Expression of CD117 and platelet-derived growth factor receptor α in patients with alopecia areata.

BACKGROUND

Alopecia areata is a disease of uncertain, probably autoimmune etiology. The role of growth factors like platelet-derived growth factor and C-kit (CD117) in alopecia areata is unknown.

AIMS: To compare the expression of CD117 and platelet-derived growth factor receptor α in tissue samples of alopecia areata and normal controls.

METHODS

Thirty biopsy samples of alopecia areata and eighteen normal control samples were included in this cross-sectional study. Immunohistochemistry was done to detect the expression of CD117 and platelet-derived growth factor receptor α in cases and controls. The mean percentage of follicles expressing CD117 and platelet-derived growth factor receptor α was compared among cases and controls.

RESULTS

The mean number of follicles expressing CD117 in anagen and catagen hairs differed significantly among cases and controls. The extent and intensity of staining with platelet-derived growth factor receptor α correlated significantly with the severity of alopecia areata based on the severity of alopecia tool score.

LIMITATIONS: Confirmation of the expression pattern of molecules observed in immunohistochemistry with western blot or polymerase chain reaction would have strengthened the report.

CONCLUSIONS

The expression of CD117 varied in cases and controls. The expression of platelet-derived growth factor receptor α correlated with the severity of the disease. This could explain how platelet-rich plasma works in the treatment of alopecia areata. Further studies are required to explore the role of these molecules in autoimmune pathogenesis.