Clinical and mycological analysis of colonization by Candida spp. in oral leukoplakia and oral lichen planus.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyze the prevalence of Candida spp. colonization in oral leukoplakia and oral lichen planus lesions, verify the influence of systemic and local factors, besides identify and determine the in vitro antifungal susceptibility profile of Candida species. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples were collected by swabbing from oral lesions and healthy mucosa and cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose and CHROMagar® Candida plates. Species identification was confirmed with MALDI-TOF MS analysis. RESULTS: Candida spp. was found in 36.8% of cases of oral leukoplakia and 18.2% of cases of oral lichen planus. Candida albicans was the only species found in oral lichen planus lesions (n = 2, 100%) and the most prevalent in oral leukoplakia (n = 5, 76.4%). Among the non-albicans Candida species found in oral leukoplakia were C. parapsilosis (n = 2, 25.5%) and C. tropicalis (n = 1, 14.1%). Candida isolates were susceptible to all antifungals tested. CONCLUSION: C. albicans was the most commonly found species in the studied lesions. No correlation was found between systemic and local factors with positive cases of oral lichen planus. However, smoking and alcohol consumption may be associated with positive cases of oral leukoplakia, especially the non-homogeneous clinical form. In addition, there is a possible predisposition to associated Candida colonization in cases of epithelial dysplasia found in oral leukoplakia. The antifungal medications tested showed excellent efficacy against isolates.

Oral Lesions of Immune-Mediated and Autoimmune Diseases: A 12-year Experience at a Single Brazilian Referral Center.

BACKGROUND: Oral lesions of immune-mediated and autoimmune diseases have been well-documented, but studies from Brazil are limited. The varied spectrum of oral lesions within this demographic group poses challenges to clinicians, particularly when they occur in isolation. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence, clinical characteristics, and management of patients with oral lesions of immune-mediated and autoimmune diseases at a single center in Brazil. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted from 2010 to 2022. Clinicodemographic data, histopathological features, and treatment modalities were analyzed descriptively and analytically. RESULTS: Of the 3,790 oral and maxillofacial lesions diagnosed, 160 (4.2%) were confirmed as immune-mediated or autoimmune diseases. The population surveyed predominantly consisted of women (73.7%), with a mean age of 60.2 years. Oral lichen planus (51.3%), mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) (23.7%), and pemphigus vulgaris (PV) (19.4%) were the most prevalent lesions. The buccal mucosa (59.4%) was predominantly affected, with pain reported in 46.2% of cases, notably in individuals with PV and MMP. The average time to disease stabilization post-local and/or systemic corticosteroid therapy was 15.8 months for systemic lupus erythematosus, 8.7 months for MMP, and 6.5 months for PV. CONCLUSION: Although oral lesions related to immune-mediated and autoimmune diseases are uncommon, their diverse clinicopathological aspects require multidisciplinary management.

Oral lichen planus: case series and experience in a tertiary dermatology service in Brazil

Abstract Background: Lichen planus is an inflammatory disease that can affect both the skin and mucous membranes, including the oral mucosa. There is very little original Brazilian dermatology literature about oral lichen planus. Objective: To describe the clinical, pathological, and treatment data of 201 patients diagnosed with oral lichen planus followed at the Stomatology Outpatient Clinic of Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade de São Paulo, from 2003 to 2021. Method: The patients demographic profile, the morpho-topographic features of the lesions, the treatment employed, and the possible presence of squamous cell carcinoma were analyzed. Results: The disease was more common in women over 50 years of age, tending to be chronic, with a large number of cases showing cicatricial sequelae in the mucosa. Topical treatment with potent corticosteroids was shown to be effective in the vast majority of cases. Squamous cell carcinoma in oral lichen planus cicatricial sequelae was observed in eight cases. Study limitations: Retrospective study of medical records, with gaps regarding the filling out of data; unequal observation time among the studied cases. Conclusions: This is the largest Brazilian dermatology series on oral lichen planus. The response to topical corticoid therapy was excellent in the vast majority of cases. The high prevalence of atrophic lesions, demonstrating the chronicity and tissue destruction potential of this disease, may explain the large number of cases of squamous cell carcinoma.

Neuroticism and Psychological Stress in Patients Suffering Oral Lichen Planus: Research Evidence of Psycho-Stomatology?

