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Published on: July 23, 2012
MicroRNAs in cutaneous lichen planus
A A El-Rifaie1, L A Rashed2, R W Doss1
1Dermatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Beni Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt.
Abstract:
Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic, inflammatory, papulosquamous, autoimmune disease. The pathogenesis of LP appears to be complex, with interactions between genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short RNAs encoded in both protein coding and noncoding areas of the genome, and have been found to be involved in the pathogenesis of some inflammatory skin diseases. The aim of this study was to map the levels of miRNA (miR-)-203 and miR-125b in cutaneous LP to evaluate their possible role in the pathogenesis of the disease. In total, 40 patients with classic cutaneous LP and 40 age- and sex- matched healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled in this study. Punch biopsies (4 mm) were taken from cutaneous LP lesions of patients and from normal skin of HCs. miRNA-203 and miRNA-125b mRNA expression was estimated by reverse transcription PCR. Our analysis revealed a significantly (P < 0.001 for both) lower expression of both miR-203 and miR-125b mRNA in the LP than in the HC biopsies. No relationship was found between expression of miR-203 or miR-125b and either age, sex, presence of mucosal lesions or positivity for HCV antibodies. miR-125b and miR-203 could be involved in the pathogenesis of cutaneous LP.
Insights
This study found lower levels of microRNA (miR)-203 and miR-125b in patients with cutaneous lichen planus (LP). These microRNAs may play a role in the development of this chronic autoimmune skin disease.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic, inflammatory, papulosquamous, autoimmune skin condition.
- The complex pathogenesis of LP involves genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory skin diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression levels of miR-203 and miR-125b in cutaneous LP.
- To evaluate the potential role of these specific microRNAs in the pathogenesis of LP.
Main Methods:
- The study included 40 patients with cutaneous LP and 40 age- and sex-matched healthy controls.
- Skin biopsies were obtained from LP lesions and healthy control skin.
- Reverse transcription PCR was used to quantify the mRNA expression of miR-203 and miR-125b.
Main Results:
- Both miR-203 and miR-125b mRNA expression were significantly lower in LP biopsies compared to healthy controls (P < 0.001).
- No correlation was observed between miR-203 or miR-125b expression and patient age, sex, presence of mucosal lesions, or HCV antibody status.
Conclusions:
- Reduced expression of miR-125b and miR-203 may be involved in the pathogenesis of cutaneous lichen planus.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms by which these microRNAs contribute to LP development.
