Coexistence of HLA-B*08 and HLA-B*18 in four siblings with Lichen sclerosus.
BACKGROUND
Lichen sclerosus (LS), is characterized by localized patches of atrophy and whitening of the skin. The cause of LS remains unknown, but genetic, hormonal, immunologic factors and autoimmune mechanisms have been incriminated. There are conflicting data regarding the association between LS and human leukocyte antigens (HLA).


METHODS
We have analyzed the HLA alleles of a family, in which 4 of 5 children have lichen sclerosus.


RESULTS
HLA-B*08 and HLA-B*18 alleles were detected in children with LS, but not in a healthy sister. None of the patients had autoimmune disease.


CONCLUSIONS
In our opinion, coexistence of these two alleles may play a role in the development of LS.
Sentürk
Nilgün
N
Department of Dermatology, Ondokuz Mayis University Medical Faculty, Samsun, Turkey. nilsenturk@yahoo.com
Aydin
Fatma
F
Birinci
Asuman
A
Yildiz
Levent
L
Cantürk
Tayyar
T
Durupinar
Belma
B
Turanli
Ahmet Yaşar
AY
D000293:Adolescent; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D015235:HLA-B Antigens / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D018459:Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D035781:Siblings
D015235:HLA-B Antigens