Psychosocial factors influence the development, exacerbation, or aggravation of some oral diseases. However, the possible relationship between personality traits, affective disorders, and psychological stress in oral diseases, and their impact on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), has not been fully clarified. The aim of the present study was to determine the association of neuroticism and stress with the presence of oral lichen planus (OLP), and to discover whether or not these factors impact OHRQoL. This is a case-control study matched for age and sex. The case group (OLP group) was composed of 20 patients diagnosed with OLP, while 20 people with a diagnosis of lesions not associated with stress formed the control group. Three instruments were used: the Holmes-Rahe Social Readjustment Scale, the Five Factor Personality Model, and the OHIP-49. Neuroticism obtained a score of 25.5 (±5.4) in the OLP group, which was higher than the control group value (21.7) (±5.1) (p = 0.03). The OLP group showed a worse quality of life (p < 0.05); the most affected dimensions were psychological discomfort and physical disability. It is important to include a psychological profile to establish a comprehensive treatment for these patients. We propose the recognition of a new area of clinical oral medicine: psycho-stomatology.

Desordens orais potencialmente malignas: o que o cirurgião-dentista precisa saber? / Oral potentially malignant disorders: what do dentists need to know?

Introdução:as desordens orais potencialmente malignas (DOPMs) são condições que podem preceder o aparecimento do câncer em cavidade bucal. Objetivo: descrever os principais aspectos clínicos, histológicos e tratamento da leucoplasia, eritroplasia, queilite actínica e líquen plano oral. Metodologia: trata-se de uma revisão da literatura atual, em que foram consultados artigos nas bases do MEDLINE/PUBMED e Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, publicados nos últimos 10 anos. Os descritores foram localizados usando o vocabulário controlado do MeSH, sendo eles: Leukoplakia; Erythroplakia, Actinic cheilitis, Oral lichen planus, Diagnosis, Therapeutics. Resultados: asapresentações clínicas das DOPMs são diversas. A leucoplasia é a mais comum e deve ser distinguida da leucoplasia verrucosa proliferativa que tem uma apresentação clínica generalizada e uma tendência à recorrência após a excisão; a eritroplasia, embora rara, tem maior chance de malignização. A queilite actínica acomete com frequência o lábio inferior, tem forte relação com exposição solar e pode progredir para o carcinoma escamocelular labial; o líquen plano oral tem uma variedade de apresentações clínicas, sendo a forma reticular a mais comum. O tipo erosivo, atrófico ou bolhoso é acompanhado de sintomatologia dolorosa variável. A biópsia é essencial para confirmar a suspeita clínica das DOPMs e o encaminhamento oportuno para um especialista é indicado. Conclusão: as DOPMs podem ser encontradas durante o exame bucal, possibilitando assim, o diagnóstico precoce, e o correto encaminhamento a um especialista e a intervenção adequada, podendo reduzir a taxa de progressão dessas condições para câncer.

Introduction: Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders (OPMDs) are conditions that may precede the onset of cancer in the oral cavity. Objective: To describe the main clinical features, histological aspects and treatment of leukoplakia, erythroplakia, actinic cheilitis and oral lichen planus. Methodology: this is a review of the current literature, in which articles in the databases of MEDLINE/PUBMED and the Virtual Health Library, published in the last 10 years, were consulted. The descriptors were located using the MeSH controlled vocabulary, namely: Leukoplakia; Erythroplakia, Actinic cheilitis, Oral lichen planus, Diagnosis, Therapeutics. Results:the clinical presentations of OPMDs are diverse. Leukoplakia is the most common and must be distinguished from proliferative verrucous leukoplakia which has a generalized clinical presentation and a tendency to reoccur after excision; erythroplakia, although rare, has a greater chance of becoming malignant. Actinic cheilitis frequently affects the lower lip, is strongly related to sun exposure and can progress to labial squamous cell carcinoma; oral lichen planus has a variety of clinical presentations, with the reticular form being the most common. The erosive, atrophic or bullous type is accompanied by different levels of pain. Biopsy is essential to confirm the clinical suspicion of OPMDs and timely referral to a specialist is indicated. Conclusion: OPMDs can be found during oral examination, thus enabling early diagnosis, correct referral to a specialist and appropriate intervention, which may reduce the rate of progression of these conditions to cancer.

Oral lichen planus: case series and experience in a tertiary dermatology service in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Lichen planus is an inflammatory disease that can affect both the skin and mucous membranes, including the oral mucosa. There is very little original Brazilian dermatology literature about oral lichen planus. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical, pathological, and treatment data of 201 patients diagnosed with oral lichen planus followed at the Stomatology Outpatient Clinic of Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade de São Paulo, from 2003 to 2021. METHOD: The patients demographic profile, the morpho-topographic features of the lesions, the treatment employed, and the possible presence of squamous cell carcinoma were analyzed. RESULTS: The disease was more common in women over 50 years of age, tending to be chronic, with a large number of cases showing cicatricial sequelae in the mucosa. Topical treatment with potent corticosteroids was shown to be effective in the vast majority of cases. Squamous cell carcinoma in oral lichen planus cicatricial sequelae was observed in eight cases. STUDY LIMITATIONS: Retrospective study of medical records, with gaps regarding the filling out of data; unequal observation time among the studied cases. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest Brazilian dermatology series on oral lichen planus. The response to topical corticoid therapy was excellent in the vast majority of cases. The high prevalence of atrophic lesions, demonstrating the chronicity and tissue destruction potential of this disease, may explain the large number of cases of squamous cell carcinoma.

