BACKGROUND: Human keratinocyte growth factor(KGF) is an epithelial cell specific mitogen which is secreted by normal stromal fibroblast. In skin, KGF has been shown to stimulate keratinocyte proliferation. OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we sought to determine whether KGF is expressed in human squamous and basal cell carcinoma. METHODS: Using a reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR), we examined the expression of KGF mRNA in normal and cancerous human skin tissues. RESULTS: 1. The 583 bp KGF specific PCR product was observed in normal human cultured fibroblast, but no PCR product was seen in normal human cultured keratinocyte, A431, PAM212, HaCaT, and XB2 cell lines by RT-PCR of KGF mRNA using KGF-specific primer as visualized on an ethidium bromide stained agarose gel. 2. The 583 bp KGF specific PCR product was observed in the normal human dermis, squamous and basal cell carcinoma samples. 3. All three squamous and basal cell carcinoma samples revealed significant overexpression of KGF mRNA transcript in comparison with normal skin tissue. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that KGF mRNA level may be elevated in squamous and basal cell carcinoma and elevated KGF may enhance cellular proliferation of these skin carcinoma.
Carcinoma, Basal Cell* ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* ; Cell Line ; Cell Proliferation ; Dermis ; Epithelial Cells ; Ethidium ; Fibroblast Growth Factor 7* ; Fibroblasts ; Humans ; Keratinocytes* ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; RNA, Messenger* ; RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase ; Sepharose ; Skin

Lichen planus is a common dermatologic disorder involving the glabrous skin, hair bearing skin, scalp, nails, mucous membrane of the oral cavity, penis and vulva. We report a 28-year-old man with lichen planus occuring in both the oral and genital area. The oral lesion shows typical white lace-like patches and the genital lesion shows annular plaques.
Adult ; Hair ; Humans ; Lichen Planus* ; Lichens* ; Male ; Mouth ; Mucous Membrane ; Penis ; Scalp ; Skin ; Vulva