Abstract

Background: Prolonged application of skin depigmenting substances could expose human organism to serious general complications such as hypertension or diabetes. Artificial depigmentation (AD) is a widespread practice within Sub-Saharan Africa subjects. AD is based on the use of dermocorticoides which could lead to vascular complications. Aims and Objectives: Our aim was to evaluate the vascular function in depigmented Senegalese women.
Materials and Methods: Thirty six depigmented (depigmented group) and 36 undepigmented black women (control group) participated in the study. They were aged 33.10 ± 7 years and 30.22 ± 6 years, respectively. Brachial artery flow- mediated dilation (FMD) was measured in two groups. Biochemical and cardiovascular profiles of our study population were evaluated. The duration of depigmenting products exposure was evaluated in depigmented subjects.
Results: Our study showed an abnormal kinetic of FMD in depigmented group compared to control group. Mean arterial pressure was 95.9 ± 8.8 mmHg in depigmented subjects and 89.6 ± 6.2 mmHg for control subjects and a significant difference was observed (P = 0.002) while triglycerides was significantly different (P = 0.01) between the two groups (0.8 ± 0.3 and 0.6 ± 0.2 g/L, respectively). FMD was significantly and positively correlated with exposure time (r = 0.25; P = 0.029). Conclusion: Prolonged percutaneous application of depigmentation products could alter metabolic and vascular functions, and consequently install cardiovascular risks. Thus, we recommended ways to prevent of AD in the African population.