAT inhibitor, in promoting repigmentation in vitiligo lesions by modulating immune responses. Methods Using a...

Skin pigmentation is regulated by intricate interaction of the dermis and epidermis. The extracellular components present in the dermis play a very important role in the maintenance of skin homeostasis. Therefore, our objective was to check the expression of various ECM components secreted by the dermal fibroblasts in the lesional skin and non-lesi...

Introduction: Melanocyte progenitors are embryonically derived from the neural crest and subsequently get localized in hair follicles and epidermis to provide hair and skin pigmentation. These progenitor cells in hair follicles repeatedly proliferate and differentiate to maintain pigmentation. Vitiligo, a pigmentary disorder, is associated with lo...

The present study portrays, a low-cost, environmentally benign, and green route synthesis of Mangifera indica leaf extract mediated silver nanoparticles (MI:AgNPs). MI:AgNPs were characterized using analytical techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–Visible spectroscopy, Transmission Electron M...

Despite various advancements in cancer therapies, treating cancer efficiently without side effects is still a major concern for researchers. Anticancer drugs from natural sources need to be explored as a replacement for chemo drugs to overcome their limitations. In our previous studies, isolation, characterization, and anticancer properties of a no...

In this report, an environment friendly and cost effective green synthesis method of magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) was introduced. Fe3O4 NPs were successfully synthesized by green route using Ocimum basilicum leaf extract. The structural investigation of Fe3O4 NPs using X-Ray diffraction technique revealed the cubic crystallinity with Fd3m sp...

In the present study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized via green route using Rheum emodi roots extract (RERE) and carried out a comparative anticancer potential analysis of pure RERE and RERE mediated AgNPs against DMBA and croton oil-induced skin carcinogenesis in mice and on MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines. It came out to be that...

Vitiligo, an autoimmune disorder is associated with altered cytokine levels and T lymphocytes. Lenalidomide modulates immune system components by altering cytokine production and regulating T cell stimulation. In this study effect of lenalidomide was checked on the development of vitiligo lesions, level of various cytokines, and T lymphocytes in th...

Green-route-bioengineered nanoparticles have received significant attention for diagnosis and treatment of cancer in the medical technology era due to their non-toxic nature, cost-friendliness, and energy efficiency. Interestingly, tin oxide nanoparticles (SnO2 NPs) were synthesized from the root extract of Himalayan herb Rheum emodi by a cost-effe...

Vitiligo is a depigmentary disease in which epidermal melanocytes are lost. It is considered to be an autoimmune disease. Lenalidomide, an immunomodulatory drug is being employed in the treatment of various autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. In the present manuscript, the effect of lenalidomide on T cells and major cytokines in the cultured per...

In the present investigation, Rheum emodi roots extract mediated magnesium hydroxide nanoparticles [Mg(OH)2 NPs] through the bio-inspired experimental technique were synthesised. Mg(OH)2 NPs were characterised by using various characterisation techniques such as field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fo...

An eco-friendly and cost-effective technique for the synthesis of R. emodi roots extract (RERE)-mediated bimetallic silver–copper nanoparticles (Ag–Cu NPs) with anticancer and antibacterial applications are reported in the present investigation. Ag–Cu NPs were characterized using different techniques such as UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transfo...

Cell adhesion is a complex process that involves multiple molecules on the cell surface (ie cell adhesion molecules [CAMs]), surrounding cells and extracellular matrix (ECM). Repigmentation in vitiligo is dependent on the ECM remodelling and cellular migration, primarily attributed to the transcriptional activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP...

The variations in human skin colour mainly occur due to differences in the distribution of melanin pigment throughout the body, synthesized by epidermal melanocytes which are further taken up by keratinocytes present in epidermis. Recently, it has been discovered that besides these cells, dermis derived fibroblast factors also play a prominent role...

The synthesis of magnetic Hematite nanoparticles (α-Fe2O3) via green route has been a long lasting challenge for the scientific and technological fascination of many researchers. In the present investigation, iron oxide nanoparticles (α-Fe2O3) were synthesized using Rheum emodi roots in a cost effective and ecofriendly method. Their physicochemical...

Surgical modalities are the mainstay of treatment for medically resistant vitiligo. Among various techniques, non‐cultured epidermal cell suspension (NCES) has proven to be an effective and most accepted technique because of its advantage of treating large areas. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Background Biosurfactants are amphipathic molecules of microbial origin that reduce surface and interfacial tension at gas–liquid–solid interfaces. Earlier, the biosurfactant was isolated and characterized in our laboratory from Candida parapsilosis. The property of the biosurfactant is further explored in this study by using quantum dots (QDs) as...

Background: Paracrine cross-talk exists between the fibroblasts of dermis and epidermal cells through secretions of various growth factors. Melanocytes present at the basement layer of the epidermis and respond to various factors secreted by underlying dermal fibroblasts in the dermis to regulate the function of the skin. Objective: Therefore th...

Fibroblasts secrete several growth factors which are important for the regulation of skin pigmentation. Dickkopf1 (DKK1) is also secreted by fibroblasts which inhibit the growth and function of melanocytes. Therefore, the study was designed to check the role of DKK1 in vitiligo pathogenesis. This study confirmed the higher expression of DKK1 in les...

Background: Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH) is a pigmentary disorder of unknown pathogenesis characterized by small discrete white macules. In the skin, epidermal melanin unit between melanocytes and keratinocytes is responsible for melanin synthesis and equal distribution of melanin pigment. Objective: Therefore, this study was designed...

