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. 2022 Nov 1;23(11):3843-3849.
doi: 10.31557/APJCP.2022.23.11.3843.

A Comparison of the Characteristics of Cytokine Storm between Lichen Planus and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Salmeh Kalbassi  1 , Lida Radfar  2 , Mohammadreza Azimi  3 , Simin Shadanpoor  4 , Ali Ghorbani Ranjbary  5
Affiliations

A Comparison of the Characteristics of Cytokine Storm between Lichen Planus and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Salmeh Kalbassi et al. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. .

Abstract

Introduction: Lichen planus (LP) is a relatively common chronic mucocutaneous disease that affects the skin and mucous membranes, including oral mucosa. The etiology of the disease is unknown. Some evidence suggests that the immune system and inflammation may play a role in the formation and progression of lichen planus. Some authorities believe that LP is a precancerous condition. The purpose of this study was to investigate the serum levels of the inflammatory cytokines CRP, IL-1, IL-6, and TNF- in patients with oral lichen planus and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), as well as to assess the relationship between these cytokine levels and clinical symptoms.

Methods: A total of 75 subjects, with 25 in each group of oral lichen planus, healthy control, and oral squamous cell carcinoma, participated in this cross-sectional study. Serum levels of IL-1α, TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP were determined and compared. In comparison to the healthy control group, the lichen planus and oral squamous cell carcinoma groups had higher levels of CRP, IL-1α, IL-6, and TNF-α.

Results: We discovered that the mean mRNA and protein levels of CRP, IL-1α, IL-6, and TNF-α were significantly higher in the blood and tissue of lichen planus and OSCC patients than in normal controls.

Conclusion: Higher levels of CRP, IL-1α, IL-6, and TNF-α may be linked to OLP and oral carcinogenesis. More research with larger groups is required.

Keywords: CRP; Oral lichen planus; Serum cytokines; TNF-α oral squamous cell carcinoma.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Cytokine (IL1- α, IL-6, CRP, and TNF- α) Levels (Mean ± SE) in OLP, OSCC, and Control Groups
Figure 2 A & B
Figure 2 A & B
Correlation between the mRNA (CRP, IL-1α, IL-6, and TNF-α) Levels of Control, Lichen Planus and OSCC
Figure 3
Figure 3
ROC Curve Analysis Showing the Correlation between Different LP and OSCC Symptoms and Cytokines. A, correlation between burning sensation and pain and IL-1 level in LP patients (p < 0.001). B, correlation between sensitivity to hot, acidic or spicy foods and IL-6 level in OSCC patient (p < 0.023). C, correlation between sensitivity to hot, acidic or spicy foods and IL-1α level in OSCC patient (p < 0.003). D, correlation between irritation and bleeding when brushing teeth and TNF-α level in OSCC patient (p < 0.05)
Figure 4
Figure 4
Comparative Western Blotting Results of TNF, IL-1, IL-6, CRP Protein, and mRNA Levels in Control, Lichen Plan, and OSCC (n=25, with Various p-values done with t-test). A, protein levels; B, mRNA level
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