Protein p16 role in seborrheic keratosis

• Main Authors: Alexandra K. Alexandrova, Vera A. Smolyannikova, Varvara A. Filatova, Olga K. Alexandrova
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Our Dermatology Online 2016-10-01
• Series: Nasza Dermatologia Online
• Subjects: Seborrheic keratosis; Immunohistochemistry; Tumor suppressor protein p16
• Online Access: http://www.odermatol.com/issue-in-html/2016-4-1/

Introduction: Seborrheic keratosis (SK) is a disease of unknown etiology and pathogenesis. Keratomas grow slowly for years. Their number grows significantly with age in some patients, resulting in cosmetic defect, while separate elements remain in others not disturbing them subjectively. Details of the cell cycle destruction by the SK are not revealed despite a number of studies. It is controversial whether tumor suppressor protein p16 influences growth and development of the tumor elements. Materials and Methods: An immunohistochemistry test with monoclonal antibodies to p16 was accomplished, 20 SK served as a material for the test, which were obtained from patients with multiple SK – 10 people, and single SK (not more than 10 elements on the skin) – 10 people. Clinical examination of patients was being conducted, using data from the anamnesis of concomitant somatic pathology. Results: Intense cytoplasmic and nuclear staining of tumor cells was revealed by individuals with multiple SK in 70% by immunohistochemical test with monoclonal antibodies to p16, 30% of the staining was moderate, diffuse. A positive reaction with antibody to p16 was diffuse, weak by patients with single SK in 80% of the cases, stain of the single cells of the basal layer nucleus was recorded, in 20% the colour of the cells cytoplasm was intense, but as separate focuses. The presence of insulin resistance was revealed from anamnesis by all patients with multiple SK. Insulin resistance by patients with single SK was detected in 2 cases. Conclusion: The connection was found between the intensity of the p16 expression and the prevalence of SK. Given the presence of insulin resistance in the anamnesis of patients with multiple SK, an assumption was made about an indirect effect of the p16 expression on hyperinsulinemia. The presence of focal intense reactions with antibodies to p16 by patients with single SK can serve as a predictor of eruptions dissemination in future.