Associations of anti-desmoglein antibodies with clinical phenotypes and disease activity in pemphigus patients and their change patterns / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To investigate associations of anti-desmoglein (Dsg1 and Dsg3) antibodies detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with clinical phenotypes and disease activity in pemphigus patients,and to explore their change patterns.Methods A total of 111 patients with pemphigus were enrolled from Hospital for Skin Diseases,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College between January 2015 and January 2018.ELISA was performed to detect serum levels of anti-Dsg1 and anti-Dsg3 antibodies in these patients with different clinical types of pemphigus at different stages,including onset stage,control stage (no new erythema or vesicles occurred in the last 2 or more weeks,and primary lesions began to regress),maintenance stage (the condition had been stable for ≥ 1 month,and treatment was maintained with a low dose of glucocorticoids [prednisone equivalent of ＜ 15 mg/d]),and recurrence stage,and the change patterns of serum levels of anti-Dsg1 and anti-Dsg3 antibodies were analyzed.Statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS 22 software by using oneway analysis of variance for the comparison among groups,and least significant difference (LSD)-t test for multiple comparisons.Results At the disease onset stage,control stage,maintenance stage and recurrence stage,92,53,33,and 9 patients respectively completed the detection.Among the 92 patients with initial onset of pemphigus,the positive rates of anti-Dsg1 and anti-Dsg3 antibodies were 100％ and 2.77％ respectively in 36 patients with pemphigus foliaceus,20％ and 80％ respectively in 10 with mucosaldominant pemphigus vulgaris,and 97.82％,95.65％ respectively in 46 with mucocutaneous pemphigus vulgaris.The serum levels of anti-Dsg1 antibodies in the patients with pemphigus foliaceus significantly differed among the disease onset stage,control stage,maintenance stage and recurrence stage (137.43 ±77.74,13.94 ± 14.81,21.50 ± 58.33,121.13 ± 86.89 U/ml,respectively),the serum levels of anti-Dsg3 antibodies in the patients with mucosal-dominant pemphigus vulgaris also significantly differed among the above clinical stages (125.61 ± 94.81,34.5 ± 16.26,0.6,258 U/ml,respectively),and the serum levels of anti-Dsg1 and anti-Dsg3 antibodies in patients with mucocutaneous pemphigus vulgaris both significantly differed among the above clinical stages(anti-Dsg1 antibody:115.39 ± 70.62,15.74 ± 25.10,3.62 ± 12.09,78.60 ± 92.25 U/ml,respectively;anti-Dsg3 antibody:137.98 ± 81.25,58.14 ± 63.46,29.26 ± 64.70,136.9 ± 101.47 U/ml,respectively).Additionally,the serum levels of anti-Dsg1 antibodies in the patients with pemphigus foliaceus,as well as the serum levels of anti-Dsg3 antibodies in the patients with mucosaldominant pemphigus vulgaris and those with mucocutaneous pemphigus vulgaris,were both significantly lower at the disease control stage and maintenance stage than at the disease onset stage and recurrence stage (all P ＜ 0.05).During the treatment,epitope spreading occurred in 2 patients,and high-titer anti-Dsg antibodies were observed in 4 patients at the stable stage.Conclusion Anti-Dsg antibody spectrum is associated with clinical phenotypes of pemphigus,and its serum levels measured by ELISA can be applied to disease activity monitoring and evaluation of therapeutic efficacy.

A study of prevalence of autoantibodies in patients with lichen planus from Mumbai, India

