Diagnostic value of immunohistochemistry staining of Bcl-2, CD34, CD20 and CD3 for distinction between discoid lupus erythematosus and lichen planus in the skin.

BACKGROUND

Cluster of differentiation (CD) markers is a classification system for monoclonal antibodies against cell surface molecules on leukocytes and antigens from other cells.

AIMS

The aim of this study is to evaluate immunohistochemical markers in patients with discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) and lichen planus (LP) and correlation of these markers in two groups and with the normal group in the West of Iran.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

Analytical cross-sectional study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was performed on paraffin blocks of DLE and LP patients with normal group (21, 21 and 16 cases, respectively) between 2009 and 2012. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections from each DLE, LP, and normal skin biopsy specimen were cut into 4-μ thick sections and mounted on glass slides. Initial sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Primary antihuman antibodies against CD3, CD20, CD34, and Bcl-2 were applied. Positive control samples for CD3, CD20, and Bcl-2 were received from lymph nodes and for CD34 from dermal microvessels.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

SPSS version 19 (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, USA) and Microsoft Excel 2007.

RESULTS

The mean staining for four markers was more significant in DLE and LP groups compared to normal group and for CD34 and CD3 was more significant in LP groups versus DLE group.

CONCLUSIONS

CD3+, CD34+, Bcl-2+, and CD20+ cells are significantly higher in DLE and LP lesional skins versus normal skin. In addition, there were higher expressions of CD3 and CD34 in LP lesional skin versus DLE lesional skin.