Lichen planus and hepatitis C virus infection

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Dermatology
• Virology

Background:

• An association between lichen planus (LP) and chronic liver disease has been observed, particularly in Southern Europe.
• The advent of sensitive hepatitis C virus (HCV) assays strengthened the suspected link between LP and HCV infection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing literature on the relationship between LP, liver disease, and specifically HCV infection.
• To analyze geographical variations and potential immunogenetic factors influencing the LP-HCV association.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a literature search of PubMed/Medline from 1966 to 2001.
• Critically reviewed identified papers focusing on liver diseases, HCV infection, and LP.
• Analyzed geographical distribution of reported associations and immunogenetic factors like HLA-DR6.

Main Results:

• A significant association between LP, especially oral LP (OLP), and HCV infection was found in Italy, Spain, Japan, and the USA.
• Data from France, Germany, Holland, and the UK showed controversial or no association.
• HCV viral sequences were detected in oral samples from patients with and without LP, suggesting HCV's potential role in oral lesion development.

Conclusions:

• The association between LP/OLP and HCV infection exhibits geographical variations, possibly due to immunogenetic factors.
• In low HCV prevalence areas, screening HCV-infected patients for LP may be more effective than screening LP patients for HCV.
• HCV may be implicated in the pathogenesis of oral lesions through an immunological pathway.