Evaluation of oxidative stress markers in oral lichen planus.

Background: Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic, inflammatory disease that affects the skin, mucous membrane, scalp and nails that frequently involves the oral mucosa. Oxidative stress reflects an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and the biological system's ability to readily detoxify the reactive intermediates or repair the resulting damage. It has been suggested that oxidative stress may play a role in the pathogenesis of LP.

Aim and Objectives: To evaluate the role of oxidative parameters in the pathogenesis of oral LP, estimate the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and uric acid (UA) in saliva of oral LP patients and to compare the levels of SOD, MDA, GP and UA in oral LP patients with healthy controls.

Methodology: In this cross-sectional study, 1.5 ml of fasting saliva sample was collected using passive drool method from the study group (30 patients diagnosed as having oral LP) and the control group (30 age-matched healthy volunteers). The unstimulated saliva was collected were analyzed by spectrophotometry. Statistical analysis was done to evaluate and compare the values between groups.

Results: The mean values of SOD and MDA in saliva in the study group showed a significant increase in amount when compared with the control group whereas GPx showed a significant decrease in the study group. UA value showed an insignificant difference in the same comparison.

Interpretation and Conclusion: Oxidative stress markers as MDA and SOD are elevated, and GPx is decreased in the saliva of oral LP patients.