Background: Lichen planus is a common chronically relapsing autoimmune skin condition with poorly understood etiology. Apart from cellular immunity, presence of various antibodies has been hypothesized. Various studies have found the presence of serum anti-nuclear antibody, anti-mitochondrial antibody, anti-desmoglein 1 and 3 antibodies, anti-keratinocyte antibody and anti-thyroglobulin antibody in patients of cutaneous and oral lichen planus. Aim: To study the prevalence of autoantibodies and the clinical spectrum of disease in an Indian patient subpopulation with lichen planus. Methods: A cross-sectional epidemiological study comprising 100 lichen planus patients was conducted in the dermatology outpatient department of Seth G.S Medical College and King Edward Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Serum concentrations of circulating anti-nuclear antibodies, anti-desmoglein 1 antibody, anti-desmoglein 3 antibody, anti-keratinocyte antibodies, anti-mitochondrial antibodies and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies were determined by indirect immunofluorescence. Pairs of groups were compared using “Student's t-test” for normally distributed continuous data. The “χ2-test” was used for the categorical variables as needed. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: It was found that 65 (65%) patients showed the presence of at least one of the six autoantibodies that we studied, while 35 (35%) tested negative for all six of them. Positivity of anti-keratinocyte antibody in 26 (26%), anti-nuclear antibody in 22 (22%), anti-desmoglein 1 antibody in 19 (19%), anti-desmoglein 3 antibody in 16 (16%), anti-mitochondrial antibody in 9 (9%) and anti-thyroglobulin antibody in 6 (6%) patients was detected. It was observed that 55 (71.4%) patients of cutaneous lichen planus, 6 (46.1%) patients of mucosal lichen planus and 4 (40%) patients of cutaneous and mucosal lichen planus overlap showed presence of at least one autoantibody. Conclusion: This study provides the serological parameters of a population of lichen planus from western India. Presence of autoantibodies in lichen planus suggests the possible role of humoral immunity in lichen planus. Identifying antibodies linked to lichen planus may help in identifying suitable diagnostic tests and therapeutic targets. Well-controlled studies with larger sample size are the need of the hour to confirm the role of humoral immunity in lichen planus. Limitations: Studies with a larger number of patients as well as controls should be undertaken to further evaluate the role of autoantibodies in lichen planus.

Fogo selvagem: endemic pemphigus foliaceus

Abstract: Fogo selvagem or endemic pemphigus foliaceus is an autoimmune acantholytic anti-cadherin bullous disease that primarily affects seborrheic areas, which might disseminate. Brazil has the world's largest number of patients, mainly in the Central-West region, but the disease has also been reported in other South American countries. It affects young people and adults who have been exposed to rural areas, with occurrence of familial cases. Anti-desmoglein-1 autoantibodies are directed against desmosomal structures, with loss of adhesion of the upper layers of the epidermis, causing superficial blisters. The etiology is multifactorial and includes genetic, immune, and environmental factors, highlighting hematophagous insect bites; drug-related factors are occasionally involved. Flaccid blisters readily rupture to yield erosive-crusty lesions that sometimes resemble seborrheic dermatitis, actinic keratosis, and chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus. The clinical presentation varies from localized to disseminated lesions. Clinical suspicion should be confirmed with histopathological and immunofluorescence tests, among others. The progression is usually chronic, and therapy varies according to clinical presentation, but generally requires systemic corticosteroid therapy associated with adjuvant immunosuppressive treatment to decrease the adverse effects of corticosteroids. Once the disease is under control, many patients remain stable on low-dose medication, and a significant proportion achieve remission.

Expression and specific antibody-producing capacity of B lymphocytes infiltrating in lesions of patients with pemphigus vulgaris / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To evaluate the specific antibody-producing capacity of locally infiltrating B lymphocytes in lesions of patients with pemphigus vulgaris (PV).Methods Totally,35 patients with PV and 22 healthy controls were enrolled into this study.Skin tissues were resected from blisters or erosions of the patients with PV,and from normal skin of healthy controls.Then,mononuclear cells were isolated from these skin tissues.Flow cytometry was performed to determine the percentages of lymphocytes,CD 19+ B lymphocytes,and desmoglein (Dsg)1-and Dsg3-specific CD19+ B lymphocytes.B lymphocytes isolated from the lesional skin of patients with PV were cultured in vitro.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted to determine titers of anti-Dsg1 and anti-Dsg3 antibodies in the cell culture supernatant.Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to calculate positive rates of anti-Dsg1 and anti-Dsg3 antibodies.Results The percentages of lymphocytes (17.95％ ± 3.85％) and CD19+ B lymphocytes (4.27％ ± 1.13％) were significantly higher in the lesional skin of PV patients than in the normal skin of healthy controls (7.83％ ± 1.29％,0.61％ ± 0.31％ respectively;t =2.49,U =13.00 respectively,both P ＜ 0.05).Among the CD19+ B lymphocytes in the lesional skin of PV patients,the percentage of CD19qgG+ B cells was (38.33 ± 5.56)％,and percentages of Dsg1-and Dsg3-specific CD19+ B lymphocytes were 12.87％ ± 1.267％ and 10.42％ ± 1.243％ respectively.After the in vitro culture for 6 days,the titers of anti-Dsg1 and anti-Dsg3 antibodies in the cell culture supematant were (4.89 ± 1.56) U/ml and (35.45 ± 13.03) U/ml respectively,with their positive rates being 85％ (17/20)and 95％ (19/20) respectively.Conclusion There are Dsg1-and Dsg3-specific B lymphocytes aggregating in the lesional skin of patients with PV,which can produce anti-Dsg1 and anti-Dsg3 antibodies after in vitro culture.

