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Soluble E-cadherin: a novel cutaneous disease marker
N Matsuyoshi1, T Tanaka, K Toda
1Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Kyoto University, Japan.
The British Journal of Dermatology
|May 1, 1995
Summary
Soluble E-cadherin levels are elevated in various skin diseases, including bullous pemphigoid and psoriasis. These findings suggest increased epidermal cell turnover or proteolysis in affected skin.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- E-cadherin is a key cell-cell adhesion molecule in the skin, with membrane and soluble forms.
- While membrane E-cadherin abnormalities are known in skin diseases, soluble E-cadherin data is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and quantify soluble E-cadherin levels in sera of patients with various cutaneous diseases.
- To explore the relationship between soluble E-cadherin and disease severity in psoriasis vulgaris.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from patients with bullous pemphigoid, pemphigus vulgaris, psoriasis vulgaris, and other inflammatory skin diseases were analyzed.
- Soluble E-cadherin concentrations were measured and compared to healthy controls.
- Suction blister fluid was collected from healthy individuals to compare with serum levels.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher serum soluble E-cadherin levels were observed in patients with bullous pemphigoid, pemphigus vulgaris, psoriasis vulgaris, and inflammatory skin diseases compared to controls.
- In psoriasis vulgaris, serum soluble E-cadherin levels showed a positive correlation with the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score.
- Soluble E-cadherin concentrations in suction blister fluid from normal individuals were twice as high as those in their sera.
Conclusions:
- Circulating levels of soluble E-cadherin are altered in several skin diseases.
- Elevated soluble E-cadherin may indicate increased turnover or proteolysis of epidermal cell-surface molecules in skin pathologies.