Pathogenesis, Risk Factors and TCM Treatment of Oral lichen Planus–a Updated Review

Abstract

Oral lichen planus (OLP) was first publicly described by Wilson in 1869 as a skin disorder of the oral mucosa that presents with white streaks, white papules, white patches, erythema, vesicles or blisters. It mainly affects the buccal mucosa, tongue and gums. The pathogenesis of OLP is considered as an autoimmune system disease mediated by T cells in which Langerhans cells (LC) function as antigen-presenting cells. Some recent studies suggest that CD4+ cell subsets play a prominent role in the pathogenesis of OLP, and in particular, the dynamic balance between Th1 and Th2 cell subsets is closely related to the pathogenesis of OLP. In addition, it has been proposed that regulation of carcinoembryonic antigen-related cellular adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) by Osteopontion leads to overexpression of CEACAM1, which ultimately activates T cells and promotes basal Perspectives on keratinocyte apoptosis. There are three possible factors associated with the development of OLP. First, it is thought to be related to abnormalities in the body's immune function. Secondly, it is thought to be due to microcirculation disorders in the oral mucosa; thirdly, it is thought that the onset and regression are closely related to the patient's lifestyle habits, negative emotional factors such as anxiety and depressive emotional responses. As the pathogenesis of OLP is still unknown, there is no particularly effective clinical treatment. However, with a large number of comparative clinical efficacy studies, people have discovered the great potential of TCM therapy in the treatment of OLP.TCM therapy has the effect of good efficacy and short treatment cycle, and has gained remarkable clinical efficacy through the use of traditional Chinese medicines to regulate the patient's overall physical state and mental state.