Immunohistochemical Analysis of Adhesion Molecules E-Selectin, Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1, and Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 in Inflammatory Lesions of Atopic Dermatitis

Abstract

E-selectin, ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule-1), and VCAM-1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule-1) play a role in atopic dermatitis (AD). This study aimed to evaluate their expression in skin biopsy specimens of patients diagnosed with AD using an optimized computer program. A descriptive analysis and comparison of digitally measured surface area and cell number were performed. The number of E-selectin-positive cells did not vary between the groups. In patients with AD, decreases of 1.2-fold for ICAM-1- and 1.3-fold for VCAM-1- positive cells were observed. The E-selectin-positive epidermal surface area increased (p < 0.001), while ICAM1 and VCAM1 decreased 2.5-fold and 2-fold, respectively, compared to controls. In the AD-affected skin, the E-selectin-positive endothelial area was 3.5-fold larger (p < 0.001), and the ICAM1-positive area was almost 4-fold larger (p < 0.001). E-selectin and ICAM-1 were expressed in the control dermis moderately and weakly, respectively. A strong E-selectin signal was detected in the AD-affected skin macrophages and a strong ICAM-1 signal in the dermal vessel endothelium. In the endothelial cells of AD-affected skin, no VCAM-1 signal could be found. E-selectin, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 expression show significant disease-specific changes between AD-affected and control skin. The combination of digital analysis and a pathologist’s evaluation may present a valuable follow-up of AD activity parameters.

Identification of plasma protein markers of allergic disease risk: a mendelian randomization approach to proteomic analysis

“…Genetic variants of ERBB3 have been identified as AD susceptibility factors and serum MMP12 may be an indicator of AD and AR disease pathways [ 57 , 59 – 61 ]. Adhesion molecules are known to be involved in T cell homing to skin lesions in AD patients, one example being ICAM-1 which is highly expressed and may have a pathogenic role [ 62 , 63 ]. Lastly, little attention has been paid to MANF, although the protein is measurable in serum and reflective of extracellular biomarkers in AD [ 64 ].…”

Identification of key genes and molecular mechanisms of chronic urticaria based on bioinformatics

“…ICAM1 (Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1) is involved in cell adhesion and migration, critical for immune cell interactions and inflammatory responses. 52 Elevated levels of ICAM1 can lead to increased adhesion and migration of immune cells to inflammatory sites. In CU, increased expression of ICAM1 contributes to immune cell infiltration, inflammation, and the formation of urticarial lesions.…”