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Official Title: Metformin as a Novel Treatment for Vitiligo by Targeting CD8+ T Cell Metabolism
Brief Summary: Metformin modulates metabolism in multiple cell types and is currently used to reduce glucose levels and insulin resistance in diabetic patients. The investigators hypothesize that oral metformin can regulate the metabolism of CD8+ T cells, reduce their cytotoxic activity and thus serve as a novel treatment for vitiligo.
Detailed Description: Metformin modulates metabolism in multiple cell types and is currently used to reduce glucose levels and insulin resistance in diabetic patients. Bae et al. reported that the use of metformin correlated with a lower risk of developing vitiligo, suggesting that metformin could potentially mitigate the disease. The investigators found that treating mouse T cells with metformin during activation reduced their mitochondrial respiration and proliferation, while mice treated with metformin reversed their vitiligo. Therefore, the investigators hypothesize that regulation of CD8+ T cell metabolism in vitiligo patients by metformin will reduce their proliferation and cytotoxic activity, resulting in skin repigmentation and thus serve as a novel treatment.
The investigators plan to treat approximately 30 subjects with stable vitiligo.
Metformin is FDA-approved for use with dosing from 500-2000 mg/day. It has a rare risk of lactic acidosis, which can be meaningful in patients with risk factors such as renal insufficiency. This risk is directly proportional to the dose given; therefore, participants will be started at a lower dose (500 mg twice daily) with follow-up to monitor any arising symptoms. Per current clinical recommendations, participants will only be increased to higher-dose metformin (1000 mg twice daily) if the initial dose is tolerated.
Estimated Study Start Date: November 1, 2022
Estimated Study Completion Date: November 1, 2023
Contact: Nuria Martinez Gutierrez, PhD +1 (774) 455-4758 or nuria.martinezgutierrez@umassmed.edu
https://beta.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05607316
FAQOther Questions
- PTSD in Vitiligo?
Living with vitiligo often involves dealing with more than just skin changes. Many people with vitiligo face discrimination, social stigma, and isolation, which can lead to lowe...
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Children born to parents who both have the disorder are more likely to develop vitiligo. However, most children will not get vitiligo even if one parent has it. In children with...
- Isn't it just a cosmetic disorder?
Contrary to popular belief, vitiligo is not a cosmetic disorder but a systemic disease affecting the largest body organ and other vital systems, with multiple comorbidities. Fo...
Though it is not always easy to treat vitiligo, there is much to be gained by clearly understanding the diagnosis, the future implications, treatment options and their outcomes.
Many people deal with vitiligo while remaining in the public eye, maintaining a positive outlook, and having a successful career.
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