Effects of diphencyprone on expression of Bcl-2 protein in patients with Alopecia areata

Abstract

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) development is attributed to a T cell involved autoimmune process. Apoptosis is one of the suspected culprits in pathogenesis of this disorder. This disorder can be treated by contact sensitizers like diphencyprone (DPCP). We investigated the effects of treatment with DPCP on the expression of Bcl-2 protein in hair follicle epithelial cells of AA patients and its relation to clinical response to treatment.

Materials and Methods: Patients with chronic and extensive AA who had not received any treatment for at least 6 months were included. Furthermore, 3-mm punch biopsies were obtained from the affected areas before starting the treatment, and, six months after DPCP application, punch biopsies of the same size were taken from the following groups of patients: Group 1: six patients with complete hair regrowth, Group 2: six patients with partial regrowth, and Group 3: six patients with no regrowth. The samples were studied by immunohistochemistry to detect and compare the rate of Bcl-2 expression.

Results: Level of Bcl-2 expression in respondent patients (Group 1) was significantly higher after DPCP treatment (36.50 ± 4.23) compared to pretreatment state (3.67 ± 1.406, P < 0.001). Similar finding was observed in second group with partial regrowth (17.67 ± 1.745 versus 5.33 ± 2.076, P < 0.01). Such significant change was not observed in third group (4.75 ± 1.315 versus 3.50 ± 0.645, P > 0.05).

Conclusion:The results of this study indicate the positive effect of DPCP on regulation (inhibition) of apoptotic process in patients with AA.

Keywords:

• Alopecia areata
• apoptosis
• Bcl-2
• diphencyprone
• immunohistochemistry