MicroRNAs expression in vulvar lichen sclerosus keratinocytes and fibroblasts: further evidence and possible pathogenetic implications from an observational study
It seems established that genetic and epigenetic determinants drive the multifactorial pathogenic processes in vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS). Aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been observed in a few studies suggesting potential involvement. We aimed to assess the expression of miRNAs both in VLS and in healthy keratinocytes and fibroblasts cultured separately. The differential analysis led to the identification of 171 and 111 microRNAs with an expression difference of at least 1.5-fold between VLS and healthy samples, in keratinocytes and fibroblasts, respectively. More than 80% of the 111 microRNAs identified as differentially expressed in fibroblasts were also found to be differentially expressed in keratinocytes. A number of dysregulated miRNAs are involved in inflammation and fibrotic processes, namely miR-10a-5p and 3p, miR-143-3p and 5p, miR-181a-5p and 3p, miR-181b-5p and 3p, miR-21-3p, miR-146b-5p and miR-29c. Our results showed a clear separation of VLS keratinocytes and fibroblasts from healthy cells in terms of miRNA expression. It is noteworthy that the most dysregulated miRNAs are implicated in inflammatory and fibrotic pathways. It is conceivable that miRNA expression is functional in regulating pathogenetic mechanisms of LS. Overall design: In this observational study, 5 VLS and 5 healthy skin tissue specimens were used to derive independent keratinocyte and fibroblast cultures.