Psychological profile and α-amylase levels in oral lichen planus patients: A case-control preliminary study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate psychological (anxiety, depression, and stress) and salivary (flow and concentration of α-amylase) profile associated with oral lichen planus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case-control preliminary study with oral lichen planus patients and age-gender matched controls was conducted. The participants underwent psychological tests (Beck depression and anxiety inventories and perceived stress scale) and saliva collection to determine the unstimulated salivary flow and α-amylase levels at three moments along the day. The data were analyzed statistically using Mann-Whitney, McNemar chi-square and Friedman tests, and the Spearman correlation coefficient. The significance level adopted was 5%. RESULTS: A total of 46 case-control pairs were recruited. There was a significant correlation between anxiety, depression, stress, and oral lichen planus, as well as the stress and decline of salivary α-amylase levels. Higher concentrations of this biomarker were found in the case group thirty minutes post-awakening. CONCLUSION: The applied psychological tests indicated that factors such as anxiety, depression, and stress were associated with oral lichen planus. Salivary analyses demonstrated a higher concentration of α-amylase thirty minutes post-awakening on individuals with the disease and its decline correlated with stress, suggesting the role of α-amylase as a promising biomarker for future studies.

Serum and salivary cytokines in patients with oral lichen planus treated with Photobiomodulation.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the serum and salivary levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-17A, TNF-α, IL-4, and IL-10 in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) treated with Photobiomodulation (PBM) and clobetasol propionate 0.05%. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-four OLP patients were randomized into two groups: Control (clobetasol propionate 0.05%) and PBM (660 nm, 100 mW, 177 J/cm2 , 5 s, 0.5 J per point). Serum and saliva were collected at baseline and at the end of treatment (after 30 days) and evaluated using ELISA. The cytokine results were correlated with pain, clinical subtypes, and clinical scores of OLP. RESULTS: IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-17A, TNF-α, and IL-4 levels were higher in saliva in relation to serum. IL-1ß was the most concentrated cytokine in saliva, and a positive correlation with the severity of OLP was noticed. After treatment with corticosteroid, IL-1ß in saliva decreased significantly. No modulation of all cytokines was observed after PBM. CONCLUSION: IL-1ß appears to be an important cytokine involved in OLP pathogenesis. In addition, the mechanisms of action of PBM do not seem to be linked to the modulation of pro or anti-inflammatory cytokines at the end of treatment. It is possible that this events occurred early during treatment.

Salivary biomarkers to evaluate psychological disorders in oral lichen planus: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the use of salivary biomarkers to identify psychological disorders (anxiety, depression, and stress) in individuals with oral lichen planus (OLP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The search was made in Medline/Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, Virtual Health Library, ProQuest, and by cross-reference. Original case-control, cross-sectional, and cohort studies, in human subjects (age ≥18 years) with clinical and histopathological diagnosis, with or without the use of psychometric scales, published until June 2021, were included. Random-effects meta-analyses, subgroup analyses, and sensitivity were performed. Publication bias was measured using the Egger test and visual inspection of the funnel plot. RESULTS: A total of 67 articles were found, of which 12 were included in the meta-analysis. Among the different biomarkers identified, it was only possible to perform a meta-analysis for cortisol. The mean difference between salivary cortisol levels in patients with OLP compared to controls was 3.43 ng/ml (95% CI: 1.20-5.65) with I2  = 98.9%. Studies considered outliers were removed and based on sensitivity analyses, results did not change, therefore, being stable. CONCLUSION: The studies analyzed demonstrated that cortisol was the most quantified biomarker to identify psychological disorders; however, DHEA, IgA, adiponectin, and α-amylase were also evaluated.

Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia mimicking oral lichen planus: case report and literature review

This report presents the clinical, microscopic and immunohistochemical aspects of a case of proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) mimicking oral lichen planus (OLP) in a 66-year-old woman. We also review the literature reporting cases of PVL mimicking OLP, where we found a higher prevalence in women who do not consume tobacco or alcohol. The initial manifestation of lichenoid areas was around the age of 59, with the diagnosis of PVL being established on average 6 years later, while malignant transformation occurred in 8 of the 22 cases at an average of 3.7 years after the final diagnosis of PVL. We emphasize the need for a close follow-up of any patient presenting white lesions of the oral mucosa. Lesions that are clinically and microscopically compatible with lichenoid reactions or OLP must be investigated and differentiated from PVL, which has a worse prognosis.

