The ABO blood group antigens in patients with oral lichenoid reaction.

Evaluating the association of ABO blood group with different delayed hypersensitivity reactions, such as oral lichenoid reaction (OLR), can provide a new perspective for clinical practice. Therefore, this study designed to investigate ABO blood group antigens in OLR patients. In this case-control study, the ABO blood group of 112 OLR patients and 117 individuals without oral lesions were included. Gender, age, characteristics of the lesions, medications and restorative materials recorded. Chi-square test used to compare the frequency of ABO blood groups in OLR patients with controls. The O blood group was significantly higher in OLR patients and all its subtypes. Also, there were significant relation between O blood group, and severity of lesions. The frequency of dysplasia was non-statistically significant higher in OLR patients with O blood group than other blood group. Based on the results of the present study, O blood group was significantly more in patients with lichenoid reaction than control group, and AB blood group was the lowest. Also, O blood group showed a positive association with the more severe form of OLR lesions and frequency of dysplasia.

Micronutrients status as a contributing factor in secondary burning mouth syndrome: A review of the literature.

Background and Aims: Patients with burning mouth syndrome (BMS) experience an annoying feeling without clinical evidence of any mucosal lesion. Deficiency or excess of micronutrients is a common feature in secondary BMS. There is limited knowledge among oral healthcare providers regarding the significance of micronutrients in oral health, so the current review focuses on the critical role of these elements in oral health implications as secondary BMS. Methods: For the data collection, the authors searched for key terms without time limitation (1900-2021) in databases comprised of PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science (SCI), and Embase. Results: The total number of matched articles with inclusion criteria involved in this review article was 59 original articles. Among these, 20 randomized clinical trials (RCT), 31 case-control or Crossectional, and 8 case reports/series are reviewed in this review article. Conclusion: One of the important etiological factors in patients with secondary BMS is micronutrient imbalance. The iron, zinc, vitamin B family, vitamin D deficiency and increased levels of homocysteine and oxidant agents were examined in secondary BMS patients. In addition, oral medicine specialists must consider the possible toxic effects of some elements in restorations and dental prostheses. Further studies, such as RCTs in the future, are recommended.

Saliva Levels of Adrenergic Receptors in Relation to Psychological Factors in Patients with Oral Lichen Planus.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the saliva level of α1 and ß1 adrenergic receptors (ARs) in oral lichen planus (OLP) patients. METHODS: This case-control study included unstimulated saliva samples from 33 OLP patients (14 erosive, 19 non-erosive) and 33 healthy controls. All participants were evaluated on psychological conditions via the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale - 21 items (DASS 21). The saliva levels of α1 and ß1 ARs was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data were analysed with a t test using SPSS 25 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). RESULTS: The saliva levels of α1 and ß1 ARs of OLP patients (both erosive and non-erosive forms) were significantly higher than in healthy controls. Stress levels in patients with both forms of OLP were significantly higher than in the healthy group. There was a positive correlation between salivary α1 and ß1 ARs and stress, and this positive correlation was also seen for saliva ß1 ARs between anxiety or depression. The saliva level of α1 ARs was inversely correlated with unstimulated salivary flow rates (r = -0.246; P = 0.046). CONCLUSION: This study indicated that OLP patients with both erosive and non-erosive forms have higher psychological stress and saliva levels of α1 and ß1 ARs than healthy controls; however, the role of α1 and ß1 ARs as salivary markers with regard to the development, severity of symptoms and outcome of OLP needs further investigation.

α1 adrenergic receptors in serum and saliva of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Neurotransmitters released from the sympathetic nervous system attach to the adrenergic receptors on the surface of tumoral cells in response to stress, and alter the expression of genes programming cellular activity. This study aimed to assess the expression of α1 adrenergic receptors in the serum and saliva of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) compared with healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this case-control study, serum and stimulated and unstimulated saliva samples were collected from 26 OSCC patients and 26 healthy controls. ELISA kits were used for measurement of the serum and salivary levels of α1 adrenergic receptors. RESULTS: The level of α1 adrenergic receptors was significantly higher in the stimulated and unstimulated saliva of OSCC patients than healthy controls (P = 0.000). However, their serum level was not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.389). The serum level of α1 adrenergic receptors significantly increased by an increase in OSCC grade. No significant correlation was noted between the serum and salivary levels of α1 adrenergic receptors in OSCC patients. The salivary level of α1 adrenergic receptors was significantly higher in patients with tumors located in the gingiva, compared with other sites. CONCLUSION: Significantly higher salivary level of α1 adrenergic receptors in OSCC patients compared with healthy controls, and no significant difference in their serum level between the two groups may indirectly indicate the over-expression of these receptors in OSCC cells, compared with normal oral mucosa. Further studies and particularly histological analyses are required to confirm this finding.

