Evaluation of vascular function in depigmented black women: Comparative study

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.