Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Dermatology and Venerology

Background: Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a large group of compounds produced by multicellular organisms from both the vegetal and animal kingdoms. AMPs production is a major component of innate immunity against infection. In human skin, two main groups have been most extensively studied; Ý-defensins and cathelicidins. Super{uFB01}cial tinea and pityriasis versicolor are both very common fungal skin infections occurring worldwide. Recent investigations have shown that some of the antimicrobial peptides may also be part of the natural defence against fungal infection. Aim of the study: The aim of the current study is to investigate the tissue expression of Ý2-defensin mRNA and cathelicidin mRNA in lesions of tinea versicolor and lesions of tinea circinata and hence studying their role in the pathogenesis of fungal infection. Patients and methods: This case control study included 20 patients with tinea versicolor, 20 patients with tinea circinata and 20 controls. A punch skin biopsy was taken from lesional and non lesional skin of the patient and normal skin of control for real time PCR (RT-PCR) gene expression of Ý2-defensin mRNA and cathelicidin mRNA. Results: Ý2 defensin and cathelicidin were upregulated in lesional areas of tinea versicolor and tinea circinata in comparison to non lesional areas of tinea versicolor,tinea circinata and control. These results reached a statistical significance for mRNA Ý2 defensin in tinea versicolor and tinea circinata (P value <0.014) and also for mRNA cathelicidin in both diseases P value <0.001

Issued also as CD