Micronutrients Profile in Oral Lichen Planus: a Review Literature.

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a relatively common chronic inflammatory disease. The micronutrients are critical factors in health of oral mucous and proper function of immune system. There have not been any review articles for evaluating trace element levels before and after standard treatments of OLP. The purpose of this study is to provide complete review of the association of micronutrients with OLP. Databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Embase (Ovid) with keywords of oral lichen planus, OLP, oral disorder, micronutrients, trace element, nutrient element, antioxidant, oxidative stress, malnutrition, and essential trace elements, without time limitation (1900-2019) were searched to collect data on related articles. Total number of 58 original articles including 12 randomized clinical trials, 41 case-control, 4 case reports, and 1 cell line research were reviewed in this study. Lower levels of iron and its associated markers, such as hemoglobin and ferritin, increased levels of TIBC; reduced levels of zinc, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, folic acid, and antioxidants such as vitamins C and E; and increased levels of oxidants and homocysteine, have been reported in OLP patients.

Serum level of estrogen in Iranian patients with oral lichen planus.

Background: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is one of the most common diseases in the oral cavity and has a chronic inflammatory nature. The etiology of this disease remains unclear. OLP is more prevalent in women, but to our knowledge, no study yet evaluated estrogen levels in women with OLP. Objectives: To determine the serum level of estrogen in female patients with OLP. Methods: This case-control observational study was conducted in patients who were referred to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences. After clinical and histopathological confirmation of OLP diagnosis, and according to exclusion and inclusion criteria, 47 women with OLP and 47 healthy women (10 premenopausal and 37 postmenopausal) were included, as case and control groups, respectively. We obtained blood samples (5 mL) from each participant to measure the serum level of 17ß-estradiol. Data were analyzed by Spearman rank correlation coefficients and a two-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni post hoc tests. Results: Serum estrogen level in women with OLP was significantly higher than that in healthy women (P = 0.002), and it was also significantly higher in premenopausal women than postmenopausal women (P < 0.001). The severity of OLP lesions correlated with estrogen level in postmenopausal women (r = 0.650; P < 0.001); in premenopausal women (r = 0.618; P = 0.008), and in all women with OLP (r = 0.535; P < 0.001). Conclusion: OLP, like other autoimmune diseases, is affected by the serum level of sex hormones such as estrogen.

Serum and salivary levels of lactate dehydrogenase in oral squamous cell carcinoma, oral lichen planus and oral lichenoid reaction.

BACKGROUND: Increased levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as a tumor marker have been reported in malignant and some premalignant oral lesions such as oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral lichenoid reactions (OLRs). This study aimed to assess the level of total LDH in the saliva and serum of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), OLP and OLRs. METHODS: In this case-control study, the participants were divided into four groups (n = 25) of healthy controls, OLP, OLRs, and OSCC. The serum and stimulated/unstimulated salivary levels of LDH were spectrophotometrically measured using standard LDH kits (Pars Azmoun). One-way ANOVA, Chi-square test, Pearson's correlation test, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were applied to analyze the data. RESULTS: The serum and salivary levels of LDH in OSCC patients were significantly higher than that the corresponding values in other groups (P = 0.0001). The serum level of LDH in OLR group was significantly higher than that in the control and OLP groups (P = 0.0001), but the difference in salivary level of LDH was not significant. The ROC analysis showed that both the serum and salivary levels of LDH had significant diagnostic ability for detection of OSCC and OLRs. Significant associations were noted between the serum and salivary levels of LDH. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with OSCC and OLRs had higher serum levels of LDH than OLP and control groups. Further prospective longitudinal studies are required to assess the tissue level of LDH and monitor the transformation of OLRs because they have low rate of malignant transformation compared with other oral premalignant lesions.

Does Melissa officinalis consumption improve the salivary antioxidant status of smokers?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Melissa officinalis tea on the total antioxidant capacity of saliva among smokers. METHODS: 24 smokers were selected by convenience sampling. Demographic information and duration of smoking were recorded at the beginning of study. Two cups of Melissa officinalis tea were given to the participants with specific instruction for 30 days. The unstimulated saliva was collected on first day, 15th and 30th days. Then, total antioxidant capacity was measured by a special kit. Statistical analysis was conducted by repeated measure ANOVA test. RESULTS: The mean values of total antioxidant capacity of saliva were significantly higher in days 15 and 30 from the baseline. (p<0.0001, P=0.006). In day 30, the mean value of antioxidant was not significantly different from day 15. (P=0.271). CONCLUSION: Melissa officinalis tea consumption increases salivary antioxidants level in smokers.

Excision of Different Oral Benign Exophytic Lesions With a Diode Laser: A Clinical Case Series.

