Abstract:

Objective  To detect expressions of IFN-γ and IL-10 in sub-epithelialconnective tissues of oral lichen planus (OLP) and to explore their roles in the occurrence and process of OLP. Methods  Specimens were collected from 11 patients with OLP and 5 normal oral mucosa. Expressions of IFN-γ and IL-10 were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology and fluorescent real-time quantitative PCR technology. Results  Fluorescent real-time quantitative PCR results showed that expression of IFN-γ mRNA in OLP and in normal oral mucosa was 0.2981±0.2064 and 0.0986±0.0894, while expression of IL-10 mRNA in OLP and in normal oral mucosa was 4.3218±4.4678 and 15.1156±9.139?2. Conclusion  Compared with normal oral mucosa, IFN-γ expression was increased, however, IL-10 expression was reduced in OLP, suggesting that an anti-inflammatory response and pro-inflammatory response had some role in the occurrence and process of OLP.

Key words: Cytokines; Lichen planus, oral; Fluorescent real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction