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Updated: Mar 21, 2026

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Interleukin 10 protects primary melanocyte by activation of Stat-3 and PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathways
Jia Zhou1, Jingjing Ling2, Jing Song3
1School of Pharmaceutical Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China.
Abstract:
Vitiligo is a common melanocytopenic disorder of the skin, with acquired focal depigmentation. Normal human skin relies on melanocytes to provide photoprotection and thermoregulation by producing melanin. Interleukin 10 (IL-10) is a pleiotropic immunoregulatory cytokine drawing more and more researchers' attention. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of IL-10 on melanocytes and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. We proved that IL-10 play no role in regulating melanogenesis of normal human foreskin-derived epidermal melanocytes (NHEM). IL-10 stimulation activated the JAK/Stat-3 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. Moreover, IL-10 treatment increased translocation of p65 NF-κB into the nuclear compartment, and up-regulated expression of the pro-survival proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. IL-10 restored anti-apoptotic proteins expression and suppressed cytochrome c release in H2O2-induced apoptosis. In conclusion, IL-10 may provide pro-survival cues to melanocytes and be applied in the treatment of vitiligo and other depigmenting disorders.
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