Studies On MMP-2, MMP-9 And VEGF In Lichen Planus

Objectives: Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic, subacute inflammatory skin disease, occurs predominantly in adults from 30 to 60. The morbidity rate of this disease is lower than 1 percent in population and shows an increasing tendency at present. The etiology and pathogenesy of LP still remains obscure and there is no specific treatment for this disease. Histologically, LP shows hyperkeratosis, focal hypergranulosis, acanthosis, typical liquefaction degeneration of basal cells and band-like inflammatory infiltrate predominantly of T cells in the upper dermis. From its histological character we can presume that the basement membrane zone (BMZ) is damaged and this has been confirmed by many studies. Gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) play important role in metastasis of tumor by cleaving collagenâ…£which is a major component of BMZ . As an inflammatory hyperplastic skin disease, the epiderm of LP needs more nutrition that relies on the dermal blood capillary. VEGF is a specific mitogen of endothelial cell and is considered as the most important factor to induce angiogenesis. Many studies confirm that there is a positive correlation between VEGF and gelatinases. This study aimed at observing the damage of BMZ and the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF in LP lesions...