Expression of HNP1 gene in children with atopic dermatitis

Abstract

The expression of innate immune genes, defensins, changes in atopic dermatitis (AD). There has been much research on β-defensins, whereas the role of α-defensins in AD has not been adequately examined. Objective. To evaluate the expression of HNP1 gene in affected and visually unaffected skin areas in patients with different clinical and morphological forms of AD. Patients and methods. The participants in this study (n = 103) were patients admitted to the Maternity and Childhood Center of Sechenov University in 2020–2022. Two skin scraping samples were obtained from each of the patients with AD (n = 89), from skin areas affected and not affected by AD; one skin scraping sample was obtained from control group participants (n = 14) with no skin diseases. To determine the expression of HNP1 in skin cells, a real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction followed by statistical analysis was performed. Results. A significant increase in the expression of HNP1 gene was demonstrated in a more severe course of AD with the development of lichenoid skin changes. The elevated expression level of this antimicrobial peptide indicates the development of inflammatory reactions involving neutrophils in the inflammation area, possibly associated with colonization of the affected skin by opportunistic bacterial pathogens. Conclusion. The α-defensin HNP1 plays an important role in disease progression and can subsequently be used in the treatment of AD as a highly effective alternative approach. Key words: atopic dermatitis, children, neutrophil peptide 1, HNP1