Introduction: Lasers are becoming the standard of care for many dental procedures, and are being introduced as a high-tech instrument. They are also becoming more routine in dentistry through the advent of office-based lasers, which are also simple to use within the oral cavity. Many studies have shown the competencies of laser technology for the management of benign oral lesions as these techniques allow for painless and bloodless oral surgery. Cases Report: Nine patients attending the Department of oral and maxillofacial Disease, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, underwent laser outpatient procedures for the surgical removal of a wide range of benign oral lesions. Regarding the history, present illnesses and clinical figures of all reported cases, the clinician ensured that the lesions were benign and after taking informed consent from every patient, he did complete the excision of lesions with diode lasers. Following the injection of local anesthesia, an 810 nm diode laser was applied for the excisional biopsy of oral lesions. The specimens were sent for histopathological evaluations and the patients were assessed on intraoperative and postoperative complications. The patients were followed up for postoperative complications at one week and 2 weeks post-treatment. Conclusions: According to our findings, a diode laser can be a choice for the outpatient treatment of oral mucosal benign lesions as this technique provides painless and almost bloodless treatment.

Association of MAPK and its regulatory miRNAs (603, 4301, 8485, and 4731) with the malignant transformation of oral lichen planus.

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a potentially malignant oral lesion that may transform into oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The purpose of this study was to assess the level of expression of MAPK/ERK1/2 gene, and microRNA (miR)-603, 4301, 8485, and 4731 in the MAPK signaling pathway in OLP and OSCC lesions. This case-control study evaluated 26 OSCC, 20 OLP and 20 healthy control tissue specimens. After RNA extraction, the respective miRNA and MAPK/ERK1/2 mRNA levels were assessed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Significant upregulation of MAPK/ERK1/2 gene was noted in the OLP and OSCC specimens compared with healthy controls (p < 0.001). The expression level of miR-4731 was significantly lower in the OLP and OSCC specimens than in the healthy specimens (p < 0.001). The expression of MiR-603 was the lowest in OLP, followed by OSCC and then the control group (p < 0.001). No significant difference was found in miR-4801 levels between OSCC and OLP specimens compared with healthy controls (p = 0.43 and p = 0.86, respectively). In addition, a non-significant decrease in miR-8485 levels was noted in the OSCC and OLP specimens compared with healthy controls (p = 0.98 and p = 0.61, respectively). A significant decrease in level of miR-603 was noted in OLP compared with OSCC group (p < 0.001). The miR-4801 and miR-8485 expression levels were directly correlated with MAPK/ERK1/2 mRNA expression (p = 0.01). Higher expression level of MAPK/ERK1/2, miR-603, miR-4801, and miR-4731, and lower expression level of miR-8485 were correlated with significantly lower overall survival rate in OSCC patients. The increased expression of MAPK/ERK1/2 and decreased expression of miR-603 and miR-4731 are associated with greater risk of OLP malignant transformation and poor histopathological characteristics of OSCC.

Intralesional corticosteroid injection as an effective treatment method for oral lesions: a meta-analysis

Intralesional corticosteroid injection (ICSI) is known as one of the main methods used for treating a wide range of lesions. It also results in a high concentration of drugs at lesion sites, with minimal systemic absorption. Thus, this study aimed to provide a review of the intralesional corticosteroid injection (ICSI) indications in the treatment of oral lesions. To this end; relevant key words were searched in the databases of PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and UpToDate in the present study. Accordingly, the results of a total number of 62 case reports or case series articles were used in this study and the positive therapeutic effects of intralesional corticosteroid injection (ICSI) in 23 common oral lesions were reported. The most common type of intralesional steroid in the treatment of oral lesions was triamcinolone. No significant difference was also observed in terms of pain in patients following the use of steroid alone or in combination with anesthetic agents; moreover, the reported side effects of this method were exceptionally rare and transient. It was concluded that the intralesional corticosteroid injection (ICSI) could be one of the effective therapeutic methods with no significant problems in many oral lesions such as inflammatory, immunologic, and vascular ones due to its higher therapeutic effects than other topical forms of steroids and fewer side effects than systemic corticosteroid.

The effect of low level laser on number of Candida albicans colonies in-vitro: a new finding.

