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Abstract: Background: Lichen planus is an inflammatory skin disorder of unknown etiology. Recently, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxides have been implicated in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory dermatoses including lichen planus. Aims: The present study was designed to evaluate the oxidative stress and the antioxidant defense status in Kashmiri patients suffering from lichen planus. Methods: A total of 60 patients with lichen planus (27 males, 33 females) and 60 control subjects, matched for age and gender were enrolled in this prospective case control study. Serum levels of Superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and Nitric oxide (NO) levels were measured in both patients and controls. Results: Plasma levels of MDA, NO and SOD enzymes were significantly higher (p <0.05) in patients than in controls. Plasma levels of GSH and GPX were significantly lower in patients than in controls (p <0.05). Conclusions: The findings in our study suggest an increased lipid peroxidation and an imbalance in the antioxidant defense mechanisms in lichen planus. This may play a role in the pathogenesis of lichen planus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]