Oxidative stress and metabolic dysfunction in oral lichen planus pathogenesis

Area of Science:

• Oral medicine
• Pathophysiology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the oral mucosa.
• It is associated with pain and a low risk of malignant transformation.
• Oxidative stress and metabolic dysfunction are increasingly implicated in OLP pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the interconnected roles of oxidative stress and metabolic dysfunction in OLP.
• To identify potential non-invasive biomarkers for diagnosis and risk assessment.
• To highlight novel therapeutic targets for OLP management.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent scientific literature on OLP pathophysiology.
• Analysis of the interplay between reactive oxygen/nitrogen species and metabolic pathways.
• Investigation of cellular damage mechanisms, including apoptosis and lipid peroxidation.

Main Results:

• Oxidative and nitrosative stress contribute significantly to OLP by causing cellular damage and inflammation.
• Metabolic dysfunction exacerbates oxidative stress, creating a detrimental cycle.
• Salivary markers of oxidative stress and metabolic imbalance show diagnostic potential.

Conclusions:

• The crosstalk between oxidative stress and metabolism is central to OLP.
• Restoring redox balance and improving metabolic regulation are promising therapeutic avenues.
• Understanding these mechanisms opens doors for precision medicine in OLP treatment.