Este relato apresenta os aspectos clínicos, microscópicos e imuno-histoquímicos de um caso de leucoplasia verrucosa proliferativa (LPV) mimetizando líquen plano oral (LPO) em uma paciente do sexo feminino de 66 anos. Também revisamos a literatura relatando casos de LPV mimetizando LPO, onde encontramos maior prevalência em mulheres que não consomem tabaco ou álcool, com manifestação inicial de áreas liquenoides por volta dos 59 anos, sendo estabelecido o diagnóstico de LPV em média 6 anos depois, enquanto a transformação maligna ocorreu em 8 dos 22 casos em média 3,7 anos após o diagnóstico final de LPV. Ressaltamos a necessidade de acompanhamento rigoroso de qualquer paciente que apresente lesões brancas da mucosa oral, devendo ser investigadas lesões clinicamente e microscopicamente compatíveis com reações liquenóides ou LPO e diferenciadas da LPV, que tem pior prognóstico

Este reporte presenta los aspectos clínicos, microscópicos e inmunohistoquímicos de un caso de leucoplasia verrugosa proliferativa (LVP) simulando liquen plano oral (LPO) en una paciente de 66 años. También revisamos la literatura reportando casos de LVP simulando LPO, donde encontramos una mayor prevalencia en mujeres que no consumen tabaco ni alcohol, con una manifestación inicial de áreas liquenoides alrededor de los 59 años, estableciéndose el diagnóstico de LVP en promedio 6 años después, mientras que la transformación maligna ocurrió en 8 de los 22 casos en un promedio de 3,7 años después del diagnóstico final de LVP. Resaltamos la necesidad de un seguimiento estrecho de todo paciente que presente lesiones blanquecinas de la mucosa oral, que las lesiones clínica y microscópicamente compatibles con reacciones liquenoides o LPO deben ser investigadas y diferenciadas de la LVP, que tienen peor pronóstico.

Estudio de los efectos de un microambiente hipóxico en queratinocitos humanos in vitro y su correlato con alteraciones del microambiente en la patología de liquen plano oral

La hipoxia es un factor fundamental en el proceso de génesis tumoral, así como en patologías precursoras de cáncer, como es el Liquen Plano Oral (LPO). Objetivo: Determinar si es posible establecer una correlación entre las alteraciones que sufren queratinocitos normales en un microambiente hipóxico in vitro y alteraciones que aparecen en los queratinocitos en el epitelio de la mucosa oral en el contexto de la patología LPO. Métodos: Se estudiaron los cambios morfológicos mediante microscopía de contraste de fases, y la detección de marcadores asociados a hipoxia de queratinocitos humanos (HaCaT), como modelo celular oral, en un microambiente hipóxico generado por la variante del método "Hipoxia inducida por cubreobjetos". Resultados: Mediante microscopía confocal se observó la presencia de los marcadores de hipoxia GLUT-1 y aductos de pimonidazol (Hipoxyprobe) en los cultivos celulares de HaCaT expuestos a un microambiente hipóxico. Además, se observó la presencia del marcador GLUT-1 mediante inmunohistoquímica en tejido epitelial humano derivado de biopsias de la patología LPO. Conclusiones: Se estableció una correlación entre las alteraciones detectadas en queratinocitos humanos inducidos a un microambiente hipóxico in vitro y las alteraciones detectadas in vivo en tejido epitelial de la mucosa oral.

A hipóxia é um fator fundamental no processo de gênese tumoral, bem como em patologias precursoras do câncer, como o Líquen Plano Oral (LPO). Objetivo: Determinar se é possível estabelecer uma correlação entre as alterações que os queratinócitos normais sofrem em um microambiente hipóxico in vitro e as alterações que aparecem nos queratinócitos no epitélio da mucosa oral no contexto da patologia do LPO. Métodos: As alterações morfológicas foram estudadas por microscopia de contraste de fase e a detecção de marcadores associados à hipóxia de queratinócitos humanos (HaCaT), como modelo de célula oral, em um microambiente hipóxico gerado pela variante do método "Hipóxia induzida por lamínulas". Resultados: Por microscopia confocal, observou-se a presença dos marcadores de hipóxia GLUT-1 e Hipoxyprobe em culturas de células HaCaT expostas a um microambiente hipóxico. Além disso, a presença do marcador GLUT-1 foi observada por imuno-histoquímica em tecido epitelial humano derivado de biópsias de patologia de LPO. Conclusões: Foi estabelecida uma correlação entre as alterações detectadas em queratinócitos humanos induzidas em um microambiente hipóxico in vitro e as alterações detectadas in vivo no tecido epitelial da mucosa oral.

