Background: The nuclear factor-κB transcription factors 1 and 2 (NFKB1 and NFKB2) are key components of the NF-κB pathway, which responds to inflammatory signals. Since the NFKB1/2 factors are activated via different inflammatory molecules, we aimed to check their expression levels in penile cancer (PC), penile dermatoses: lichen sclerosus (PLS) and zoon balanitis (ZB).
Methods: Skin biopsies from altered and healthy looking foreskin were obtained from 59 (49 LS; early PLS: 13, moderate PLS: 32, severe PLS: 4; 6 PC; 4 ZB) and unchanged foreskin from 13 healthy control adult males undergoing circumcision. NFKB1/2 mRNA levels were quantified by qPCR.
Results: The highest levels of NFKB1 and NFKB2 were observed in PC, ca. 22 and 3.5 times higher than in control, respectively. NFKB1 expression was correlated with PLS progression (rs = 0.667) and was ca. 20 times higher in advanced PLS than in controls and early PLS. Occurrence of micro-incontinence was associated with elevated NFKB1 levels in PLS.
Conclusion: This is the first study regarding gene profiles of NFKB1/2 in PC and penile dermatoses. New drugs targeting modulation of canonical-activated NF-κB pathway should be studied and introduced to the treatment of PLS and PC apart from other treatments.
Keywords: NFKB1/2; penile cancer; penile lichen sclerosus; zoon balanitis.