Abstract:

  Background and Aim : Saliva levels of IL-4 and IFN gamma have been reported to show discrepancies in patients with Oral Lichen Planus (OLP). The purpose of this study was to assess the saliva levels of these markers with the aim to facilitate the diagnosis and understanding of the pathogenesis of Lichen Planus.

  Materials and Methods : This Case-control study was conducted on 84 samples consisting 30 patients with (OLP) and 54 healthy samples who showed no mucosal lesions on clinical examination. The saliva specimens were analyzed by ELIZA test for evaluation of IL4 And IFN γ levels. Data were analyzed by Mann-U-Whitney test, Spearman and Pearson coefficient tests.

  Results : The saliva levels of IFN-gamma in samples with Lichen Planus was 4.48 + 4.3 compared to 3.54 + 2.7 in healthy samples. The IL-4 alevels were found to be 3.28 +11.07 in patients with Lichen Planus whereas in healthy subjects it was reported to be 2.86 + 6.3. No significant differences were found between the levels of IFN gamma and IL-4 in patients with (OLP) compared to control group. (P = 0.8) (P = 0.06) There is not any differences between reticular and erosive form of OLP in IL-4 and IFN γ levels. (P = 0.2)

  Conclusion : Our findings indicate that these two factors are not involved in pathogenesis of lichen planus, however but more studies. are recommended.