The Importance of Immunological Disorders in the Pathogenesis of Lichen Sclerosus in Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is defined as a chronic mucocutaneous inflammatory disease with a localization predominantly to the anus and genitals (vulvar sclerosus (VLS)). Pediatric lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with predilection for the anogenital area that if untreated c...

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Main Authors: Anna Torres, Monika Zaborek-Łyczba, Jakub Łyczba, Paulina Mertowska, Sebastian Mertowski, Ewelina Grywalska
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2022-11-01
Series:International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/23/22/14212
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author Anna Torres
Monika Zaborek-Łyczba
Jakub Łyczba
Paulina Mertowska
Sebastian Mertowski
Ewelina Grywalska
author_facet Anna Torres
Monika Zaborek-Łyczba
Jakub Łyczba
Paulina Mertowska
Sebastian Mertowski
Ewelina Grywalska
author_sort Anna Torres
collection DOAJ
description Lichen sclerosus (LS) is defined as a chronic mucocutaneous inflammatory disease with a localization predominantly to the anus and genitals (vulvar sclerosus (VLS)). Pediatric lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with predilection for the anogenital area that if untreated can lead to scarring. Vulvar LS is characterized by two peaks in incidence: it occurs in prepubertal girls and in postmenopausal women. To date, several mechanisms and risk factors have been proposed in the pathogenesis of pediatric vulvar LS; however, the etiology of this condition is still not fully understood and constitutes a challenge for scientists and clinicians. The presented research aimed to systematically review the existing literature on the pathogenesis of pediatric LS and to identify possible underlying autoimmune mechanisms and molecular networks. The clinical presentation of pediatric lichen sclerosus and available treatment modalities are also presented to acquaint a broader audience with this underdiagnosed and undertreated condition. As a result of our review, we discuss several potential mechanisms, molecules, and pathways that have been recognized in this disease. The purpose of our review was also to summarize what we can induce in further studies, which will ultimately help to identify the mechanism responsible for the disease and aid in the development of new, more effective treatment strategies for diagnosis and treatment by clinicians and researchers.
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spelling doaj.art-87711c5d4f5c45f5870faa3d1de07f9a2023-11-24T08:40:23ZengMDPI AGInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences1661-65961422-00672022-11-0123221421210.3390/ijms232214212The Importance of Immunological Disorders in the Pathogenesis of Lichen Sclerosus in Pediatric Patients: A Systematic ReviewAnna Torres0Monika Zaborek-Łyczba1Jakub Łyczba2Paulina Mertowska3Sebastian Mertowski4Ewelina Grywalska5Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, PolandDepartment of Experimental Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, PolandDepartment of Experimental Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, PolandDepartment of Experimental Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, PolandDepartment of Experimental Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, PolandDepartment of Experimental Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, PolandLichen sclerosus (LS) is defined as a chronic mucocutaneous inflammatory disease with a localization predominantly to the anus and genitals (vulvar sclerosus (VLS)). Pediatric lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with predilection for the anogenital area that if untreated can lead to scarring. Vulvar LS is characterized by two peaks in incidence: it occurs in prepubertal girls and in postmenopausal women. To date, several mechanisms and risk factors have been proposed in the pathogenesis of pediatric vulvar LS; however, the etiology of this condition is still not fully understood and constitutes a challenge for scientists and clinicians. The presented research aimed to systematically review the existing literature on the pathogenesis of pediatric LS and to identify possible underlying autoimmune mechanisms and molecular networks. The clinical presentation of pediatric lichen sclerosus and available treatment modalities are also presented to acquaint a broader audience with this underdiagnosed and undertreated condition. As a result of our review, we discuss several potential mechanisms, molecules, and pathways that have been recognized in this disease. The purpose of our review was also to summarize what we can induce in further studies, which will ultimately help to identify the mechanism responsible for the disease and aid in the development of new, more effective treatment strategies for diagnosis and treatment by clinicians and researchers.https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/23/22/14212lichen sclerosuslichen sclerosus vulvapediatric patientadolescentimmunopathogenesisimmune system
spellingShingle Anna Torres
Monika Zaborek-Łyczba
Jakub Łyczba
Paulina Mertowska
Sebastian Mertowski
Ewelina Grywalska
The Importance of Immunological Disorders in the Pathogenesis of Lichen Sclerosus in Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
lichen sclerosus
lichen sclerosus vulva
pediatric patient
adolescent
immunopathogenesis
immune system
title The Importance of Immunological Disorders in the Pathogenesis of Lichen Sclerosus in Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review
title_full The Importance of Immunological Disorders in the Pathogenesis of Lichen Sclerosus in Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review
title_fullStr The Importance of Immunological Disorders in the Pathogenesis of Lichen Sclerosus in Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review
title_full_unstemmed The Importance of Immunological Disorders in the Pathogenesis of Lichen Sclerosus in Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review
title_short The Importance of Immunological Disorders in the Pathogenesis of Lichen Sclerosus in Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review
title_sort importance of immunological disorders in the pathogenesis of lichen sclerosus in pediatric patients a systematic review
topic lichen sclerosus
lichen sclerosus vulva
pediatric patient
adolescent
immunopathogenesis
immune system
url https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/23/22/14212
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