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Do plasminogen activators play a role in lichen sclerosus?
A M Farrell1, D Dean, F M Charnock
1Departments of Dermatology and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.
Clinical and Experimental Dermatology
|September 30, 2000
Summary
This study investigated the plasminogen activator system in vulval lichen sclerosus, finding no significant changes in its expression. This suggests the system is not involved in the extracellular matrix remodelling seen in this condition.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pathology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Lichen sclerosus involves extracellular matrix remodelling.
- Proteases, including the plasminogen activator system, are linked to tissue remodelling and cell migration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of plasminogen activator system components in vulval lichen sclerosus.
- To determine if this system plays a role in the pathogenesis of vulval lichen sclerosus.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical analysis of biopsies from 11 adult women with vulval lichen sclerosus.
- Comparison of lichen sclerosus tissue with normal vulva and uninvolved thigh tissue controls.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in the staining patterns of plasminogen/plasmin, urokinase-type plasminogen activator, tissue-type plasminogen activator, and alpha2-antiplasmin were observed.
- The plasminogen activator system did not show altered expression in vulval lichen sclerosus compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- The plasminogen activator system is unlikely to be involved in the pathogenesis of vulval lichen sclerosus.
- Other protease systems may contribute to the extracellular matrix remodelling observed in this condition.