Carbohydrate metabolism in lichen planus

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Endocrinology
• Metabolic Disorders

Background:

• Oral lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting oral mucosa.
• A potential association between oral lichen planus and metabolic disturbances like diabetes mellitus is being investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of glucose intolerance in patients diagnosed with active oral lichen planus.
• To explore the relationship between oral lichen planus and abnormal glucose metabolism, particularly in individuals without a family history of diabetes.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of forty patients with active oral lichen planus and no family history of diabetes was recruited.
• Oral glucose tolerance tests were performed to assess glucose metabolism.
• Insulin response patterns were analyzed.
• Association between glucose intolerance and clinical characteristics of oral lichen planus was examined.

Main Results:

• 42% of patients with oral lichen planus demonstrated unequivocally abnormal oral glucose tolerance.
• The observed insulin response patterns resembled those seen in mild maturity-onset diabetes.
• No correlation was found between glucose intolerance and the duration or type of oral lichen planus lesions.
• Islet-cell antibodies were not detected in patients with glucose intolerance.

Conclusions:

• Active oral lichen planus may be associated with a high prevalence of undiagnosed glucose intolerance.
• The findings suggest a potential link between oral lichen planus and impaired glucose metabolism, warranting further investigation.
• Screening for glucose intolerance should be considered in patients with oral lichen planus, irrespective of lesion characteristics.