Potential Role of the Mitochondria for the Dermatological Treatment of Papillon-Lefevre

The Papillon-Lefevre syndrome (PLS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the Cathepsin C (CTSC) gene, characterized by periodontitis and palmoplantar hyperkeratosis. The main inflammatory deficiencies include oxidative stress and autophagic dysfunction. Mitochondria are the main source of reactive oxygen species; their impaired function is related to skin diseases and periodontitis. The mitochondrial function has been evaluated in PLS and mitochondria have been targeted as a possible treatment for PLS. We show for the first time an important mitochondrial dysfunction associated with increased oxidative damage of mtDNA, reduced CoQ10 and mitochondrial mass and aberrant morphologies of the mitochondria in PLS patients. Mitochondrial dysfunction, determined by oxygen consumption rate (OCR) in PLS fibroblasts, was treated with CoQ10 supplementation, which determined an improvement in OCR and a remission of skin damage in a patient receiving a topical administration of a cream enriched with CoQ10 0.1%. We provide the first evidence of the role of mitochondrial dysfunction and CoQ10 deficiency in the pathophysiology of PLS and a future therapeutic option for PLS.

Automated summary

Papillon-Lefevre syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by periodontitis and palmoplantar hyperkeratosis, with main inflammatory deficiencies in oxidative stress and autophagic dysfunction. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been found to be associated with the syndrome, which may also lead to a decrease in oxygen consumption rate. CoQ10 supplementation could improve mitochondrial function and potentially serve as a local treatment option for patients with this syndrome.