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Leukocyte dysfunction in oral mucous membrane diseases
E Ueta1, M Umazume, T Yamamoto
1Department of Oral Surgery, Kochi Medical School, Nankoku-city, Japan.
Summary
This study found that oral candidiasis (OC), recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAU), and oral lichen planus (OLP) are linked to suppressed leukocyte functions. Patients with OC showed the most significant immune cell impairment, suggesting a predisposition to fungal infections.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oral Medicine
- Dermatology
Background:
- Oral candidiasis (OC), recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAU), and oral lichen planus (OLP) are common oral conditions with varying etiologies.
- Leukocyte dysfunction is implicated in several immune-related oral diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare leukocyte functions in patients with OC, RAU, and OLP.
- To understand the role of immune cell activity in the pathophysiology of these oral conditions.
Main Methods:
- Assessed blastogenesis, lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) activity, neutrophil superoxide (O2-) generation, phagocytosis, and natural killer (NK) activity.
- Compared immune function parameters between patients with OC, RAU, OLP, and healthy controls.
- Evaluated changes in leukocyte function after treatment for OC and RAU.
Main Results:
- Blastogenesis and LAK activity were reduced in RAU and OLP compared to controls; OC patients had the lowest levels.
- Neutrophil O2- generation followed the order: healthy controls > RAU ≈ OLP > OC.
- Leukocyte functions in OC improved post-treatment, while RAU showed minimal changes except for O2- generation.
Conclusions:
- Oral candidiasis may occur in individuals with a predisposition to fungal infections due to impaired leukocyte function.
- Leukocyte suppression is associated with the pathophysiology of both recurrent aphthous ulcers and oral lichen planus.
- Immune cell function assessment provides insights into the underlying mechanisms of these oral diseases.