Pathological features of ectopic lymphoid structure in skin lesions of patients with pemphigus / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To investigate pathological features of infiltrating lymphocytes in skin lesions of patients with pemphigus,and to analyze their correlation with titers of anti-desmoglein (Dsg) 1 and anti-Dsg3 antibodies in peripheral blood.Methods A retrospective pathological analysis was performed in 93 patients with pemphigus vulgaris or pemphigus foliaceus,who visited the Department of Dermatology of Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine between 2014 and 2016.For each HE-stained section,the total number of lymphocytes per × 50 microscopic field was counted,and defined as lymphocyte density index.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted to determine the serum titers of anti-Dsg1 and anti-Dsg3 antibodies in the patients with pemphigus.The correlations between the lymphocyte density index and titers of anti-Dsg1 and anti-Dsg3 antibodies were analyzed.Immunohistochemical staining was performed in lesional skin samples from 8 patients with pemphigus vulgaris and 8 patients with pemphigus foliaceus,so as to analyze the distribution of CD3+ T cells,CD20+ B cells and CD138+ plasma cells.Results Of the 93 pathological sections,93 (100.00％) showed Grade1 lymphocyte aggregates,64 (68.09％) showed Grade 2 lymphocyte aggregates,and 10 (10.64％) showed Grade 3 lymphocyte aggregates,and the 56 cases of pemphigus vulgaris and 37 of pemphigus foliaceus showed the similar proportion of grade 1,2 and 3 lymphocyte aggregates.There was also no significant difference in the lymphocyte density index between patients with pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus (P ＞ 0.05),and the lymphocyte density index was uncorrelated with the serum titers of anti-Dsg1 and anti-Dsg3 antibodies in patients with pemphigus.Of the 16 cases of pemphigus,CD3+ T cells were found in all cases,CD20+ B cells in 15,and CD138+ plasma cells in 12.Of 16 sections,all showed a large amount of CD3+ T cells in Grade 1-3 lymphocyte aggregates,while lymphocyte aggregates containing CD20+ B cells and CD138+ plasma cells were found in 52.80％ ± 5.78％ and 34.59％ ± 7.42％ of sections respectively.No significant differences in the distribution of CD3+ T cells,CD20+ B cells,CD138+ plasma cells were found between the 8 cases of pemphigus vulgaris and 8 cases of pemphigus foliaceus.Conclusion Different degrees of lymphocyte infiltration generally exist in skin lesions of patients with pemphigus,which may form ectopic lymphoid structures and contribute to the development and aggravation of pemphigus skin lesions.

Locations of acantholysis in 71 cases of pemphigus / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To analyze locations of acantholysis in pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and pemphigus foliaceus (PF),so as to explain why acantholysis in pemphigus occurs in different locations of the epidermis.Methods Clinical data,histopathological and immunopathological findings,and pemphigus antibody level values were collected from 43 patients with PV and 28 with PF,and retrospectively analyzed.Results Of the 43 patients with PV,35 showed acantholysis in the upper basal layer,8 in the middle-to-upper epidermis.Of the 28 patients with PF,25 showed acantholysis in the granular layer and the upper prickle cell layer,3 in the middle-to-lower epidermis.Patients with PF showed significantly higher levels of anti-Desmoglein 1 (Dsg1) antibody compared with patients with PV (P =0.047).However,there were no significant differences in the levels of anti-Dsg1 and anti-Dsg3 antibodies between PV patients who had acantholysis in the middle-to-upper epidermis and those in the upper basal layer.Conclusion Histopathological examinations of PV and PF lesions show that acantholysis can occur in the middle-to-upper epidermis,as well as in the middle-to-lower epidermis,and locations of acantholysis may be associated with levels of anti-Dsg1 and anti-Dsg3 antibodies.

