Anti-GOR antibodies in lichen planus

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Hepatology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Autoimmune hepatitis type 2 is characterized by anti-GOR antibodies, often alongside hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies and low anti-liver/kidney-microsomal (LKM1) antibody titers.
• Patients with lichen planus (LP) and chronic liver disease (CLD) frequently test positive for anti-HCV antibodies and negative for anti-LKM1 antibodies, suggesting potential eligibility for anti-GOR antibodies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence and prevalence of anti-GOR antibodies in patients diagnosed with lichen planus (LP).
• To determine if LP patients with co-existing chronic liver disease (CLD) exhibit a higher prevalence of anti-GOR antibodies.
• To compare anti-GOR antibody prevalence between CLD patients with and without LP.

Main Methods:

• Sera from 56 patients with lichen planus (LP) were analyzed for anti-GOR antibodies.
• A subset of 20 LP patients also had co-existing chronic liver disease (CLD).
• Seven CLD patients without LP served as a control group, and all patients were tested for anti-HCV and anti-LKM1 antibodies.

Main Results:

• Anti-GOR antibodies were detected in 11 out of 63 total patients studied (17.5% prevalence).
• All 11 patients positive for anti-GOR antibodies also tested positive for anti-HCV antibodies and had CLD.
• The prevalence of anti-GOR antibodies was similar in CLD patients with LP compared to CLD patients without LP.

Conclusions:

• The study suggests a potential association between anti-GOR antibodies, chronic liver disease (CLD), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.
• Lichen planus (LP) patients with CLD may possess anti-GOR antibodies, similar to CLD patients without LP.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise role and significance of anti-GOR antibodies in this patient cohort.