Identification of active compounds in Vernonia anthelmintica (L.) willd by targeted metabolome MRM and kaempferol promotes HaCaT cell proliferation and reduces oxidative stress

Introduction: Vernonia anthelmintica (L.) Willd. is a traditional treatment for vitiligo in Xinjiang. However, its therapeutic mechanism remains unclear owing to its complex composition and limited research on its chemical profile. Methods: We employed a targeted metabolome approach, combining selective reaction monitoring/multiple response monitoring (SRM/MRM) with high-performance liquid chromatography and MRM mass spectrometry to quantitatively analyze the flavonoid constituents of Vernonia anthelmintica. We also used network pharmacology and molecular docking to identify potential vitiligo-linked compounds and targets of V. anthelmintica seeds. Additionally, we assessed HaCaT cell proliferation by AAPH-induced, alongside changes in SOD activity and MDA content, following treatment with V. anthelmintica components. Finally, flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis and ROS levels. Results and Discussion: We identified 36 flavonoid compounds in V. anthelmintica seeds, with 14 compounds exhibiting druggability. AKT1, VEGFA, ESR1, PTGS2, and IL2 have been identified as key therapeutic target genes, with PI3K/AKT signaling being an important pathway. Notably, kaempferol, one of the identified compounds, exhibited high expression in network pharmacology analysis. Kaempferol exhibited a strong binding affinity to important targets. Further, kaempferol enhanced HaCaT cell viability, inhibited apoptosis, reduced MDA levels, suppressed ROS activity, and upregulated SOD activity, increase the expression of cellular antioxidant genes, including HO-1, GCLC, GCLM, Nrf2, NQO1 and Keap1, providing significant protection against oxidative stress damage in vitro. Here, we present the first comprehensive study integrating SRM/MRM approaches and network analysis to identify active flavonoid compounds within V. anthelmintica (L.) Willd. Moreover, we revealed that its active ingredient, kaempferol, offers protection against AAPH-induced damage in keratinocytes, highlighting its potential as a clinical resource.

Vitiligo, from Pathogenesis to Therapeutic Advances: State of the Art

Vitiligo is an acquired hypopigmentation of the skin due to a progressive selective loss of melanocytes; it has a prevalence of 1-2% and appears as rounded, well-demarcated white macules. The etiopathology of the disease has not been well defined, but multiple factors contribute to melanocyte loss: metabolic abnormalities, oxidative stress, inflammation, and autoimmunity. Therefore, a convergence theory was proposed that combines all existing theories into a comprehensive one in which several mechanisms contribute to the reduction of melanocyte viability. In addition, increasingly in-depth knowledge about the disease's pathogenetic processes has enabled the development of increasingly targeted therapeutic strategies with high efficacy and fewer side effects. The aim of this paper is, by conducting a narrative review of the literature, to analyze the pathogenesis of vitiligo and the most recent treatments available for this condition.

Association of MTHFR C677T polymorphism with elevated homocysteine level and disease development in vitiligo

Increasing evidence on the association of MTHFR gene polymorphism and serum homocysteine levels with autoimmune diseases such as vitiligo has made the MTHFR gene a very interesting candidate to be evaluated in different ethnicities and populations. We aimed to evaluate the levels of serum homocysteine and vitamin B12 and their associations with MTHFR C677T polymorphism in the Iranian population. This case-control study included 104 patients with vitiligo and 100 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects. Serum vitamin B12 and homocysteine levels were measured by a chemiluminescence assay. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis was used for genotyping the polymorphism. The mean serum homocysteine levels were significantly higher in cases than controls and associated with disease activity (p < .001). Furthermore, the homozygous MTHFR C677T variant genotype was associated with vitiligo development (adjusted OR: 3.52, 95% CI: 1.09-11.32, p = .02) and elevated homocysteine level (p < .001). There was no association between serum vitamin B12 levels and the MTHFR C677T genotype. The homozygous variant MTHFR C677T may be considered as a risk factor for both elevated homocysteine levels and the development of vitiligo in the Iranian population. Although these results are not conclusive, they could elucidate the contribution of genetic and immune-mediated inflammatory factors to the pathogenesis of vitiligo.