Bullous pemphigoid associated with milia, increased serum IgE, autoantibodies against desmogleins, and refractory treatment in a young patient

Abstract: Bullous pemphigoid is a blistering autoimmune disease characterized by two hemidesmosomal proteins (anti-BP180 and 230). Pemphigus, by contrast, is characterized by two autoantibodies (anti-desmoglein 1 and 3). Coexistence of autoantibodies of bullous pemphigoid and pemphigus in a patient is rare. A 25-year-old male patient was admitted to our hospital, reporting a 3-month history of multiple papules, vesicles, and erosions over an extensive erythema on the entire body. Laboratory tests showed high levels of serum IgE, anti-BP180 antibodies, and anti-desmoglein 1 and 3. Histopathologic and immunopathologic features were characterized by bullous pemphigoid. No improvement was seen with systemic corticosteroid therapy, however, pulse corticosteriod therapy combined with methylprednisolone, immunosuppressants, immunomodulators, and plasmapheresis led to the recovery of his condition with numerous milia.

Analysis on relationship between serum anti-desmoglein antibodies and disease in patients with pemphigus / 重庆医学

Objective To investigate the application value of ELISA for detecting the serum anti desmoglein (Dsg) 1 and Dsg 3 in the diagnosis and treatment of pemphigus .Methods Forty‐seven patients with pemphigus in our hospital from January to De‐cember 2014 were selected as the observation group and contemporaneous 52 patients with excluding pemphigus were selected as the control group .The Dsg antibodies were detected by using indirect immunofluorescence method and Dsg 1 and Dsg3 were deter‐mined by ELISA ;their correlation with pemphigus characteristics was analyzed .Results The sensitivity and specificity of ELISA for detecting anti‐Dsg antibodies were 95 .74% and 92 .31% respectively ,while which of IIF were 93 .62% and 86 .54% respective‐ly ,showing no statistically significant difference between the two test methods (P>0 .05) .In 30 cases of pemphigus vulgaris ,16 ca‐ses (16/30) were positive Dsg1 and Dsg 3 ,8 cases of pemphigus erythematosus and 5 cases pemphigus foliaceus were positive Dsg1 only ,and 2 cases of pemphigus vegetans were both positive Dsgl and Dsg3 .The Dsgl and Dsg3 titers of pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus vegetans were 130 .85 ± 86 and 112 .30 ± 85 .05 ,respectively ,and the disease activity score was (5 .10 ± 1 .86) points ,the correlation coefficient(r)=0 .476(P=0 .008) ,r=0 .816(P=0 .001) ,respectively .The Dsgl titer of pemphigus erythematosus and pemphigus foliaceus were 142 .59 ± 78 .52 ,and the disease activity score was (2 .77 ± 0 .92) points(r=0 .800 ,P=0 .001) .Conclu‐sion ELISA for detecting Dsg1 and Dsg3 has high sensitivity and specificity ,and is conducive to the diagnosis of pemphigus and e‐valuation of disease severity .

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome – A case series with review of literature.

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) is an acute dermatological illness which requires prompt treatment. It is a condition associated with widespread exfoliation of skin caused by Staphylococcus aureus (SA). The toxins elaborated by these gram positive microorganisms especially the exfoliative toxins A and B causes the SSSS. Literature review mentions that only 5% of SA produces these exfoliative toxins. The main route of spread of the toxins is by the hematogenous spread and the process results in extensive damage to the epidermis. This case series reports the SSSS in two children and highlights the significance of promptly diagnosing this serious pediatric dermatological illness.

