transforming-growth-factor-alpha and Lichen-Planus--Oral

In the present study, we investigate the expression profile of the epidermal growth factor receptor family, which comprises EGFR/ErbB1, HER2/ErbB2, HER3/ErbB3 and HER4/ErbB4 in oral leukoplakia (LP). The expression of four epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family genes and their ligands were measured in LP tissues from 14 patients and compared with levels in 10 patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) and normal oral mucosa (NOM) from 14 healthy donors by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry. Synchronous mRNA coexpression of ErbB1, ErbB2, ErbB3 and ErbB4 was detected in LP lesions. Out of the receptors, only ErbB4 mRNA and protein was more highly expressed in LP compared with NOM tissues. These were strongly expressed by epithelial keratinocytes in LP lesions, as shown by immunohistochemistry. Regarding the ligands, the mRNA of Neuregulin2 and 4 were more highly expressed in OLP compared with NOM tissues. Therefore, enhanced ErbB4 on the keratinocytes and synchronous modulation of EGFR family genes may contribute to the pathogenesis and carcinogenesis of LP.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Amphiregulin; Betacellulin; EGF Family of Proteins; Epidermal Growth Factor; Epiregulin; ErbB Receptors; Female; Gene Expression Profiling; Glycoproteins; Heparin; Heparin-binding EGF-like Growth Factor; Humans; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Keratinocytes; Leukoplakia, Oral; Lichen Planus, Oral; Ligands; Male; Middle Aged; Mouth Mucosa; Nerve Growth Factors; Neuregulins; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Receptor, ErbB-2; Receptor, ErbB-3; Receptor, ErbB-4; Receptors, Cell Surface; RNA, Messenger; Transforming Growth Factor alpha; Up-Regulation

This study aimed to investigate the roles of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family members and their ligands in oral lichen planus (OLP).. The expressions of 4 EGFR-like receptors and 6 EGF-like ligands were measured in OLP tissues from 10 patients and compared with the levels in normal oral mucosa (NOM) from 10 healthy donors.. Of the receptors, only EGFR mRNA and protein were more highly expressed in OLP compared with NOM tissues. Regarding the ligands, the mRNAs of amphiregulin (AREG), epiregulin (EREG), and heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) were more highly expressed in OLP compared with NOM tissues. These ligands were strongly expressed by infiltrating lamina propria lymphocytes as well as epithelial keratinocytes in OLP lesions, as shown by immunohistochemistry.. The enhanced EGFR expression on the keratinocytes in OLP lesions and the up-regulation of EGF-like ligands in keratinocytes and infiltrating mononuclear cells could contribute to the carcinogenesis and pathogenesis of OLP.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Amphiregulin; Betacellulin; CD3 Complex; EGF Family of Proteins; Epidermal Growth Factor; Epiregulin; Epithelial Cells; ErbB Receptors; Female; Glycoproteins; Heparin; Heparin-binding EGF-like Growth Factor; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Keratinocytes; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; Lichen Planus, Oral; Lymphocytes; Male; Middle Aged; Mouth Mucosa; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Receptor, ErbB-2; Receptor, ErbB-3; Receptor, ErbB-4; Receptors, Cell Surface; T-Lymphocytes; Transforming Growth Factor alpha; Up-Regulation