20.500.12556/DKUM-95366 Exploring genital lichen sclerosus navigating from pathophysiology to precise diagnostic approaches Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic, relapsing skin disease that predominantly affects the perineal and genital regions, although extragenital manifestations can occur. Despite its significant impact on patients’ quality of life, particularly affecting sexual and urinary function, LS remains underdiagnosed. Multiple factors, including genetic predisposition, hormonal changes, immunological abnormalities, trauma, and urine irritation, contribute to its development and persistence. This review aims to clarify the complex pathophysiology of LS by exploring three main mechanisms: autoimmune dysregulation, sclerotic tissue formation, and oxidative stress. Autoimmune dysregulation involves T-cell infiltration and the roles of miR-155 and extracellular matrix protein 1 dysfunction, leading to chronic inflammation. miR-155 contributes to sclerotic tissue formation alongside galectin-7, promoting fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis. Oxidative stress results in tissue damage, autoimmunity, chronic inflammation, and an increased risk of carcinogenesis. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted therapies and improving LS management. Further research is needed to unravel the genetic basis, immune responses, and interactions between key mediators, ultimately advancing innovative therapeutic strategies and precision medicine in LS. lichen sclerosus autoimmune dysregulation sclerotic tissue oxidative stress genital disease true true true MDPI Angleški jezik Angleški jezik Znanstveno delo 2025-09-15 14:45:58 2025-09-15 14:51:12 2025-09-16 03:22:39 0000-00-00 00:00:00 2025 0 0 Str. 1-17 Št. 9 Letn. 13 2025 0000-00-00 Zaloznikova Objavljeno NiDoloceno 2025-08-05 2025-09-04 2025-09-12 616.5 249000195 10.3390/biomedicines13092252 2227-9059 RAZ_Sever_Maja_2025.pdf RAZ_Sever_Maja_2025.pdf 1 002EE03DD42CE30646F86E136F0ACC37 c5a88eccb3b93a81fcf093e69afde47c27b2f07b4c34092854a43fd925a34bfc 6978d35f-9232-11f0-9bf2-00155d000105 https://dk.um.si/Dokument.php?lang=slv&id=198480 https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13092252 0 90c174c8-9232-11f0-9bf2-00155d000105 https://dk.um.si/Dokument.php?lang=slv&id=198481 https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/13/9/2252 1 ee6570ea-9231-11f0-9bf2-00155d000105 https://dk.um.si/Dokument.php?lang=slv&id=198478 Medicinska fakulteta 0 0 0