L-phenylalanine and UVA irradiation in the treatment of vitiligo.

Abstract

In order to evaluate the efficacy of L-phenylalanine (L-Phe) in combination with UVA therapy for vitiligo an open trial (149 patients, 18 months) and a small double-blind trial (32 patients, 6 months) were conducted. Oral L-Phe loading resulted in peak plasma levels of L-Phe after 30-60 min and a slight increase in the plasma tyrosine level. Response to L-Phe plus UVA irradiation was positive, and various grades of repigmentation not exceeding 77% in the open and 60% in the blind trial were observed. An increased L-Phe dose resulted in increased L-Phe plasma levels but not in improved clinical results. The optimal L-Phe dose appears to be lower than 50 mg/kg/day. Although it is difficult to draw firm conclusions from the present investigation, we think that L-Phe may have a place in the treatment of vitiligo and its role merits further investigation.

• Authors: A H Siddiqui, L M Stolk, R Bhaggoe, R Hu, R B Schutgens, W Westerhof
• Journal: Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland) (Dermatology) Vol. 188 Issue 3 Pg. 215-8 ( 1994) ISSN: 1018-8665 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 8186511 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Controlled Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Tyrosine
• Phenylalanine

Topics

• Administration, Oral
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Combined Modality Therapy
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Double-Blind Method
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Phenylalanine (therapeutic use)
• Tyrosine (blood)
• Ultraviolet Therapy
• Vitiligo (blood, therapy)