Can Vitiligo Be Cured With Reproductive Technology?

PGD (Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis) is an assisted reproductive technology used to screen embryos for specific genetic diseases. During IVF, embryologists will take a small number of cells from the embryo for genetic testing to screen for healthy embryos to be implanted, preventing genetic diseases from the next generation. What is the difference between PGD and Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS)? They are similar but their purposes are different: PGS is mainly used to screen embryos for normal chromosome counts (e.g., Down's Syndrome, etc.), while PGD is designed to detect specific mutations or genetic disorders. Simply put, PGS focuses on chromosomal abnormalities while PGD focuses on specific genetic diseases.

PGD does not tackle polygenic diseases: Vitiligo, "three highs", psychiatric disorders, etc.

The triggering factors of Vitiligo are complicated, involving multiple genes and environmental factors. Although some patients have a family history, it is not determined by a single gene but a combination of genes. In addition, environmental factors (e.g. stress, immune system disorders, etc.) may also trigger Vitiligo. PGD technology is mainly used for the screening of monogenic genetic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and thalassaemia. It is not likely to prevent or even cure Vitiligo through PGD since it's a polygenic disease and its related genes have not been fully identified.

The three highs (high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol) are usually the result of polygenic impact and acquired environmental factors (e.g., diet, lifestyle). Therefore PGD is not able to essentially prevent or cure these diseases. Neither for psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression, schizophrenia)  since their causes are also complex, involving multiple genes, environmental stress, and chemical imbalance in the brain. Although PGD excels in dealing with single-gene genetic diseases, there are still limitations in the application of PGD to Vitiligo, “three highs”, psychiatric disorders, and other polygenic or acquired diseases.

RSMC has more than 30 years of experience in infertility treatment and the largest state-of-the-art laboratory in Southern California. We are proud of our PGS passing rate and pregnancy rate, which both far exceeds the national average. Also we boast the detailed examinations we give to our egg donors and surrogates. RSMC uses PGS/PGD to rule out chromosome abnormality to improve the quality of embryos and the pregnancy rate. RSMC also provides one-site medical care all the way from initial consultation to successful delivery, including cross-country coordination, newborn health management, and surrogate management to ensure a seamless journey. Take the first step now and schedule a free consultation online with our 24-hour multilingual team: Line / wechat: rsmctw (whatsapp: +1 858-342-6046).