Melanoblasts are the stem cells of melanocytes which migrate, proliferate, and differentiate into melanocytes in the skin, and play an important role in repigmentation. The mechanism of perifollicular repigmentation pattern has been investigated extensively and many groups consider that it is the only mode of repigmentation in vitiligo. Treatment o...

The bio-engineering of nanoparticles for the transportation of various therapeutic agents specifically to brain has sparked a rapidly growing interest in the field of material chemistry. In this study, L-pGlu-(1-benzyl)–L-His–L-ProNH2 (NP-355) and L-pGlu-(2-propyl)–L-His–L-ProNH2 (NP-647) were synthesized and encapsulated in biodegradable poly-lact...

Importance Epidermal cell suspension (ECS) and follicular cell suspension (FCS) are successful surgical modalities for the treatment of stable vitiligo. However, repigmentation in generalized and acrofacial vitiligo and over acral or bony sites (eg, elbows, knees, iliac crests, and malleoli), which are difficult to treat, is challenging. Objective...

Background: Non-segmental vitiligo (NSV) results from autoimmune destruction of melanocytes. The altered levels of various cytokines have been proposed in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. However, the exact immune mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated. Objectives: To investigate the role of epidermal and systemic cytokines in active and sta...

Dermal fibroblasts secrete various growth factors which are important for skin pigmentation. Imbalance in the synchronization of epidermal and dermal cells in the skin can play vital role in the pathogenesis of pigmentary disorder vitiligo. Therefore, our objective was to check the lesional fibroblasts for any abnormality and senescence in non-segm...

Background Vitiligo is characterized by the loss of pigment‐producing cells, melanocytes and one of the important goals of treatment is replenishing the melanocytes from existing reservoirs. Reservoir for melanocyte stem cell has been reported to be present in the skin hair follicles, but glabrous skin does not have hair follicles. Therefore, repig...

In the present study, porous PLGA microparticulate scaffolds (PMS_P), surface-hydrolysed scaffolds (PMS_Hyd) and cytomodulin-coupled scaffolds (PMS_CM) were prepared and characterized. After coupling the particles with cytomodulin, the size was reduced from 334 µm (span 0.53) to 278 µm due to hydrolysis, and contact angle also decreased from 70.87 ...

Background Despite continued progress towards an elucidation of pathogenetic pathways in vitiligo, a definitive cure remains elusive. Noncultured epidermal cell suspension (NCECS) is emerging as the treatment of choice for surgical management of both stable and segmental vitiligo. NCECS is very effective in repigmenting stable vitiligo, but the tec...

Background Autologous non-cultured outer root sheath hair follicle cell suspension (NCORSHFS) is a recently described novel cellular graft technique for the treatment of stable vitiligo. There is lack of data about various factors determining the repigmentation rate in vitiligo patients undergoing this novel surgical therapy.Objective To study the...

Although leukotrichia in vitiligo is troublesome, no study has been performed with a large number of patients undergoing surgical or medical vitiligo treatment giving importance to its improvement. To evaluate retrospectively the improvement of leukotrichia after a modified procedure of autologous noncultured epidermal suspension transplantation. I...

Vitiligo is a disfiguring condition that can cause considerable psychological distress to patients. Vitiligo lesions on acral areas and joints are considered difficult to treat, and they are unsuitable for surgical treatment because of their poor response. There are few studies on the management of those lesions with noncultured epidermal cell susp...

Background: Vitiligo is an acquired disorder of pigmentation caused by loss of epidermal melanocytes. Autologous noncultured epidermal cell suspension (NCES) and autologous noncultured extracted hair follicle outer root sheath cell suspension (NCORSHFS) are important surgical modalities for the treatment of stable vitiligo. Objectives: To compar...

In recent times, the role of LXRs in skin physiology and pathology has evolved rapidly because of their role in proliferation, carcinogenesis, differentiation and permeability barrier function. LXRs were identified as promising drug targets for the treatment of many skin diseases. For this study, skin biopsies were taken from 15 patients with vitil...

Background: There is a need to develop an in vitro skin models which can be used as alternative system for research and testing pharmacological products in place of laboratory animals. Therefore to study the biology and pathophysiology of pigmentation and vitiligo, reliable in vitro skin pigmentation models are required. Aim: In this study, we u...

Vitiligo is an acquired depigmenting disorder characterized by a chronic and progressive loss of melanocytes from the epidermis and follicular reservoir. The mechanism of melanocyte disappearance has never been clearly understood. This review discussed the data supporting the theory of melanocytorrhagy and apoptosis as one of the primary defects un...

Vitiligo is characterized by the loss of functional melanocytes from the epidermis. Repigmentation in vitiligo is initiated by activation, proliferation and migration of melanoblasts from the outer root sheath of hair follicles, or melanocytes from the border area of vitiligo lesions, into the depigmented epidermis. Cell migration plays a crucial r...

Apoptosis and melanocytorrhagy have been proposed as mechanisms of melanocyte disappearance although there are few controlled studies. We undertook this project to study melanocyte morphology and adhesion defects in patients with stable and unstable disease in controls. In this comparative study we included seven patients with stable disease and se...

Epidermal cell suspensions are being increasingly used in the surgical management of vitiligo. The procedure suffers from several drawbacks such as high cost of the procedure, difficulty of procuring the reagents etc. We hereby describe modifications which allow the use of cheaper, more commonly available alternatives.

Vitiligo is a common, non-contagious disorder. The basic pathogenesis of vitiligo generally, or for any of the putative subsets of vitiligo, remains unknown. The liver X receptors (LXRs), LXR-alpha and LXR-beta are members of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily of ligand-activated transcription factors. Important genes involved in regulation o...