Dyslipidemia associated with Lichen Planus may need Comprehensive Management: Study

A new study published in the journal of Cureus revealed that Lichen Planus (LP) patients show increased lipid levels and associated comorbidities, emphasizing the importance of routine lipid profile monitoring, early intervention, and lifestyle modification counselling to reduce dyslipidemia and cardiovascular risks.

Flat-topped, violaceous, itchy, polygonal papules that are often bilateral and symmetrical and most frequently seen on the extremities are the characteristic cutaneous presentation of LP. Antioxidant systems are also significantly disrupted in lichen planus, which causes oxidative stress and damages proteins, DNA, and lipids. However, it is widely acknowledged that persistent dyslipidemia and oxidative stress raise the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Numerous investigations have documented a probable correlation between dyslipidemia and lichen planus, indicating a potential relationship between metabolic disorders and this chronic inflammatory illness. Existing data has revealed inconsistent outcomes across various groups. Thus, this study by Jeyraveena and colleagues was set to learn more about the connection between dyslipidemia and lichen planus.

From August 2022 to August 2024, comparative cross-sectional research was carried out at Chennai's Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research. Nearly, 67 clinically confirmed LP patients and 67 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included in the research. Fasting lipid levels and thorough clinical tests were carried out. Descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and chi-square tests were among the statistical methods used.

Both male and female patients with LP had statistically significant higher levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and total cholesterol (p=0.001) than controls. However, only male LP patients had substantially higher triglyceride levels (p=0.04). The two groups' levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) were comparable. LP patients also had greater rates of cardiovascular illness, diabetes, hypothyroidism, and hypertension. The prevalence of dyslipidemia was positively connected with the length of sickness.

Overall, this study found that both male and female lichen planus patients had significantly higher levels of total cholesterol and LDL and that male LP patients had raised triglycerides. Nonetheless, there was no discernible difference in the overall prevalence of dyslipidemia. This seeming contradiction raises the possibility of a link between lipid metabolic abnormalities and the chronic inflammatory state of LP. 

Source:

N M, J., Vidhya H, M., Sundaram, M., Rangarajan, S., & Swaminathan, A. (2025). Association between dyslipidemia and lichen planus: A cross-sectional study in a tertiary care hospital. Cureus, 17(4), e82401. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.82401