The value of trichoscopy in the differential diagnosis of scalp lesions in pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus

BACKGROUND: Trichoscopy is becoming increasingly popular in diagnosing hair and scalp diseases. Scalp involvement in pemphigus is common. The scalp may be the first or only site of clinical manifestation of the disease. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze whether trichoscopy may be useful in aiding differential diagnosis of scalp lesions in patients with pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus. METHODS: Trichoscopy was performed in 19 patients with scalp lesions in the course of pemphigus (9 patients with pemphigus vulgaris and 10 with pemphigus foliaceus). In all patients, the diagnosis of scalp pemphigus was confirmed by histopathology. The working magnification was 20-fold and 70-fold. RESULTS: The most frequently observed trichoscopy features of pemphigus lesions were: extravasations (18/19; 94.7%) and yellow hemorrhagic crusts (11/19; 57.9%). Yellow dots with whitish halo were observed in 6/19 (31.6%) patients with pemphigus. White polygonal structures were observed in pemphigus foliaceus (6/10; 60%), but not in pemphigus vulgaris. Vascular abnormalities were more frequent in pemphigus vulgaris, when compared to pemphigus foliaceus, and were associated with a severe course of disease. Linear serpentine vessels were the most frequent vascular abnormality in patients with pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus (77.8% and 30%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Trichoscopy may serve as a useful supplementary method in the differential diagnosis of pemphigus, especially in cases of desquamative or exudative lesions limited to the scalp. Extravasations, yellow hemorrhagic crusts, yellow dots with whitish halo, white polygonal structures and linear serpentine vessels are trichoscopy features which may suggest the diagnosis of pemphigus. .

Pénfigo foliáceo variedad seborreica: reporte de un caso / Pemphigus foliaceus seborrheic variety: a case report / Pénfigo foliáceo variedade seborreica: relato de caso

El pénfigo eritematoso o seborréico, también denominado síndrome de Senear-Usher es la variedad leve y localizada del pénfigo foliáceo, de baja incidencia. La mayor parte de los casos se han reportado en adultos entre la segunda y tercera década de la vida, promedio de 54 años, sin predominio entre razas o sexo. Su etiología se debe a la presencia de anticuerpos anti IgG contra la desmogleina 1 de los queratinocitos de la capa granulosa. Clínicamente se presenta en forma de placas eritematoescamosas o eritematocostrosas bien definidas, de aspecto y distribución seborreica (cara, cuello y tronco), que se exacerban a la exposición solar. Su diagnóstico clínico puede ser difícil, ya que se superpone clínicamente con el lupus eritematoso discoide y la dermatitis seborreica, por lo cual es importante tenerlo en cuenta como diagnóstico diferencial en lesiones infiltradas en dorso nasal y región malar en patrón de alas de mariposa. Se presenta el caso clínico de un paciente con pénfigo foliáceo variedad seborreica una entidad de baja incidencia.

Pemphigus erythematosus or seborrheic, also called Senear - Usher syndrome,is a mild, localized variety of pemphigus foliaceus, an entity of low incidence. Most cases have been reported in adults between second and third decades of life, average 54 years, no difference between race or sex. Etiology is due to the presence of IgG antibodies against desmoglein 1 in keratinocytes of the granular layer. Clinically, defined erythematous plaques, seborrheic distribution aspect (face, neck and trunk), which are exacerbated by sun exposure. Clinical diagnosis can be difficult as clinically overlaps with discoid lupus erythematosus and seborrheic dermatitis. So, it is important to be considered as differential diagnosis in infiltrated nasal lesions, dorsum and malar region butterfly pattern. We report a case of pemphigus foliaceus- seborrheic variety, a low incidence entity.

O pênfigo eritematoso do tipo seborréico, também chamada de síndrome Senear -Usher é variedade leve e localizada do pênfigo foliáceo , de baixa incidência , a maioria dos casos foram relatados em adultos entre a segunda e terceira década de vida , com idade media de 54 anos, sem predominância entre raças ou sexo. A sua etiologia é devido à presença de anticorpos anti - IgG de desmogleína 1 dos queratinócitos da camada granular . Clinicamente, apresenta-se como placas eritematosas ou eritematocostrosas bem definidos, de aspecto e distribuição seborreica (face, pescoço e tronco), que são agravadas pela exposição ao sol. Seu diagnóstico clínico pode ser difícil, pois se sobrepõe clinicamente com lúpus eritematoso discóide e dermatite seborreica, por isso é importante te-lo em mente como diagnóstico diferencial nas lesões infiltradas no dorso da nariz e região malar com asas de borboleta. Apresenta-se o caso de um paciente com pênfigo foliáceo do tipo seborreico uma entidade de baixa incidência com poucos casos relatados na literatura.

