Premium
Role of microchimerism in the pathogenesis of oral lichen planus
Author(s) -
Weger W.,
Bauer M.,
Odell E.,
Pertl B.,
Cerroni L.,
Kerl H.,
Jakse N.,
Pertl C.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
experimental dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.108
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1600-0625
pISSN - 0906-6705
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0625.2006.00393.x
Subject(s) - microchimerism , pathogenesis , fluorescence in situ hybridization , biology , fetus , polymerase chain reaction , immunology , y chromosome , in situ hybridization , oral lichen planus , biopsy , locus (genetics) , chromosome , pathology , gene , genetics , medicine , pregnancy , gene expression
Objective: Microchimerism of persistent fetal cells has been implicated in some cell‐mediated autoimmune diseases. This study examines the hypothesis that fetal microchimerism plays a role in the pathogenesis of lichen planus (LP) affecting the oral cavity. Study design: Mucosal biopsies of 12 women with oral LP (OLP) were tested for the presence of both male cells and male DNA originating from prior pregnancies or prior blood transfusions. Six male patients with OLP served as a control group. Biopsies were analyzed for the presence of Y‐chromosome‐positive cells by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with X‐ and Y‐specific DNA probes. To confirm the FISH findings, we used fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify Y‐chromosome sequences in DNA extracted from mucosal lesions. Results: Using FISH technology, all the 18 biopsy samples showed good hybridization results. In females, Y‐chromosome‐specific signals were not detected by FISH at any site of the lesions. PCR amplification demonstrated a single peak at the locus specific for the X‐chromosome. Conclusion: Male DNA microchimerism was not present in any of the investigated lesions, suggesting that microchimerism because of persisting male fetal cells is unlikely to play a major role in the pathogenesis of OLP.