ABSTRACT
ObjectiveTo investigate the expression of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and collagen I, III (Col I, III) in vulvar lichen sclerosis (VLS) and their role in VLS.MethodsThe specimens of30 VLS tissues (15 in early stage and 15 in progressive stage), and 15 vulvar normal skin tissues were selected by biopsy or surgical excision from 2016 to 2018 in our hospital. The expression of Vimentin was detected by immunohistochemistry. The expression of TGF-β1, TGF-β2, Col I and Col III mRNA was detected through RT-PCR. Simultaneously, the fibroblasts were visualized in diseased tissues by labeling Vimentin.ResultsThe expression of Vimentin in VLS was increased significantly (P0.05). Col I mRNA was up-regulated in VLS, obviously in early stage. Meanwhile, Col III mRNA down-regulated gradually from the early to the progressive stage of VLS. Therefore, the Col I/III ratio increased gradually.ConclusionThe increase of fibroblasts and TGF-β1 in dermis of VLS promotes the synthesis of Col I and reduces the content of Col III, which may be one of the factors leading to the decrease of skin elasticity in VLS.