Transcriptional profiles of melanogenesis and genes related to enzymatic antioxidants in skins with periorbital hyperpigmentation

Introduction: Identifying the causes of periorbital hyperpigmentation is crucial in selecting the best treatment. The identification of transcriptional profiles that may be related to hyperpigmentation around the eye area could contribute to a new approach in the treatment of periorbital hyperpigmentation – the gene therapy. Objective: This study aims to assess the transcriptional profile of melanogenesis, and genes related to enzymatic antioxidants in skins with periorbital hyperpigmentation. Methods: Based on clinical evaluation, 49 healthy volunteers were classified with or without periorbital hyperpigmentation. Genetic profiles of melanogenesis-related genes: microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R), tyrosinase (TYR), tyrosinase 1-related protein (TYRP1), and intracellular antioxidants glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx-1), glutathione s-transferase (GST-1) were determined by the polymerase chain reaction technique in real-time. Results: MITF, TYR, and TYRP1 gene expressions were significantly higher in the periorbital hyperpigmentation group (p<0.01). GR, GPx-1, and GST-1 gene expressions were comparable between the groups with and without periorbital hyperpigmentation. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that MITF is the primary regulator of melanin deposition in skins with periorbital hyperpigmentation. Up-regulated MITF is closely associated with increased TYR and TYRP1. These findings are essential in proposing a new therapeutic approach in the treatment of periorbital hyperpigmentation.