Hypoxia is a fundamental factor in the process of tumor genesis, as well as in precursor pathologies of cancer, such as Oral Lichen Planus (OLP). Objective: To determine if it is possible to establish a correlation between the alterations that normal keratinocytes suffer in a hypoxic microenvironment in vitro and alterations that appear in the keratinocytes in the epithelium of the oral mucosa in the context of OLP pathology. Methods: Morphological changes were studied by phase contrast microscopy, and the detection of markers associated with hypoxia of human keratinocytes (HaCaT), as an oral cell model, in a hypoxic microenvironment generated by the variant of the method "Hypoxia induced by coverslips". Results: Using confocal microscopy, the presence of hypoxia markers GLUT-1 and Hipoxyprobe was observed in HaCaT cell cultures exposed to a hypoxic microenvironment. In addition, the presence of the GLUT-1 marker was observed by immunohistochemistry in human epithelial tissue derived from biopsies of OLP pathology. Conclusions: A correlation was established between the alterations detected in human keratinocytes induced in a hypoxic microenvironment in vitro and the alterations detected in vivo in epithelial tissue of the oral mucosa.

Lymphocyte and CD62E expression in lichen planus and lichenoid reaction.

BACKGROUND: It is difficult to distinguish the clinical and histopathological aspects of oral lichen planus lesions from those of oral lichenoid reaction. Some criteria were proposed to distinguish them, mainly because they have different biological behaviors. The aim of the present study was to compare the lymphocyte population and the expression of E-selectin between these lesions. METHODS: Participants with a clinical diagnosis of oral lichen planus (GOLP) and oral lichenoid reaction (GOLR) who needed to perform a biopsy were selected. The tissue was frozen and immunostaining was performed for CD3/CD4, CD3/CD8, CD4/CLA, CD8/CLA, and CD62E. The analysis of each immunostaining was accomplished using the ImageJ program. RESULTS: In total, 25 participants with oral lichen planus and 11 with oral lichenoid reaction were seen. In the evaluation of CD3 + CD4+/CD3 + and CD3 + CD8+/CD3 + proportions, there was a higher percentage of these cells in the oral lichen planus group when compared with the oral lichenoid reaction group (p = 0.027 and p = 0.038 respectively). The average number of CLA + lymphocytes for CD4+/CLA + and CD8+/CLA + in both groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.840; d = 0.363). In GOLP, the number of CD4 + CLA+/E-selectin and CD8 + CLA+/E-selectin was not statistically significant (p = 0.951 and p = 0.454 respectively); neither in GOLR (p = 0.454 and p = 0.989 respectively). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that CD3 + CD4+, CD3 + CD8+, CD4 + CLA+, CD8 + CLA + lymphocytes and E-selectin are present in both lesions. However, the proportion of CD3 + CD4+/CD3 + and CD3 + CD8/CD3 + cells is higher in the oral lichen planus group when compared with the oral lichenoid reaction group, suggesting that these cells may be important for the etiopathogenic mechanism of these lesions.

Relación entre la Vitamina D y el Liquen Plano Oral. Revisión Sistemática Exploratoria

RESUMEN: Determinar el rol de la vitamina D (VD) en el desarrollo y tratamiento de liquen plano oral (LPO). Se realizó una revisión sistemática exploratoria durante el mes de Abril del 2021 utilizando Pubmed/Medline, Ebsco y Scopus/ Elsevier. Se utilizaron los términos "Oral lichen planus" y "Vitamin D". Se incluyeron sólo estudios en humanos y fueron excluidos aquellos de más de 5 años de antigüedad. Se obtuvieron 40 artículos, de los cuales 15 se descartaron por estar duplicados. Al seleccionar según título y resúmenes, 7 publicaciones cumplían con los criterios para ser incluidas en esta revisión. Diversas investigaciones han cuantificado niveles de VD en pacientes con LPO obteniendo mediciones significativamente más bajas que en pacientes sanos. Además, se describe una posible correlación entre la severidad del cuadro y la magnitud del déficit. Finalmente, la suplementación con VD como coadyuvante surge como alternativa para la disminución de síntomas dado su rol en procesos inmunes y a reportes de mejoras en cuadros de LPO a partir de su uso. Pacientes diagnosticados con LPO tienen niveles insuficientes de VD sérica en comparación con pacientes sanos. La deficiencia del micronutriente se relaciona con una respuesta inflamatoria exagerada y alteraciones del sistema inmune. La suplementación de VD en pacientes con LPO sería beneficiosa como coadyuvante al tratamiento con corticosteroides en casos severos. Sin embargo, la escasa evidencia hace necesario realizar más estudios clínicos que reafirmen la efectividad de la VD como tratamiento complementario de LPO.

