Tissue and Salivary NMR Metabolomics in Reticular-Type Oral Lichen Planus

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Metabolomics
• Oral Medicine

Background:

• Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic autoimmune disorder of unclear etiology.
• Understanding OLP's molecular basis is crucial for improved diagnosis and management.
• Previous studies highlight the need for molecular-level investigations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify potential metabolic biomarkers for OLP diagnosis using advanced spectroscopy.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying OLP pathogenesis.
• To explore metabolic differences in oral tissues and saliva of OLP patients.

Main Methods:

• High-resolution magic angle spinning (HR-MAS) 1H-NMR spectroscopy on mucosal biopsies.
• Liquid 1H-NMR spectroscopy on unstimulated whole saliva samples.
• Multivariate statistical analyses to differentiate OLP patients from healthy controls.

Main Results:

• Distinct metabolic profiles were observed between OLP patients and healthy controls.
• Elevated triglycerides and decreased amino acids (glutamate, glutamine, taurine, glycine, alanine) in OLP tissues.
• Altered salivary bacterial metabolites (isobutyrate, isocaproate, isovalerate, agmatine) suggesting oral dysbiosis in OLP patients.

Conclusions:

• Metabolic alterations in OLP involve oxidative stress and lipid metabolism.
• Identified metabolites show potential as diagnostic biomarkers for OLP.
• Findings offer insights into OLP's molecular mechanisms, aiding future therapeutic strategies.