Topical pimecrolimus effect on Fas inducing apoptosis in oral lichen planus: a clinical immunohistochemical study

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of pimecrolimus treatment in patients not responding to corticosteroid treatment and to investigate its effect on Fas expression on keratinocytes in oral lichen planus (OLP). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with OLP were recruited from the Oral Medicine Clinic at the School of Dentistry, Ain Shams University, Egypt. Pimecrolimus 1% cream with a hydrophilic adhesive gel base was applied to the oral lesions, four times daily, for a total of 2 months. A marker lesion was identified and assessed by clinical scoring (CS). The symptomatology score was obtained using a visual analog scale (VAS). Pre-treatment and post-treatment specimens were immunohistochemically stained for detecting Fas. RESULTS: The results of clinical scores showed statistically high significant improvement (P = 0.0001). The mean VAS decreased significantly over time as well as the mean of Fas expression (P < 0.05). The overall percentage of reduction from baseline to week 8 was 87%, 93%, and 67% for clinical scores, visual analog score, and Fas expression, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Topical pimecrolimus reduced Fas expression, and it appears to be a promising alternative treatment for OLP. J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 315-321