Expressions of desmoglein 1 and desmoglein 3 in primary keratinocytes and two keratinocyte cell lines HaCaT and A431 / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To detect the mRNA and protein expressions of desmoglein 1 (DSG1) and DSG3 in different types of keratinocytes (KCs).Methods Two keratinocyte cell lines HaCaT and A431,as well as primary keratinocytes from human abdomenal skin served as the object of this study.Direct immunofluorescence assay was performed to observe and quantify the expressions of DSG1 and DSG3,and quantitative PCR (qPCR) to determine the mRNA expressions of DSG1 and DSG3,in these cells.Results Both DSG1 and DSG3 were expressed in all the three types of keratinocytes,and the fluorescence intensity of DSG1 and DSG3 in HaCaT cells was higher than that in primary keratinocytes but lower than that in A431 cells.Similarly,all the keratinocytes expressed DSG1 and DSG3 mRNA,with the relative expression levels of DSG1 and DSG3 mRNA in primary keratinocytes being 291.7％ and 237.4％ of those in HaCaT cells respectively (both P ＜ 0.01),and those in A431 cells being 0.1％ and 18.8％ of those in HaCaT cells respectively (both P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions HaCaT cells,A431 cells and primary keratinocytes all can be used for the study of DSG1 and DSG3,of which,A431 cells show the strongest expressions of DSG1 and DSG3,and primary keratinocytes display the highest expressions of DSG1 and DSG3 mRNAs.

Retinoid Induces the Degradation of Corneodesmosomes and Downregulation of Corneodesmosomal Cadherins: Implications on the Mechanism of Retinoid-induced Desquamation

BACKGROUND: Topical retinoids induce skin fragility. As corneodesmosomes are important adhesion structures in the epidermal cohesion, an effect of retinoids on corneodesmosomes has been suspected. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of retinoid on the expression of corneodesmosomal components including desmoglein (DSG) 1, desmocollin (DSC) 1, corneodesmosin (CDSN) and kallikrein (KLK)s. METHODS: 2% all-trans-retinol or ethanol was applied to the back of hairless mice for five days, and the structure of the stratum corneum was examined by transmission electron microscopy. The cultured human keratinocytes were treated with all-trans-retinoic acid (RA) in low or high calcium media for 24 hours. RESULTS: Topical retinol increased corneocyte detachment and degradation of corneodesmosomes. RA significantly decreased DSG1 and DSC1 expression at the mRNA and protein levels in keratinocytes that were cultured in both low- and high-calcium media. On the other hand, CDSN mRNA levels did not decrease in low-calcium media or increase in high-calcium media after RA treatment. KLK5 and KLK7 expression did not increase after RA treatment. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that DSG1 and DSC1 downregulation by RA could be related to the increased degradation of corneodesmosomes and consequent desquamation induced by retinoids.

Expression of Desmoglein-1 in Fetal Skin Development / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Desmosomes are cell-cell adhesion complexes that provide mechanical integrity to keratinocytes by linking them to keratin intermediate filaments. Desmosomes are composed of two major transmembrane proteins, desmoglein and desmocollin. In humans, four desmoglein isoforms have been identified: Dsg1, Dsg2, Dsg3, and Dsg4. Desmogleins are Ca2+-dependent adhesion molecules and play important parts in the formation and maintenance of desmosomes. Desmoglein-1 is the main skin-associated desmosomal cadherin. It is expressed throughout the epidermis, but most prominently in the differentiated layers. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to observe the distribution pattern of desmoglein-1 in the skin and oral mucosa during fetal development. METHODS: Skin was obtained from the sole and scalp of 35 fetuses, ranging from 10 to 37 weeks of gestational age. Immunohistochemical staining was performed on paraffin embedded tissue using anti-human monoclonal antibody against desmoglein-1. RESULTS: Expression of desmoglein-1 in the epidermis appeared in the upper layer of the sole, but the basal layer was negative at the 10th gestational age. Thereafter, stratification began with stronger expression in the middle layer than in the basal layer of the sole and scalp epidermis. Expression in the middle spinous layer is stronger in the fetal period than in other layers of the epidermis. Expression in the superficial layer seemed to increase in later stages. Expression of desmoglein-1 in hair was strong in the infundibulum, inner root sheath, sebaceous glandular epithelium, and eccrine duct epithelium. Expression of desmoglein-1 in oral lip mucosa was very weak or negative in the upper half of the mucosal epithelium, though the lower half was strongly positive, while the skin side of the mucosa was similar with the sole skin. CONCLUSION: Desmoglein-1 may play a complementary role in the maintenance of epithelial integrity along with other desmogleins, because desmoglein-1 distribution is slightly different from that of desmoglein-3 in epidermis, hair and mucosa in fetal skin development.

