Immunohistochemical Features of Fibrillary Proteins at the Dermal-Epidermal Junction in Sepsis

Grigory Demyashkin; David Pogasyan; Kirill Silakov; Nathalia Pyatigorskaya; Tatyana Borovaya; Irina Ignatko; Olga  Morozova; Vera Rostovskaya; Dibakhan Tsomartova; Yulii Shidlovskii; Artem Mirontsev; Vadim Tarasov; Liudmila Lyubchenko

doi:10.5937/scriptamed56-59788

Grigory Demyashkin Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, 117198, Moscow, Miklukho-Maklaya str.6 https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8447-2600
David Pogasyan Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, 117198, Moscow, Miklukho-Maklaya str.6 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3763-7454
Kirill Silakov Patrice Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University of Russia
Nathalia Pyatigorskaya I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University) https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4901-4625
Tatyana Borovaya I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)
Irina Ignatko I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9945-3848
Olga Morozova I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University) https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2453-1319
Vera Rostovskaya I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3718-8911
Dibakhan Tsomartova I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1381-0200
Yulii Shidlovskii I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3643-9889
Artem Mirontsev I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University) https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1783-694X
Vadim Tarasov I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)
Liudmila Lyubchenko Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, 117198, Moscow, Miklukho-Maklaya str.6 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4775-3299

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5937/scriptamed56-59788

Keywords: Sepsis, Epidermis, Dermis, Epidermal-dermal junction, Kalinin, Integrin-β1, Collagen, type IV

Abstract

Background/Aim. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that significantly disrupts skin function and healing, yet the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study aimed to assess the fibrous components of the epidermal-dermal junction (Integrin-β1, laminin-332 and type IV collagen) in sepsis patients to better understand the structural changes in the skin during this condition.

Methods. The study included 55 patients with sepsis (Group I) and a control group (Group II) of 10 deceased patients without infectious diseases. Patients’ medical records were analysed, including clinical data, disease duration, pharmacological therapy and comorbidities. Skin biopsies were processed for histological and immunohistochemical examination to assess the expression levels of laminin-332, type IV collagen and integrin-β1. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 12, with p-values ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses revealed significant decreases in the expression of laminin-332, type IV collagen and integrin-β1 in sepsis patients (Group I) compared to the control group (Group II). These changes were more pronounced in older patients, indicating a correlation between age and the extent of disruption. The decrease in expression of these proteins suggests partial fragmentation of the basement membrane, leading to increased permeability, impaired epidermal-dermal attachment and disruption of regenerative processes.

Conclusion. The observed changes in the fibrous components of the basement membrane, particularly the reduction in integrin-β1 expression, highlight the skin’s active role in the pathological process of sepsis. The impaired regenerative potential of the skin exacerbates its structural defects, hindering reparative processes and contributing to the progression of systemic inflammation. Pathological skin changes in sepsis are more pronounced in older individuals, likely due to the reduced activity of adaptive and compensatory mechanisms. Future research should focus on the recovery dynamics of these proteins and the potential for molecular-genetic analysis in understanding the long-term effects of sepsis on skin regeneration

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