Differential Expression of Claudin-3 and Claudin-1 in Mycosis Fungoides: Implications for Disease Monitoring

Akın Aktaş; Funda Erduran; Burcu Tuğrul; Funda Eren; Esra Fırat Oğuz

doi:10.5826/dpc.1503a5679

Differential Expression of Claudin-3 and Claudin-1 in Mycosis Fungoides: Implications for Disease Monitoring

Authors

Akın Aktaş Department of Dermatology, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Ankara, Turkey
Funda Erduran Department of Dermatology, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3318-2248
Burcu Tuğrul Private Dermatology Clinic, Ankara, Turkey
Funda Eren Department of Biochemistry, İstanbul Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
Esra Fırat Oğuz Department of Biochemistry, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey

Keywords:

Claudin-3, Claudin-1, mycosis fungoides, Disease Monitoring, Biomarker

Abstract

Introduction: Claudins are integral transmembrane proteins that play a pivotal role in regulating tight junctions within epithelial and endothelial cells. In addition to their fundamental function in preserving cell-cell adhesion and barrier integrity, claudins are implicated in various biological processes, including those critical to cancer development and dermatological disorders. However, the role of claudin-1 and claudin-3 in mycosis fungoides (MF) pathogenesis remains unexplored and has yet to be comprehensively studied.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the serum levels of claudin-1 and claudin-3 in MF patients and assess their potential clinical significance as biomarkers for disease progression.

Methods: A total of 88 MF patients and 88 healthy controls were included in this case-control study. Serum claudin-1 and claudin-3 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical analyses were performed to compare claudin levels between groups and examine correlations with disease stage and duration.

Results: Serum claudin-3 levels were significantly higher in MF patients compared to controls (P<0.001), while no significant difference was observed in claudin-1 levels (P=0.448). Additionally, a weak but statistically significant positive correlation was found between claudin-3 levels and MF stage (r=0.219, P=0.041), suggesting its potential role in disease progression. No significant correlation was observed between claudin-1 levels and MF stage.

Conclusion: Our findings indicate that elevated serum claudin-3 levels are associated with MF and correlate with disease severity, suggesting that claudin-3 may serve as a valuable biomarker for monitoring disease progression. Further research is required to elucidate its underlying mechanisms and assess its potential as a therapeutic target in MF.

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