Evaluation of desmoglein 1 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the detection of serum antibodies in patients with pemphigus foliaceus / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To evaluate the performance of desmoglein (Dsg)1 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the detection of serum antibodies in patients with pemphigus foliaceus (PF). Methods Sera were obtained from 80 patients with PF and 132 human controls including 33 patients with bullous pemphigoid, 3 patients with linear IgA bullous dermatosis, 2 patients with acquired bullous epidermolysis, 20 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), etc, and subjected to a random and blind test by Dsg1 ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) on monkey oesophagus. Results The Dsg1 ELISA was positive in 75 (93.8%) patients with PF and 5 (3.8%) human controls (including 1 case of bullous pemphigoid, 1 case of SLE, 1 case of dermatomyositis, 1 case of eczema and 1 normal human control with indeterminate value), and IIF was positive in 71 (88.8%) patients with PF, but in none of the controls. The sensitivity and specificity was 93.8% (95% CI: 0.85 - 0.98) and 96.2% (95% CI: 0.91 - 0.99) respectively for Dsg1 ELISA in the serodiagnosis of PF, 88.8% (95% CI: 0.82 - 0.96) and 100% (95% CI: 0.96 - 1.00) respectively for IIF. There was no statistical difference in the sensitivities (P= 0.289) or specificities (P= 1.000) between the two test methods.Conclusions Dsg1 ELISA is a simple, sensitive and specific serological detection method, and can serve as an adjunct in the diagnosis of PF.

Características epidemiológicas e inmunopatológicas de una cohorte de sujetos sanos positivos para anticuerpos anti desmogleína 1 procedentes de áreas endémicas de pénfigo foliáceo y vulgar del Perú / Epidemiological and immunopathologic characteristics in a cohort of healthy subjects for desmoglein 1 autoantibodies from endemic areas for endemic pemphigus foliaceus and vulgaris of Peru

OBJETIVO: Determinar las características epidemiológicas e inmunopatológicas de una cohorte de sujetos clínicamente sanos positivos para anticuerpos anti desmogleína 1 de Pueblo Libre y Nueva Requena (Ucayali), áreas endémicas de pénfigo foliáceo y vulgar del Perú. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo, longitudinal y observacional. Los sujetos clínicamente sanos fueron evaluados por un dermatólogo para confirmarse la ausencia de enfermedades ampollares. Se obtuvo muestras de sangre para el estudio inmunopatológico mediante inmunofluorescencia indirecta (IFI), inmunoprecipitación (IP) y ELISA. Una vez detectados los sujetos positivos para anticuerpos anti desmogleína 1 se obtuvo datos epidemiológicos como edad, sexo, ocupación, exposición a insectos hematófagos, ingesta de alimentos con potencial acantolítico, exposición a mercurio, uso de cosméticos tradicionales y características de la vivienda; y fueron seguidos por un período de 4 años. RESULTADOS: Se captó a 21 sujetos clínicamente sanos positivos para anticuerpos anti desmogleína 1, el 52.4 por ciento correspondió al sexo femenino. Luego del seguimiento no se documentó el viraje a la fase clínica de pénfigo foliáceo endémico en ninguno de ellos. Las viviendas de los sujetos condicionaban la exposición a insectos hematófagos. El 9.5 por ciento presentó en la IFI anticuerpos contra los espacios intercelulares de los queratinocitos. La IP anti desmogleína 1 fue levemente positiva en el 61.9 por ciento y francamente positiva en el 4.8 por ciento. El ELISA para anticuerpos IgG anti desmogleína 1 fue positivo en el 100 por ciento de los sujetos predominando las subclases IgG1 e IgG2 (71.4 por ciento cada una). El ELISA para anticuerpos IgM anti desmogleína 1 fue positivo en el 19.0 por ciento. Para los anticuerpos anti desmogleína 3, la IP fue negativa en todos los casos mientras que el ELISA fue positivo en el 81.0 por cientoCONCLUSIONES: Una fracción de sujetos de áreas endémicas.

