Immunohistochemical investigation of transferrin receptor 2 (TFR2) immunoreactivity in patients with psoriasis vulgaris

Abstract

Background and Aim: Psoriasis vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin disease associated with epidermal proliferation and angiogenesis. This study evaluated Transferrin Receptor 2 (TFR2) expression in psoriatic skin and compared it with healthy skin using immunohistochemistry. Materials and Methods: Skin biopsies from patients with psoriasis vulgaris and healthy controls were immunohistochemically stained for TFR2. Expression in epidermal layers and dermal vascular structures was assessed. DAB staining intensity was quantitatively analyzed using QuPath software. Group comparisons were performed using the independent Student's t test. Results: Healthy skin samples showed weak TFR2 expression, mainly in the basal epidermal layer. In contrast, psoriatic lesions demonstrated markedly increased TFR2 immunoreactivity in the basal and stratum spinosum layers, as well as in dermal vascular structures. The mean DAB-positive area was significantly higher in psoriatic lesions than in controls (55.0 +/- 7.3 vs. 18.0 +/- 3.4, p < 0.05). Conclusion: TFR2 expression was significantly increased in psoriatic epidermis and dermal vascular structures. These findings suggest a potential role of TFR2 in psoriasis pathogenesis and iron-related inflammatory pathways.