Alterated integrin expression in lichen planopilaris

Abstract

BackgroundLichen planopilaris (LPP) is an inflammatory disease characterized by a lymphomononuclear infiltrate surrounding the isthmus and infundibulum of the hair follicle of the scalp, that evolves into atrophic/scarring alopecia. In the active phase of the disease hairs are easily plucked with anagen-like hair-roots. In this study we focused on the expression of integrins and basement membrane components of the hair follicle in active LPP lesions.MethodsScalp biopsies were taken in 10 patients with LPP and in 5 normal controls. Using monoclonal antibodies against α3β1 and α6β4 integrins we showed the expression of these integrins and of the basement membrane components of the hair follicle in active LPP lesions and in healthy scalp skin.ResultsIn the LPP involved areas, α3β1 was distributed in a pericellular pattern, the α6 subunit was present with a basolateral distribution while the β4 subunit showed discontinuous expression at the basal pole and occasionally, basolateral staining of the hair follicle. Conclusion: An altered distribution of the integrins in active LPP lesions can explain the phenomenon of easy pulling-out of the hair with a "gelatinous" root-sheath.

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“…2), may play an important role in the etiopathogenesis of these diseases, because MC‐derived chymase and tryptase may degrade basement membrane structural proteins resulting in basement membrane breaks which permits the action of cytotoxic cells and the subsequent induction of keratinocyte damage (23,24). This may contribute to the easy loss of anagen hair by the derangement of the adhesion molecules (25); (iv) CTZ may have an important antifibrotic effect reducing the level of profibrotic cytokines transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ), tumor necrosis factor alfa (TNFα), IL‐8 (26); (v) The sedative and anti‐itching effect of CTZ may be important to limit scratching which could induce a Koebner phenomenon, usually present also in this hair disease (27). We would like to strongly underline that the therapeutic results of CTZ seem to be dose and time dependent.…”

Recognizing and treating cutaneous signs of liver disease

“…It can occur throughout the body but typically affects the wrists and ankles, causing mild to severe itching in most affected people. 73 In about 50% of patients, the lesions resolve within 6 months, and in 85% they subside within 18 months. 74 Lichen planopilaris is a subset of lichen planus that causes scaling and atrophy of the scalp and permanent hair loss (Figure 4).…”

Lichen planopilaris

“…These complex reactions are carried out by antigen‐presenting cells, adhesion molecules, and inflammatory cytokines. Recent work on integrin expression emphasize the importance of adhesion molecular expression patterns (10).…”