Expression of COX-2 and Bcl-2 in 50 patients of Lichen Planus

Lichen Planus is subacute or chronic inflammatory immune mediated disease that may involve skin, mucous membranes, hair follicles and nails. Lichen Planus is characterized by epidermal thickening, liquefaction, degeneration of basal cell layer, appearance of civatte bodies and dense lymphocytic infiltrate in a band like pattern along dermoepidermal junction. Bcl-2 plays important role in cellular protection against apoptosis. COX-2 plays important role in inflammation, tumor growth, invasion and inhibition of apoptosis. In this study 50 cases of clinically and histopathologically proven Lichen Planus were studied for expression of Bcl-2 and COX-2 by immunohistochemical staining. The results were compiled and analysed statistically.