Decorin and chondroitin sulfate distribution in vulvar lichen sclerosus: correlation with distinct histopathologic stages.
OBJECTIVE
To characterize decorin and chondroitin sulfate (CS) expression in lichen sclerosus (LS).


METHODS
Thirty-one untreated vulvar LS lesions were biopsed, and hematoxylin-eosin-stained cases were graded according to Hewitt's classification. Immunohistochemistry was performed using antibodies directed against human decorin diluted 1:500 and CS diluted 1:200. The control group, made up of cutaneous fragments from vulvoperineal corrective surgeries or nymphoplasties, represented 22 patients.


RESULTS
Decorin and CS were present at the LS hyaline zone in different moments of matrix modulation. In all Hewitt stages CS prevailed at the extracellular matrix in cases with a compact aspect of the hyaline zone, while decorin was seen only in areas of less compactness. Normal vulvar tissue revealed only the presence of CS in juxtaepithelial zones. No decorin immunoexpression was found in normal vulvar skin.


CONCLUSIONS
Decorin and CS deposition in vulvar LS varies in the distinct histologic stages, which probably reflect the importance of these molecules in matricial remodeling in this disorder. Decorin may play an important role in cases of LS.
Corrêa
Adriana C
AC
Genital Dermatology Unit, Clementino Fraga Filho Hospital, and Vulvar Pathology Unit, Institute of Gynecology, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. adrianacorrea@uol.com.br
Azevedo
Lúcia
L
Almeida
Gutemberg
G
do Val
Isabel
I
Cuzzi
Tullia
T
Takiya
Christina Maeda
CM
D002809:Chondroitin Sulfates / Q000378:metabolism*; D058575:Decorin; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011509:Proteoglycans / Q000378:metabolism*; D014018:Tissue Distribution; D007724:Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*
C546878:DCN protein, human; D058575:Decorin; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins; D011509:Proteoglycans; D002809:Chondroitin Sulfates