title: Use of pioglitazone in patients with lichen planopilaris.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Recent basic science research has revealed a decreased tissue expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ in lichen planopilaris (LPP). Therefore, thiazolidinediones, being PPARγ agonists, could be used to treat LPP.
  
  
  METHODS
  We followed 24 patients with LPP who were treated with oral pioglitazone hydrochloride. Improvement in LPP was defined as a decrease in or disappearance of symptoms and perifollicular erythema in the context of halted spread of old patches.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty of 24 patients were females. The average age was 52.5 years, and ages ranged from 22 to 70 years. Five of 24 patients have achieved remission; improvement was noted in half of the patients; there was no change in 3 patients; and 4 patients discontinued treatment due to side effects. Side effects were mild and included left calf pain, lightheadedness and nausea, dizziness, and hives.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Use of thiazolidinediones might be a new promising venue of LPP treatment.
authors.affiliation: Division of Dermatology, University of Toronto, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON. a.baibergenova@utoronto.ca
authors.forename: Akerke
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Baibergenova
authors.forename: Scott
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Walsh
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008010:Lichen Planus / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000077205:Pioglitazone; D012536:Scalp Dermatoses / Q000188:drug therapy*; D045162:Thiazolidinediones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D045162:Thiazolidinediones; D000077205:Pioglitazone