Decreased lysyl oxidase-like 2 expression in mid-dermal elastolysis.

Mid-dermal elastolysis (MDE) is a rare disorder that is histopathologically characterized by selective loss of elastic fibres in the mid-dermis. Aetiopathogenesis of MDE is still obscure. We report for the first time on the expression of lysyl oxidase-like (LOXL) proteins in lesional and non-lesional skin of a patient with reticular variant of MDE. Real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were performed for matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2), MMP7, MMP9, LOXL1, LOXL2, and LOXL3. LOXL1 and LOXL3 mRNA levels in lesional skin did not substantially differ from mRNA levels measured in healthy skin. For LOXL2, however, we found decreased mRNA expression in lesional skin as compared to healthy skin. mRNA expression of MMP2 and MMP7 of lesional skin did not substantially differ from healthy skin. However, MMP9 mRNA expression was massively increased in lesional skin when compared to healthy skin. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the altered expression of LOXL2 and MMP9 in lesional skin. In conclusion, our preliminary data suggest that not only increased elastolytic activity (e.g. MMP9 up-regulation) but also affected elastin renewal due to reduced LOXL expression may contribute to the pathogenesis of MDE. More research is warranted in MDE especially with regard to the LOX family, fibulins, fibrillins, and desmosines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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