Implications of bax, fas, and p53 in the pathogenesis of early-stage mycosis fungoides and alterations in expression following photochemotherapy.

BACKGROUND

The underlying molecular basis of mycosis fungoides (MF) has not yet been clarified. However, defects in apoptosis may contribute to its pathogenesis.

AIM: We investigated the expression of Bax, Fas, and p53 in early-stage MF patients and any alterations in expression following photochemotherapy.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Bax, Fas, and p53 expressions were studied by immunohistochemistry in both keratinocytes and lymphocytes on paraffin-embedded skin specimens from 27 early-stage MF patients.

RESULTS

Bax, Fas, and p53 staining was shown in the lymphocytes in 0/27, 26/27, and 11/27 patients at the time of diagnosis, whereas these ratios were 0/27, 9/27, and 0/27, respectively, after psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) treatment. The decrease in p53 and Fas expression in the lymphocytes was found statistically significant. Bax, Fas, and p53 staining in the keratinocytes was shown in 5/27, 27/27, and 25/27 patients at the time of diagnosis, whereas these ratios were 0/27, 22/27, and 4/27, respectively, after PUVA treatment. The decrease in p53, Fas, and Bax expression in the keratinocytes was found statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Although Bax seems unrelated with early-stage MF, Fas and p53 expression in the lymphocytes may contribute to the understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease.