Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) Stimulates Melanoblast-to-Melanocyte Differentiation via PRKCQ Upregulation and NF-kB Pathway Activation

Vitiligo is among the most common depigmenting dermatological disorders, with a prevalence affecting approximately 0.1-2% of the global population. Clinically, it is characterized by distinct, non-scaly, depigmented macules, predominantly located in the face and limbs, potentially accompanied by leukotrichia (white hair)]. Although vitiligo does not pose a threat to life or cause severe discomfort such as pruritus or pain in the majority of cases, it significantly impairs patients' quality of life. Current treatment options for vitiligo encompass physical interventions, topical therapies, systemic medications, and surgical procedures. Regrettably, due to the disease's refractory nature, these treatments often fail to provide consistent, favorable outcomes, leading to disease recurrence and progressive dermatological changes, underscoring the need for ongoing research into novel and effective therapeutic strategies.In the advancing field of biomedicine, cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has gained significant promise as a versatile intervention, with applications in oncology, stem cell differentiation, and dermal wound healing. CAP is known to generate a spectrum of biologically active species, including reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, ultraviolet radiation, cationic ions, and free electrons [16]. Nitric oxide (NO), a highly reactive molecule, plays a crucial role in various physiological processes within biological systems, particularly in the regulation of stem cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation.Within this context, our study investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying CAP-induced differentiation of melanoblasts into melanocytes, seeking innovative approaches to address pigmentary disorders. We demonstrate that CAP treatment induces melanoblast-to-melanocyte differentiation within the bulge region of hair follicles, leading to repigmentation of hypopigmented lesions in a murine model of vitiligo. Furthermore, CAP enhances melanocyte maturation, melanosomal protein expression, and melanin particle synthesis in immortalized melanoblasts (iMC23), offering a potential therapeutic avenue for vitiligo treatment.