ABSTRACT: To determine the role of vitamin D (VD) in the development and treatment of oral lichen planus (OLP). An exploratory systematic review was carried out during April of 2021 using the databases Pubmed / Medline, Ebsco and Scopus / Elsevier. The terms "Oral lichen planus" and "Vitamin D" were used. Only human studies were included and those publications older than 5 years old were excluded. 40 articles were obtained, of which 15 were discarded because they were duplicated. When selecting according to title and abstract, publications met the criteria to be included in this review. Various investigations have quantified VD levels in patients with OLP: obtaining significantly lower measurements than in healthy patients. In addition, a possible correlation between the severity of the condition and the magnitude of the deficit is described. Finally, supplementation with VD as an adjuvant arises as an alternative for the reduction of symptoms, given the role of VD in immune processes and reports of improvements in OLP symptoms with its use. Patients diagnosed with OLP have insufficient levels of serum VD compared to healthy patients. Micronutrient deficiency is related to an exaggerated inflammatory response and alterations in the immune system. VD supplementation in patients with OLP would be beneficial as an adjunct to corticosteroid treatment in severe cases. However, the limited evidence makes it necessary to carry out more clinical studies to reaffirm the effectiveness of VD as a complementary treatment for OLP.

Oral Lichen Planus: Associations Between Histomorphometric Characteristics and White and Red Lesions.

Histomorphometry seems to provide more rigid quantitative elements for histological analysis and to bring less subjectivity to the diagnosis of oral lichen planus lesions (OLP). This study aimed to verify the association between white and red lesions and histomorphometric characteristics of OLP lesions. This retrospective cross-sectional study assessed 48 hematoxylin- and eosin-stained histological sections from incisional biopsies obtained from OLP cases. A single previously calibrated evaluator performed the light microscopy analyses to evaluate morphological and morphometric parameters. Analyses of associations among variables were performed using the Fisher's exact test. Morphometric variables were assessed using the Mann-Whitney non-parametric test. Comparisons among the three groups (age range) were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. In this study, 81.2% of the participants were women aged < 50 years. Keratosis, acanthosis, and inflammatory infiltrates were noted in 10.4, 10.4, and 37.5% of moderate/severe cases, respectively. Inflammatory infiltrate (52.1%), papillary projections (54.2%), saw teeth (12.5%), basal layer degeneration (39.6%), and Civatte bodies (68.8%) were also observed. There was no significant association between lesion type and clinicopathological variables (p > 0.05) or between lesion type and histological (p > 0.05) and morphometric variables (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the morphometric variables analyzed did not differ between white and red lesions (p > 0.05) or in their associations with clinicopathological variables (p > 0.05). The results of this investigation showed no associations between white and red OLP lesions and the histomorphometric characteristics evaluated.

Is micronucleus assay in oral exfoliated cells a suitable biomarker for predicting cancer risk in individuals with oral potentially malignant disorders? A systematic review with meta-analysis.

This systematic review (SR) with meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the scientific data related to cytogenetic damage in oral exfoliated cells of patients diagnosed with oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs). The SR was conducted according to the PRISMA-P guidelines. The PICOS (Participants, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Study Design) strategy was used to answer the question: "Is micronucleus assay in oral exfoliated cells a suitable biomarker for predicting cancer risk in individuals with OPMDs?" The search strategy was performed in the following electronic databases: PubMed, Medline, Scopus and Web of Science. The comparisons were defined as standardized mean difference (SMD), and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The quality of included studies was assessed using the EPHPP (Effective Public Health Practice Project). The GRADE tool was also utilized to assess the quality of evidence of the SR. A total of 110 potentially relevant studies were selected through the search strategy. After screening titles and abstracts, 20 full-text manuscripts were assessed for eligibility and three observational studies were included in the meta-analysis. After reviewing the 20 studies, 13 were considered weak. The meta-analysis data revealed a statistically significant difference in oral micronucleated cells by patients with OPMDs when compared to control (SMD=1.77, 95% CI, 0.36-3.18, p = 0.01), with a Tau2 = 1.97; Chi2 = 66.64, and p < 0.001. Patients with OPMDs had a positive response related to mutagenicity in oral cells compared to control patients. However, SR was not able to validate the micronucleus assay as a putative biomarker in individuals with oral potentially malignant disorders since the majority of studies were considered weak based on high risk of bias.

