Assessment of Salivary Interleukin-6 and Cortisol Levels in Patients with Oral Lichen Planus: A Biochemical Correlation with Clinical Severity
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous disorder with autoimmune and psychosomatic implications. Recent studies suggest that pro-inflammatory cytokines and stress-related hormones may play a pivotal role in disease pathogenesis. Methods: A total of 60 participants were recruited, including 40 clinically and histopathologically confirmed OLP patients and 20 healthy controls. OLP patients were further categorized into mild ( n = 15), moderate ( n = 15), and severe ( n = 10) based on the REU (reticulation/erythema/ulceration) scoring system. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected and analyzed using ELISA for IL-6 and cortisol. Statistical analysis was conducted using ANOVA and Pearson correlation. Results: The mean salivary IL-6 levels were significantly higher in OLP patients (78.32 ± 18.56 pg/mL) compared to controls (32.45 ± 10.11 pg/mL, P < 0.001). Similarly, cortisol levels were elevated in the OLP group (6.21 ± 1.84 ng/mL) versus controls (3.14 ± 1.09 ng/mL, P < 0.001). A positive correlation was observed between REU scores and both IL-6 ( r = 0.71, P < 0.001) and cortisol levels ( r = 0.66, P < 0.001), indicating an association between biomarker levels and disease severity. Conclusion: Elevated salivary IL-6 and cortisol levels in OLP patients correlate positively with clinical severity, supporting their potential role as noninvasive biomarkers for monitoring disease activity and psychological stress involvement in OLP pathogenesis.
Author: Abedalla Abdelghani
Institution: Taibah University
Language: English
Subfield: Periodontics
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $250
OpenAlex ID: W4417451177