ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to detect and enumerate T cells secreting type 1 and 2 cytokines in the peripheral blood of patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) and in healthy controls. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 80 OLP patients and 80 healthy individuals. Cytokine secreting T cells were detected using ELISPOT assay. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant decrease (p<0.05) in the number of IFN- and IL-12 secreting cells in the peripheral blood of patients with OLP compared to the controls. No statistical difference was observed in the number of IL-2 and TNF-a secreting cells between OLP patients and controls (p>0.05). Also there was no significant difference in the numbers of IFN-gamma, IL-12, IL-2 and TNF-a secreting cells between reticular and erosive forms of OLP (p>0.05). As regards type 2 cytokines, the number of IL-5 and IL-10 secreting cells was significantly decreased in OLP patients compared to the healthy control group (p<0.05). No statistical difference was observed in the number of IL-6 secreting cells between OLP patients and control group (p>0.05). Similarly, no statistical difference was observed in the number of IL-4 secreting cells between OLP patients and controls (p>0.05). No significant difference was also found in the numbers of IL-4, IL-5, IL-10 and IL-6 secreting cells between reticular and erosive OLP group. CONCLUSION: These data suggest decreased type 1 and type 2 cytokine production (except IL-4) in OLP patients.
