Immunohistochemical Expression of p53 and Ki-67 in Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus

including the skin. Apoptosis has been suggested by many authors to play a role in the pathogenesis of discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE). It is a form of cell suicide mechanism to eliminate cells that are redundant, damaged or infected. It is vital for normal development, for maintenance of tissue homeostasis and for an effective immune system. Defective regulation of apoptosis may play a role in the development of autoimmune diseases such as lupus erythematosus. Objective. To investigate the participation of p53 induced apoptosis and Ki-67 triggered hyperproliferation in the pathogenesis of DLE. Patients and methods. A total of 25 skin biopsy specimens from LE skin lesions were used. Histopathological examination of H E stained sections of DLE included analysis and scoring of epidermal atrophy and other histopathological parameters. Expression of protein p53 and Ki-67 was examined immunohistochemically Results. p53 expression was greater in DLE than in normal skin. Ki-67 expression was also greater in DLE than in normal skin. A significant positive correlation was found between p53 and Ki-67 expression in basal cell layer (p 0.05), suprabasal cell layer (p 0.05) of interfollicular and follicular epithelium (p 0.05). A significant negative correlation was found between Ki-67 expression and the intensity of epidermal atrophy in both basal (p 0.05) and suprabasal cell layers (p 0.05). Conclusion. p53 induced apopotosis accompanied with Ki-67 induced hyperproliferation may play a part in the pathogenesis of DLE.