Abnormal expression of interleukin-6 is associated with epidermal alternations in localized scleroderma.
Clin Rheumatol
; 41(7): 2179-2187, 2022 Jul.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-35277778
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES:
Localized scleroderma (LSc) is a disease characterized by the excessive deposition of collagen and thereby thickening of the dermis. In recent years, studies reported that LSc demonstrated compromised skin barrier related to the progression of the disease. However, human studies examining epidermis in scleroderma are still sparse and lack systematic research. This study aims to investigate the structural and functional changes in the LSc epidermis and further explore the underlying mechanisms, providing a new angle to treat LSc in the clinic.METHODS:
A total of 136 skin sites, including lesion and non-lesion control, from 27 LSc patients were analyzed. Ultrasonic testing, trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), and epidermal hydration were assessed to investigate the structural and functional alternations; correlations between these parameters were analyzed. To explore the underlying mechanism, skin-fibrosis mouse model and cellular model by bleomycin (BLM) were deployed.RESULTS:
The epidermal thickness was markedly increased, with a significant decline of hydration (dryness) in the LSc lesion skin. Epidermal hydration presented a negative correlation with the thickness. TEWL was not altered. The mouse model validated these morphological changes in the epidermis and indicated that interleukin-6 (IL-6) was significantly elevated. Furthermore, cellular study demonstrated that increased phosphorylation of p38 in keratinocyte promoted the secretion of IL-6, stimulating cell proliferation.CONCLUSION:
This study characterized the epidermal alterations in LSc patients, suggesting that keratinocyte-derived abnormal IL-6 secretion can lead to the thickening of the epidermis, promoting dryness. The topical application of moisturizer may largely relieve dryness and related pruritus, thus improve the quality of life in LSc patients. Key Points ⢠Epidermal thickness was increased in LSc lesion skin with declined hydration level. ⢠Skin fibrosis mouse model validated the epidermal alteration in LSc patient. ⢠p38-dependent IL-6 overexpression in keratinocyte result in epidermal thickening.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Esclerodermia Localizada
/
Interleucina-6
/
Epiderme
Tipo de estudo:
Prognostic_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Aspecto:
Patient_preference
Limite:
Animals
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Clin Rheumatol
Ano de publicação:
2022
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
China