Expressions Of IL-17and FoxP3 In Lichen Planus And The Possible Role In The Pathogenesis

Objective:To quantify the expression levels of interleukin 17 and FoxP3 in lichen planus lesions and their relationship with apoptosis in keratinocytes.Method:Biopsy samples were collected from the lesions of 30 patients and normal skin of 30 healthy controls.Immunohistochemistry was used to detemine the expression of interleukin 17、FoxP3,and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL) technique to evaluate the apoptosis in keratinocytes,in these samples.Results:The expression levels (IOD) of IL-17、FoxP3 were (14.67±1.79)×103, (14.52±2.56)±103 respectively in LP lesions, significantly higher than those in normal skin((7.21±1.21)×103、(7.09±1.05)×103, t=18.88、14.69, respectively,all P <0.01).Elevated apoptosis index was noted in keratinocytes from LP lesions compared with those from normal skin (70.55±5.78 vs.30.01±3.97,t=31.67,P< 0.01).In LP lesions,the expression of IL-17and FoxP3 were positively correlated with the apoptosis index of keratinocytes (r=0.45、0.76, respectively, P<0.01).Conclusion:The up-regulated expression of IL-17、FoxP3 may make imbalance between Thl7 and Treg.In lichen planus, the apoptosis of keratinocytes and part lymphocytes were significantly increased.The IL-17 and FoxP3 may participate in the apoptosis in keratinocytes in LP.