Hippokratia 2008, 12(4):230-235
F. Kalogerakou, E. Albanidou-Farmaki, A K. Markopoulos A K., D Z Antoniades
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 (p0.05). Also there was no significant difference in the numbers of IFN-?, 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 (p0.05). 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.