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Serum level of matrix metalloproteinase-3 in patients with oral lichen planus
M Farzin1, M Mardani, J Ghabanchi
1Department of Prosthodontics, Dental School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Background:
Oral Lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic lesion of the oral mucosa with unknown origin. Basement membrane changes are common in OLP and may be mediated by proteases such as matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) and mast cell chymase. The aim of our study was to evaluate the level of serum MMP-3 in OLP com-pared to normal individuals and assess its clinical significance.
Methods:
Thirty four serum samples from patients diagnosed with OLP (12 males, 22 females, age: 42.2±10.8 years) and 34 serum samples from healthy control subjects (11 males, 23 females, age: 42.5±13.3 years) were collected and MMP-3 concentration was measured by ELISA.
Results:
The serum MMP-3 level in OLP patients was higher (21.64±24.31 ng/ml) compared with healthy con-trols (16.52±23.63 ng/ml), but showed no statistically significant difference. A statistically significant difference was demonstrated between the two types of OLP, being more pronounced in the erosive/atrophic form 6).
Conclusion:
The different clinical appearances of OLP are associated with significant differences in MMP-3 serum level.
Insights
Serum matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) levels were evaluated in oral lichen planus (OLP) patients. While not significantly higher overall, MMP-3 levels differed between OLP subtypes, particularly in erosive/atrophic forms.
Area of Science:
- Oral pathology
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
Background:
- Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic oral mucosa condition of unknown etiology.
- Basement membrane alterations in OLP may involve proteases like matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum MMP-3 levels in OLP patients compared to healthy controls.
- To assess the clinical significance of serum MMP-3 in OLP.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 34 OLP patients and 34 healthy controls were analyzed.
- MMP-3 concentration was quantified using ELISA.
Main Results:
- Serum MMP-3 levels were higher in OLP patients (21.64±24.31 ng/ml) than in controls (16.52±23.63 ng/ml), though not statistically significant.
- A statistically significant difference in MMP-3 levels was observed between OLP subtypes, with higher levels in the erosive/atrophic form.
Conclusions:
- Clinical variations in OLP are linked to significant differences in serum MMP-3 levels.
- MMP-3 may play a role in the pathogenesis of specific OLP subtypes.
