Increased Serum Levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha in Lichen planus

Abstract

Background: Lichen planus (LP) is a common, pruritic, inflammatory mucocutaneous disease. There are several opinions and approaches to the etiopathogenesis of LP. Immunologic mechanisms almost certainly mediate its development. T-cell-mediated immunity plays the major role in triggering the clinical expression of the disease. The cytokines that are produced by lymphocytes also play an important role in the development of LP. Objective: The goal of our study was to investigate the possible role of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in the pathogenesis of LP. Methods: Serum TNF-α levels were determined with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent sandwich assay method in the sera of 40 patients suffering from LP and in those of 40 healthy controls. Results: The serum levels of TNF-α were found to be significantly higher in the patient group compared to the healthy controls (patients: 35.64 ± 9.59 pg/ml, controls: 15.6 ± 3.97 pg/ml, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our results revealed that TNF-α might play a major role in the pathogenesis of LP.

Are Newly Discovered Drivers of Immune-Mediated Skin Disorders Expressed in Normal Skin Regenerating from Standardized Surface Injury?

“…In vitiligo the interaction between oxidative stress and both players of the adaptive and innate immune system appear to play a key role in initiating the disease [20]. Lichen planus is thought to be a T-cell-mediated skin disease with an important role in the production of a variety of cytokines [21]. In all three cutaneous diseases the imbalance of the immune system seems to play an important role in pathogenesis.…”

Possible Role of TNF-α, IFN-γ, FAS/APO1 in the Etiopathogenesis of Lichen Planus

“…In the same study, when cases were evaluated with respect to oral involvement, no significant difference was found between the patients with oral involvement and those without [21].…”

Oral, Esophageal and Cutaneous Lichen Ruber Planus Controlled with Alitretinoin: Case Report and Review of the Literature

“…Increased levels of TNF-α, RANTES-dependent mast cell degranulation and matrix metalloproteinase facilitate T cell migration into connective tissue [122,123,124]. Additionally, increased levels of IL-1α, IL-6 and IL-8 in oral lesions may indicate a NF-κB-dependent immune activation pathway [125].…”