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Epithelial expression of cytokeratins 15 and 19 in vitiligo
Author(s) -
Saleh Fatma Y,
Awad Sherif S,
Nasif Ghada A,
Halim Christein
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of cosmetic dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.626
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1473-2165
pISSN - 1473-2130
DOI - 10.1111/jocd.12223
Subject(s) - vitiligo , immunohistochemistry , keratin , pathology , medicine , stem cell , epithelium , staining , follicular phase , biology , dermatology , microbiology and biotechnology
Summary Background Cytokeratins ( CK ) belong to the family of intermediate filament proteins, and among them specific epithelial keratins are considered markers for stem cells activation. Objectives This study aims to investigate the expression of CK 15 and CK 19 as possible stem cell markers in vitiligo during phototherapy. Methods The study was conducted on vitiligo patients receiving narrow‐band ultraviolet therapy. Immunohistochemical staining for CK 15 and CK 19 was carried out, and clinical follow‐up continued for 4 weeks. Results Of 28 patients, CK 15 expression was demonstrated in 17 cases (61%) while CK 19 expression was demonstrated in 11 cases (39%). Cells expressing positive staining were demonstrated in follicular and interfollicular epithelium. Expression was clearly demonstrated in patients younger than 20 years old, with shorter disease duration, with disease stability, and with normally pigmented hairs. Expression of cytokeratins was significantly correlated to improvement of vitiligo lesions. Conclusion CK 15 and CK 19 are expressed in vitiligo during UV repigmentation in the follicular and interfollicular epithelium. This expression of cytokeratins was significantly correlated to improvement and can be considered valuable tool to monitor stem cells stimulation for the sake of the repigmentation process in vitiligo.