AIM: To determine epidemiologic and immunopathologic characteristics in a cohort of healthy subjects who were positive for antidesmoglein 1 antibodies in Pueblo Libre and Nueva Requena(Ucayali), endemic areas for endemic pemphigus foliaceus and vulgaris of Peru. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive, longitudinal and observational study. The healthy subjects were examined by a dermatologist to confirm that there were no blistering diseases. A blood sample was drawn for immunopathologic studies: indirect imunofluorescence (IFI), immunoprecipitation (IP) and ELISA. In patients who had positive results, epidemiologic data was obtained: age, sex, ocupation, exposure to haematophagus insects, ingestion of food with achantolytic properties, mercury exposure, use of tradicional cosmetics and house characteristics. Subjects were followed for a 4 year period. RESULTS: We enrolled 21 healthy subjects positive for desmoglein 1 autoantibodies who were after the 4 years follow-up period, none of the subjects went into the clinical active phase of pemphigus. The houses of these subjects conditioned the presence of haematophagus insects. 9.5 per cent was positive by IFI, 61.9 per cent was sligthly positive by IP and 4.8 per cent strongly positive. 100 per cent of subjects were positive for anti desmoglein 1 antibodies, being 71.4 per cent positive for IgG1 and IgG2 as well. ELISA for IgM antidesmoglein 1 antibodies was positive in 19 per cent of the subjects. Regarding antidesmoglein 3 antibodies none by IP and 81 per cent was positive by ELISA. CONCLUSIONS: A healthy subset of patients from endemic areas for endemic pemhigus foliaceus and vulgaris had anti desmoglein 1 and 3 antibodies, most likely due to environmental factors but none of them went into the clinical active phase of pemphigus in a 4 year follow-up period.

The Expressions of Desmoglein 1 and 3 according to Chronologic Skin Aging / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Desmogleins are transmembrane glycoproteins of the desmosome which provide mechanical strength to epithelial tissue. Desmogleins have so far, been implicated in several diseases such as pemphigus, striate palmoplantar keratoderma, 4S and squamous cell carcinomas. Skin cancer usually occurs in old age. And there are reports that the expression of desmogleins are increased in squamous cell carcinoma. However the role of desmogleins in skin aging has not yet been reported. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of desmoglein 1 and 3 according to chronologic skin aging. METHODS: A total of 6 normal tissue samples from sun-protected skin of different age groups (from 34-year-old to an 84-year-old) and 1 squamous cell carcinoma tissue from a 72-year-old patient were taken. Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining were performed with anti desmoglein 1 and 3 antibodies. The expression of desmoglein 1 and 3 by Western blotting were calculated semiquantitatively by a densitometer. RESULTS: The expression of desmoglein 1 was 0.382 in the 34-year-old, 0.450 in the 45-year-old, 0.369 in the 56-year-old, 0.761 in the 65-year-old, 1.035 in the 77-year-old and 1.329 ODu/mm2 in the 84-year-old. The expression of desmoglein 3 was 0.830 in the 34-year-old, 0.984 in the 45-year-old, 1.029 in the 56-year-old, 1.534 in the 65-year-old, 1.714 in the 77-year-old and 1.878 ODu/mm2 in the 84-year-old. In immunohistochemical staining, the expression of Dsg1 increased from the basal layer to the granular layer and Dsg3 was expressed in the basal and suprabasal layers. CONCLUSION: The expression of desmoglein 1 and 3 were increased according to chronologic skin aging.