Mixed and inhomogeneous expression profile of Th1/Th2 related cytokines detected by cytometric bead array in the saliva of patients with oral lichen planus.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to measure T helper (Th) 1/Th2-related cytokine expression in saliva from patients with oral lichen planus (OLP), compared with healthy controls (HC group) and controls with recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAU group). STUDY DESIGN: Saliva was collected from 41 patients with OLP, 14 HCs, and 14 controls with RAU for Th1/Th2-related cytokines analysis with cytometric bead array. Disease activity in OLP was recorded by reticulation/keratosis, erythema, and ulceration scores. RESULTS: Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), and IFN-gamma/IL-4 in saliva were significantly higher in the OLP group than in the HC group. A positive and significant correlation among IL-6, IL-10, and reticulation/keratosis, erythema, and ulceration scores in the OLP group was revealed. Significantly increased IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and IFN-gamma/IL-4 were found in the RAU group. CONCLUSIONS: Salivary cytokine profiles analyzed by cytometric bead array may provide a convenient research approach to OLP. Data indicated complicated Th1/Th2-related cytokine profile changes, rather than simple dominance model, in OLP. IL-10 and especially IL-6 may provide a surrogate endpoint for monitoring OLP.