Increased Epidermal Nerve Growth Factor without Small-Fiber Neuropathy in Dermatomyositis

Small-fiber neuropathy (SFN) is suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of some types of autoimmune connective tissue diseases. SFN with a reduction in epidermal nerve fibers might affect sensory fibers and cause neuropathic symptoms, such as pruritus and pain, which are common in both dermatom...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of molecular sciences 2022-08, Vol.23 (16), p.9030
Main Authors: Wong, Lai-San, Lee, Chih-Hung, Yen, Yu-Ta
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Amphiregulin
Axon guidance
Chronic conditions
Connective tissue diseases
Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus
Dermatomyositis
Disease
Fibers
Growth factors
Interleukin 18
Keratinocytes
Nerve growth factor
Nervous system
Pain perception
Pathophysiology
Patients
Peripheral nervous system
Pruritus
Semaphorins
Sensory neurons
Signs and symptoms
small-fiber neuropathy
Statistical analysis
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Summary:Small-fiber neuropathy (SFN) is suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of some types of autoimmune connective tissue diseases. SFN with a reduction in epidermal nerve fibers might affect sensory fibers and cause neuropathic symptoms, such as pruritus and pain, which are common in both dermatomyositis (DM) and cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). Nerve growth factor (NGF) has been recognized as important in nociception by regulating epidermal nerve fiber density and sensitizing the peripheral nervous system. The present study aimed to investigate whether SFN was associated with the cutaneous manifestations of DM and CLE. We also investigated the relationship between SFN and axon guidance molecules, such as NGF, amphiregulin (AREG), and semaphorin (Sema3A) in DM and CLE. To explore the molecular signaling, interleukin (IL)-18 and IL-31, which have been implicated in the cutaneous manifestation and neuropathic symptoms in DM, were examined in keratinocytes. Our results revealed that intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) was unchanged in patients with DM, but significantly reduced in IENFD in patients with CLE compared with healthy control. Increased epidermal expression of NGF and decreased expression of Sema3A were demonstrated in patients with DM. Furthermore, IL-18 and IL-31 both induced the production of NGF from keratinocytes. Taken together, IL-18 and IL-31 mediated epidermal NGF expression might contribute to the cutaneous neuropathic symptoms in DM, while SFN might be important for CLE.
ISSN:1422-0067
1661-6596
1422-0067
DOI:10.3390/ijms23169030