Does signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 have a role in lichen planus?

Authors

Azza G. A. Farag, Menoufia University
Magda M. Hagag, Menoufia University
Rehab M. Samaka, Birket Alsabae Central Hospital
Sara F. Sultan, Menoufia UniversityFollow

Subject Area

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objective The aim was to evaluate the role of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in lichen planus (LP). Background LP is a chronic mucocutaneous T-cell-mediated inflammatory disease. STAT3 is responsible for signal transmission to the nucleus from many receptors and nonreceptor-associated kinases. Materials and methods A prospective case–control study was conducted on 20 cases with LP and 20 age-matched, sex-matched, and localization-matched apparently healthy participants. All sections were immunohistochemically stained for STAT3. Results There were significant differences between the studied groups regarding STAT3 positivity in both dermis and epidermis (P = 0.043 for both), as well as STAT3 intensity of expression in epidermis and dermis (P = 0.008 and 0.001, respectively). There were significant associations between moderate and strong STAT3 expression and generalized lesions, presence of precipitating factors, presence of dermal melanophages, and presence of moderate spongiosis (P = 0.01, 0.005, 0.05, and 0.04, respectively). Conclusion Overexpression of STAT3 in LP could play a role in pathogenesis and severity of LP. Anti-STAT3 target therapy might be suggested to ameliorate LP.

Recommended Citation

Farag, Azza G. A.; Hagag, Magda M.; Samaka, Rehab M.; and Sultan, Sara F. (2021) "Does signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 have a role in lichen planus?," Menoufia Medical Journal: Vol. 34: Iss. 2, Article 10.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/mmj.mmj_319_19