Immunohistochemical expression of TGF-β1 in lichen planus.
BACKGROUND
Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic recurrent rash of unknown cause with no established cure. Clinical and immunohistochemical studies strongly support an immunologic basis for the disease. There has been growing evidence suggesting a role for transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in the pathogenesis of LP.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible role of TGF-β1 in the pathogenesis of LP.


METHODS
TGF-β1 was analyzed on skin biopsies of 25 patients presenting with LP and 10 age-matched and sex-matched normal subjects (controls).


RESULTS
TGF-β1 was expressed in keratinocytes of 70% of the control group and 48% of LP cases with a significant difference in intensities of expression (P=0.01). In LP, moderate intensity of keratinocyte expression was significantly associated with frequent apoptosis (P=0.04). Dermal lymphocytes showed positive expression in 80% and intense expression was significantly associated with absent hyperkeratosis (P=0.03). Only 2 cases showed mild expression in epidermal lymphocytes.


CONCLUSIONS
Reduced TGF-β1 expression in LP may participate in immune dysregulation of the disease.
Departments of *Pathology †Dermatology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Menofia University, Shebin El Kom, Egypt.
Hala S
HS
El-Rebey
Alaa H
AH
Maree
Samar
S
El-Salakawy
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017209:Apoptosis; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D015603:Keratinocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D008010:Lichen Planus / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012867:Skin / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*
D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1