Does oral lichen planus aggravate the state of periodontal disease? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis (SRM) was to assess the evidence between the association of oral lichen planus and periodontal disease, evaluating the periodontal clinical parameters and biomarkers levels. METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis followed PRISMA and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020181513). Searches were accomplished in databases for articles published until June 2021. The meta-analysis was performed with the variables: plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL). The mean difference was applied with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Six articles were included. Qualitative analysis showed the levels of biomarkers (matrix metalloproteinases, interleukins, and periodontal microbiological profile) are increased in subjects with periodontal disease and oral lichen planus. In the meta-analysis, these subjects also presented increases in all periodontal clinical parameters evaluated: GI-gingivitis 0.22 [0.14, 0.31] p < 0.0001 and periodontitis 0.12 [0.06, 0.19] p = 0.0003; PI-gingivitis 0.22 [0.12, 0.31] p < 0.0001 and periodontitis 0.15 [0.08, 0.23] p < 0.0001; PD-gingivitis 0.27 [0.06; 0.48] p = 0.0107 and periodontitis 0.11 [0.01; 0.21] p = 0.0299; and CA-periodontitis 0.06 [0.01, 0.12] p = 0.0176. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence suggests a significant relationship between the severity of periodontal disease and the presence of oral lichen planus. Although the association is biologically plausible, further studies are needed using populations and well-defined biochemical and clinical outcomes with consideration of potential confounding factors. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This SRM provides information on the interaction between OLP and periodontal disease and guides clinicians to make evidence-based decisions and suggests recommendations for further high-quality studies.

Photobiomodulation of gingival lesions resulting from autoimmune diseases: systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) in gingival lesions resulting from autoimmune diseases; to compare PBM and topical corticosteroid (CS) treatment; and to assess PBM outcome over time of follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive electronic search was performed in four electronic databases. Treatment effects were measured through visual analog scale of pain (VAS) and clinical evolution of lesion (Thongprasom scale for oral lichen planus (OLP)). Meta-analysis was performed to compare PBM with topical corticosteroid treatment and to evaluate PBM effect over time of follow-up. RESULTS: Seventeen studies were included in this review, of which six were used for the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis results showed no significant differences between PBM and topical CS in pain reduction at baseline (MD = 0.20, 95% CI = - 0.92, 1.32, p = 0.72) and 60-day follow-up (MD = 0.63, 95% CI = - 3.93, 5.19, p = 0.79); however, VAS showed significant pain reduction when compared before and after PBM at 30-day (MD = - 3.52, 95% CI = - 5.40, - 1.64, p = 0.0002) and 60-day (MD = - 5.04, 95% CI = - 5.86, - 4.22, p < 0.00001) follow-up. Thongprasom clinical scale for OLP also showed significant improvement at 30-day follow-up (MD = - 2.50, 95% CI = - 2.92, - 2.08, p < 0.00001) after PBM. CONCLUSION: PBM led to significant reduction of pain and clinical scores of the lesions, not having shown significant differences when compared to topical CS. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: PBM has been used in the treatment of autoimmune gingival lesions, but so far there is little strong evidence to support its use.

Clinical and immunological features of chronic ulcerative stomatitis: A systematic review.

Chronic ulcerative stomatitis (CUS) is a rare disease of the mucous membranes with characteristics similar to other autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature to recover all reported cases of CUS in order to summarize what are the clinical, demographic, microscopic, immunological features of CUS and its therapeutic response to different drugs. A systematic review of the literature was carried out following the statements of preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA). The searches were performed in the electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, LILACS, Opengrey, and Google scholar. Inclusion criteria were articles or abstracts reporting at least one case with a final diagnosis of CUS. A total of 696 records were identified through databases, and 25 studies were selected reporting 81 cases. CUS affects more females (92%), and a greater number of cases are reported in Caucasian patients (53%). The age of patients ranged from 20 to 86 years with a mean age of 60 years (±13.86), and 15% of cases reported concomitantly skin lesions. The clinical and histopathological characteristics of CUS are very similar to those of oral lichen planus. The direct immunofluorescence (DIF) remains the gold-standard diagnostic resource and was performed in 69 cases, revealing a dotted pattern of deposition of stratified epithelium-specific antibodies (SES-ANA). The serum of 38 patients was collected for the performance of the indirect immunofluorescence (IIF), and the use of epithelial substrates such as monkey and guinea pig esophagus often resulted in positive SES-ANA IgG. Most patients were treated with antimalarials, and the treatment of choice that proved to be effective is hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). This entity must be considered in the differential diagnosis of other autoimmune diseases, as it may be underreported.

