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Updated: Feb 24, 2026
Author Spotlight: Unlocking the Mysteries of Oral Potential Malignancies
Published on: August 11, 2023
The role of microRNAs in oral lichenoid disorders. Systematic review
A Setién-Olarra1, M-L Gainza-Cirauqui, J-M Aguirre-Urizar
1Oral Medicine, Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. Department of Stomatology II, University of the Basque Country/ EHU, Leioa, 48940 Bizkaia, Spain, xabier.marichalar@gmail.com.
Background:
Certain changes in the microRNA expression are considered to be associated with chronic inflammatory processes and with the malignant transformation of oral potentially malignant disorders. The purpose of this systematic review is to update the existing data on the aberrant microRNA expression profiles identified in oral lichenoid disease (OLD).
Material And Methods:
A search in PubMed-Medline and Scopus was performed on the English literature published between 2010 and August 2016 using the following keywords: oral lichenoid disease, oral lichen planus and microRNA.
Results:
Originally, 25 articles were considered, of which 12 case-control articles were selected according to the inclusion/exclusion criteria.
Conclusions:
OLD seems to have altered microRNA expression profile. Certain altered microRNAs (146a, 155) may be useful as biomarkers for this disorder. More studies including larger number of cases are needed in order to study further on the biological processes and on the regulation pathways of these altered microRNAs.
Insights
Altered microRNA expression is linked to oral lichenoid disease (OLD) and its malignant transformation. Specific microRNAs (146a, 155) show potential as biomarkers for OLD.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Oncology
Background:
- MicroRNA dysregulation is associated with chronic inflammation and cancer development.
- Oral potentially malignant disorders may involve aberrant microRNA expression.
- Oral lichenoid disease (OLD) is a condition requiring updated research on its microRNA profile.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and update current knowledge on microRNA expression profiles in OLD.
- To identify specific microRNAs associated with OLD.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed-Medline and Scopus.
- English literature published between 2010 and August 2016 was reviewed.
- Keywords included: oral lichenoid disease, oral lichen planus, and microRNA.
Main Results:
- An initial review of 25 articles was performed.
- Twelve case-control studies met the inclusion/exclusion criteria.
- The selected studies focused on microRNA expression in OLD.
Conclusions:
- Oral lichenoid disease exhibits altered microRNA expression patterns.
- MicroRNAs 146a and 155 are potential biomarkers for OLD.
- Further research with larger cohorts is necessary to elucidate biological pathways and regulatory mechanisms of these microRNAs.
