engleski

Analysis of skin CD44 expression in patients with allergic and irritant contact dermatitis and vulgar psoriasis

Introduction Some studies on animal models have indicated the potential role of CD44 in allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). The CD44 antigen, found on cell membranes, is a glycoprotein and is involved in intercellular interactions, cell adhesion and migration, and activation of lymphocytes, haematopoiesis and tumour metastasis. It also participates in cell proliferation and differentiation, cellular migration, angiogenesis, the expression and binding of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors to corresponding receptors, adhesion of protease to cell membranes and is a signal for cellular survival. In this study we wanted to examine skin CD44 expression in patients with ACD and irritant contact dermatitis (ICD), and to compare it to patients with psoriatic lesions and healthy controls’ (HCs) skin. Materials and methods The study included 200 patients comprising four groups with 50 patients: ACD, ICD, psoriasis vulgaris, and HCs. CD44 expression was determined by immunohistochemical analysis using an optical microscope, and the results were visualized semiquantitatively by determining the percentage of immunoreactive cells in the epidermis, dermis, and on lymphocytes. Results According to the obtained results, the highest CD44 expression was found in ICD, followed by ACD, psoriasis vulgaris, and lastly, the HCs (P < 0.001). Epidermal CD44 expression was significantly higher in contact dermatoses (especially in ICD) compared with psoriasis and healthy skin (P < 0.001). Similarly, CD44 expression in the dermis and on lymphocytes was strongest in ICD, although less pronounced than in the epidermis. Discussion Based on our results of low CD44 expression in healthy skin, moderate expression in psoriasis, and strong CD44 expression in ICD and ACD, one could imagine the possible application of a CD44 blockade for these diseases and its usefulness in patients with contact dermatoses. Thus, since CD44 is a potential therapeutic target for modulating disease pathology and leukocyte recruitment, further studies on CD44 expression would be valuable.

skin CD44 expression ; allergic contact dermatitis ; irritant contact dermatitis ; vulgar psoriasis

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