CHOLECALCIFEROL IN THE TREATMENT OF ORAL LICHEN PLANUS: PATHOGENETIC RATIONALE AND CLINICAL EVIDENCE

Relevance. Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic immune-mediated disease of the oral mucosa with a reported prevalence of 0.5–2.2% that predominantly affects women over 40 years of age [1]. Its course is marked by exacerbations and remissions. Reticular and papular forms are usually asymptomatic and may not require treatment, whereas erythematous, ulcerative and bullous forms cause pain and a burning sensation, so the main goals of therapy are to relieve symptoms and to hasten remission of these lesions [1]. OLP is also classified among oral potentially malignant disorders, which calls for long-term follow-up. Corticosteroids are the most efficacious treatment, but their long-term use is limited by adverse effects, and not all patients respond adequately [1]. An adjunct that could augment the action of corticosteroids and shorten their use is therefore of clinical interest. Vitamin D has immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties, and its deficiency has been linked to several autoimmune diseases, including OLP [2]. Deficiency is common: a pooled analysis of 7.9 million participants (2000–2022) estimated its prevalence at about 15.7% [3].