Effect of topical steroid therapy of bullous erosive lichen planus on serum and salivary levels of advanced glyacation end products

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Professor at Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University

Abstract

Introduction: Lichen planus is a relatively common chronic inflammatory disease. The bullous erosive type is characterized by the high risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma. AGEs are believed to generate chronic inflammation.
Methodology: The study was carried on thirty participants; they were divided into two groups. Group (1): included 15 healthy participants free of any systemic diseases. Group (2): included 15 patients of bullous erosive oral lichen planus and free of any other diseases. Serum and salivary samples were taken from all participants at initial visit and after complete resolution of the lesions in the OLP patients using topical application of 0.1% or 0.05% betamethasone valerate gel.
Results: In serum, whether before or after treatment, OLP group showed statistical significantly higher mean AGE levels than the control group. In saliva, before treatment, OLP group showed statistical significantly higher mean AGE levels than the control group. After treatment, there was a statistically significant decrease in AGE level.
Conclusion: Both salivary and serum levels of AGE are valuable biomarkers in diagnosis and prognosis of OLP. Detection of AGE level in saliva can be considered as a valuable non-invasive method for diagnosis and prognosis of OLP.

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