Different distribution patterns of plasmacytoid dendritic cells in discoid lupus erythematosus and lichen planopilaris demonstrated by CD123 immunostaining.

Background: Clinical and histological features may overlap between lichen planopilaris-associated and discoid lupus erythematosus-associated scarring alopecia.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the cutaneous infiltration of plasmacytoid dendritic cells and to compare their distribution pattern in discoid lupus erythematosus and lichen planopilaris.

Methods: Twenty-four cases of discoid lupus erythematosus and 30 cases of lichen planopilaris were examined for immunostaining of the CD123 marker.

Association of MTHFR C677T polymorphism with elevated homocysteine level and disease development in vitiligo.

Increasing evidence on the association of MTHFR gene polymorphism and serum homocysteine levels with autoimmune diseases such as vitiligo has made the MTHFR gene a very interesting candidate to be evaluated in different ethnicities and populations. We aimed to evaluate the levels of serum homocysteine and vitamin B12 and their associations with MTHFR C677T polymorphism in the Iranian population. This case-control study included 104 patients with vitiligo and 100 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects.