Aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitors as novel depigmenting agents

Abstract

The present invention provides methods and compositions for reducing pigmentation.

1 . A method for reducing skin pigmentation, the method comprising topically administering an effective amount of an inhibitor of aldehyde dehydrogenase to pigmented skin of a subject. 
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitor comprises disulfuram or a derivative thereof. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitor comprises cyanamide or a derivative thereof. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the skin pigmentation comprises hyperpigmentation. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the hyperpigmentation is selected from the group consisting of hyperpigmentation due to sun exposure, hyperpigmentation due to inflammation, hyperpigmentation associated with chemical exposure, and hyperpigmentation due to skin trauma. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the subject has a disease or disorder selected from the group consisting of solar lentigines, Addison's disease, Cushing's disease, Acanthosis nigricans, Melasma, Linea nigra, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, Smoker's melanosis, Celiac disease, Cronkite-Canada syndrome, and Tinea fungal infection. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitor is administered in a formulation selected from the group consisting of a cream, an ointment, a paste, a lotion, a gel, and a solution. 
   
   
       8 . A topical formulation for reducing skin pigmentation, the formulation comprising an inhibitor of aldehyde dehydrogenase in a formulation selected from the group consisting of a cream, an ointment, a paste, a lotion, a gel, and a solution. 
   
   
       9 . The topical formulation of  claim 8 , wherein the aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitor comprises disulfuram or a derivative thereof. 
   
   
       10 . The topical formulation of  claim 8 , wherein the aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitor comprises cyanamide or a derivative thereof.