Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous disease wherein cell mediated immunity plays a pivotal role. Regarding its pathogenesis, several hypotheses have been suggested. Recent studies have focused on the role of oxidative stress. 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) is the major free radical resulted from the action of oxidative stress on nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. Considering the association of LP with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, the aim of our study is to evaluate 8-OHdG as an oxidative stress marker and observe the influence of HCV in LP patients. We have enrolled 12 LP patients with HCV infection (group A), 12 patients without LP, with HCV infection (group B), 31 LP patients without HCV infection (group C), and 26 healthy subjects (control group – group D). Only patients with inactive hepatitis were included. We have determined the serum levels of 8-OHdG by ELISA method. The serum levels of 8-OHdG were statistically significantly higher in group A (5.58 ± 0.94 ng/ml), group B (4.95 ± 0.45 ng/ml) and group C (4.83 ± 1.30 ng/ml) compared to group D (3.61 ± 0.68 ng/ml), p <0.01. In addition, the serum levels of 8-OHdG were statistically significantly higher in group A compared to group C, p <0.05. Oxidative stress might represent one of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the development of LP lesions. HCV may enhance this process, which could explain the involvement of HCV infection in LP pathogenesis.

Oxidative stress as a cofactor in the relationship between lichen planus and hepatitis C virus infection