Analysis of the psychopathological profile, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness of oral lichen planus patients treated with photobiomodulation.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of PBM on the psychological profile and quality of life of patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) in comparison to corticoid and to investigate the cost-effectiveness of both treatments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were randomized into two groups: Control (clobetasol propionate 0.05%) and Photobiomodulation (660 nm, 100mW, 177 J/cm2, 5 s, 0.5 J) twice a week for 30 days. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and OHIP-14 were used in different treatment time points and at follow-up. The cost-effectiveness was calculated using the improvement in OHIP-14 after treatment. RESULTS: OLP patients showed detected levels of anxiety, depression, and poor quality of life at baseline. No improvement in anxiety and depression was noticed after treatments. However, PBM and corticoid significantly improved the quality of life of OLP patients, considering the OHIP-14-T and the physical pain domain. The treatment with corticoid was more cost-effective than PBM. CONCLUSIONS: Psychological distress was not improved after both treatments and PBM is as effective as corticoids in promoting a better quality of life in OLP patients, despite its higher cost. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study highlights the need for additional therapeutic interventions in OLP patients, to early recognize and to manage the alterations in their psychological profile. Moreover, PBM is an effective therapy in OLP patient's quality of live and although it was a more expensive, the advantage of being a minimally invasive therapy associated with no side effects must be considered in clinical practice, especially in those patients with refractory disease. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov; the registration number is NCT03320460, registered in 17/10/2017.

Does oral lichen planus aggravate the state of periodontal disease? A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJETIVO: O objetivo desta revisão sistemática e metanálise (SRM) foi avaliar as evidências entre a associação de líquen plano oral (OLP) e doença periodontal, avaliando os parâmetros clínicos periodontais e os níveis de biomarcadores. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Esta revisão sistemática e meta-análise seguiu PRISMA e foi registrada no PROSPERO (CRD42020181513). Foram realizadas buscas em bases de dados de artigos publicados até junho de 2021. A metanálise foi realizada com as variáveis: índice de placa (PI), índice gengival (GI), profundidade de sondagem (PD) e perda de inserção clínica (CAL). A diferença média foi aplicada com intervalo de confiança de 95%. RESULTADOS: 6 artigos foram incluídos. A análise qualitativa mostrou que os níveis de biomarcadores (metaloproteinases de matriz, interleucinas e perfil microbiológico periodontal) estão aumentados em indivíduos com doença periodontal e líquen plano oral. Na metanálise, esses indivíduos também apresentaram aumentos em todos os parâmetros clínicos periodontais avaliados: GI­ gengivite 0,22 [0,14, 0,31] p< 0,0001 e periodontite 0,12 [0,06, 0,19] p=0,0003; PI­ gengivite 0,22 [0,12, 0,31] p< 0,0001 e periodontite 0,15 [0,08, 0,23] p< 0,0001; PD­ gengivite 0,27 [0,06; 0,48] p=0,0107 e periodontite 0,11 [0,01; 0,21] p=0,0299; e CA ­ periodontite 0,06 [0,01, 0,12] p=0,0176. CONCLUSÕES: Evidências sugerem uma relação significativa entre a gravidade da doença periodontal e a presença de líquen plano oral. RELEVÂNCIA CLÍNICA: Este SRM fornece informações sobre a interação entre OLP e a doença periodontal e orienta os médicos a tomar decisões baseadas em evidências e sugere recomendações para estudos adicionais de alta qualidade(AU)

BACKGROUND: The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis (SRM) was to assess the evidence between the association of oral lichen planus (OLP) and periodontal disease, evaluating the periodontal clinical parameters and biomarkers levels. METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis followed PRISMA and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020181513). Searches were accomplished in databases for articles published until June 2021. The meta-analysis was performed with the variables: plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL). The mean difference was applied with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: 6 articles were included. Qualitative analysis showed the levels of biomarkers (matrix metalloproteinases, interleukins, and periodontal microbiological profile) are increased in subjects with periodontal disease and oral lichen planus. In the meta-analysis, these subjects also presented increases in all periodontal clinical parameters evaluated: GI­ gingivitis 0.22 [0.14, 0.31] p < 0.0001 and periodontitis 0.12 [0.06, 0.19] p =0.0003; PI­ gingivitis 0.22 [0.12, 0.31] p < 0.0001 and periodontitis 0.15 [0.08, 0.23] p < 0.0001; PD­ gingivitis 0.27 [0.06; 0.48] p=0.0107 and periodontitis 0.11 [0.01; 0.21] p=0.0299; and CA ­ periodontitis 0.06 [0.01, 0.12] p=0.0176. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence suggests a significant relationship between the severity of periodontal disease and the presence of oral lichen planus. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This SRM provides information on the interaction between OLP and periodontal disease and guides clinicians to make evidence-based decisions and suggests recommendations for further high-quality studies(AU)