Evaluation of Serum TNF-α and TGF-β in Patients with Oral Lichen Planus

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The role of cytokines in the immunopathogenesis of oral lichen planus (OLP) has received much attention. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum levels of TNF-α and TGF-β in patients with OLP in an Iranian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients with OLP and 32 age-matched healthy volunteers as a control group were included in this study. Serum tests including TNF-α and TGF-β was performed in both groups. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and Mann–Whitney U test using SPSS software version 16.0. RESULTS: The mean of TNF-α in study and control groups were 157 ± 115 pg/ml and 14 ± 10 pg/ml, respectively. The difference between the two means was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Moreover, the mean of TGF-β in study and control groups were 155 ± 26 pg/ml and 175 ± 57 pg/ml, respectively. The difference between the two means was statistically significant (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: According to the results of the present study, there was a significant decrease in the serum levels of TGF-β and a significant increase in the serum levels of TNF-α in patients with oral lichen planus. The increase in TNF-α serum levels in patients with OLP explains the inflammatory process in the course of the disease.