Significant reduction in the expression of interleukins-17A, 22 and 23A, forkhead box p3 and interferon gamma delineates lichen planus pigmentosus from lichen planus

This study was undertaken to assess whether similar expression exists in lichen planus pigmentosus (LPP). We recruited 30 patients of treatment-naïve ‘LPP’ (in absence of cutaneous/mucosal LP elsewhere, group 1), 10 patients having active treatment-naïve cutaneous ‘LP’ (group 2), 10 patients having ‘post-LP’ hyperpigmentation (in absence of active LP and off treatment for at least past 3 months, group 3), and 10 controls. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR, peripheral blood mononuclear cells [PBMCs] a nd skin) and immunohistochemistry (IHC, skin) was performed.mRNA expression (in PBMCs) of IL-17A, IL-22, IL-23A, IFN- γ and Foxp3 was significantly decreased ingroup 1and 3 as compared togroup 2 (p <  0.05). Wnt5a expression was maximal in controls; and while there was no difference between group 1 and 2; whereas expression in group 3 was significantly lesser than group 1 and 2 (p <  0.05).qRT-PCR (skin)and IHC (skin) revealed similar results; and mRNA expression and mean fluorescence intensity of IL-17A, IL-22, IL-23A/R was significantly increased ingroup 2and 3 compared togroup 1 (p <  0.05). Mean fluorescence intensity and mRNA expression of IFN-γ, Foxp3 and Wnt5a were significantly increased ingroup 2 compared togroup 1 (p <  0.05); whereas the difference between group 1 and 3 was not significant. Mean fluorescence intensity and mRNA expression of IL-17A, 1L-22 and IFN-γ showed no difference between group 2...
Source: Archives of Dermatological Research - Category: Dermatology Source Type: research