BACKGROUND: Candida albicans is a commensal organism that causes a wide variety of diseases in humans. One of these diseases is oral candidiasis, which occurs at a high recurrence rate in spite of available treatments. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) with the use of nystatin on in-vitro growth of Candida albicans. METHOD: We prepared two samples of Candida albicans at different concentrations: 104 viable cells/ml and 106 viable cells/ml. Specimens from each sample were divided into a control group, a nystatin-treated group, and a group treated with LLLT. The control group was cultured without any intervention. The second group was treated with nystatin and the solution was vibrated for 30 s or 60 s. The third group was irradiated with a gallium-aluminum-argon (Ga-Al-Ar) diode laser (Epic 10; Biolase Inc.)in continuous mode using a wavelength of 940 nm and a power of 1 W for 30 s or 60 s (38 J/cm2 and 76 J/cm2). The specimens from the nystatin group and the LLLT group were cultured and the number of colony-forming units (CFU/ml) for each group was counted and compared. RESULTS: Nystatin completely eliminated the colonies (0 colonies) in all specimens. There was an increase in the number of colonies in the LLLT group for both cell concentrations at 30 s and at 60 s. However, this increase was statistically significant only for a concentration of 104 viable cells/ml at an exposure time of 30s. The increase in the concentration of 106 viable cells/ml at both 30 s and 60 s was statistically significant compared with the control group, although the highest number of colonies remained after an exposure time of 60s. CONCLUSION: LLLT led to an increase in the growth of Candida colonies. However, there was no significant difference related to the exposure time between the different cell concentrations.

Palifermin and Chlorhexidine Mouthwashes in Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Mucositis in Children with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia: a Randomized Controlled Trial.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: Over the past three decades, significant improvements have been achieved in the survival of children with cancer. However, the considerable morbidity which occurs as a result of chemotherapy often restricts the treatment intensity. One of the important dose-limiting and costly adverse effects of cancer therapy is mucositis. Children with hematological malignancies are greatly at risk of developing mucositis. PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of palifermin in preventing mucositis in children with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) who undergo chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHOD: In this clinical trial, 90 children with ALL were randomized to receive chlorhexidine (n=45) or palifermin (n=45). One group received 60 µg/ kg/ day palifermin as an intravenous bolus once daily for 3 days before and 3 days after the chemotherapy. Chlorhexidine mouthwash was administered once daily for 3 days before and 3 days after the chemotherapy. The world health organization (WHO) oral toxicity scale was employed for grading the mucositis. The data were analyzed by using two-way ANOVA. RESULTS: The two groups were matched for age and gender. The study groups were significantly different in terms of mucositis grading (P values after 1 and 2 week therapy were 0.00). Palifermin decreased the incidence and severity of chemotherapy-induced mucositis. CONCLUSION: Palifermin reduces the oral mucositis in children with ALL. Several mechanisms of action are suggested for keratinocyte growth factor (such as palifermin) including promotion of cell proliferation and cytoprotection, restraining the apoptosis, and changing the cytokine profile.

Treatment of Symptomatic Geographic Tongue with Triamcinolone Acetonide Alone and in Combination with Retinoic Acid: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVES: Geographic tongue or migratory glossitis is an inflammatory disorder with unknown etiology. Considering the accompanied burning pain, taste dysfunction, and lack of definite cure, it is important to treat this condition symptomatically. The objective of the current study was to compare the efficacy of a combination of 0.05% retinoic acid and 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide with that of triamcinolone acetonide alone for treatment of symptomatic geographic tongue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized controlled double-blind clinical trial was performed on 28 patients with symptomatic geographic tongue, who were referred to two dental clinics. Participants were randomly divided into two groups and treated with triamcinolone alone or retinoic acid plus triamcinolone for 10 days. Patients were assessed for the level of pain, burning sensation and size of lesion at the beginning and at the end of the study. Participants were followed up for two months after cessation of treatment (at the end of each month). SPSS 11 was applied to compare the two therapeutic modalities. RESULTS: Twenty-eight participants with a mean age of 40 years were evaluated including Seven (25%) males and 21(75%) females. There was a positive family history of geographic tongue in 21 patients. Despite the diminished pain and burning sensation as well as smaller size of lesions following treatment (P<0.05), no statistically significant differences were found between the two groups (P> 0.05). No side effect was reported. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of triamcinolone and retinoic acid was not more effective than triamcinolone alone for symptomatic treatment of geographic tongue.

A comparison of the effect of triamcinolone ointment and mouthwash with or without zinc on the healing process of aphthous stomatitis lesions.

Background. Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is one of the most common ulcerative diseases of the oral mucosa. Definitive etiology of RAS has not been conclusively established. There is no certain treatment for aphthous stomatitis but some drugs such as steroids are commonly used for the treatment of RAS. Regarding the effect of zinc on the healing process of epithelial layer and cell division, in this research the effect of triamcinolone (with orabase) in combination with a zinc-containing mouthwash and triamcinolone alone on the healing process of RAS lesions was assessed. Methods. The present study consisted of 20 patients diagnosed with RAS. The patients were instructed to rinse the mouth-wash or placebo three times a day and triamcinolone ointment twice a day for two weeks. The largest dimension of the ulcer was measured by a digital caliper and the severity of pain was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS). Number, size, duration, ulcer-free period and pain of the lesions were evaluated twice a week for twomonths. Data were analyzed by SPSS 16 using Mann-Whitney U test and t-test. Results . A decrease was seen in the mean pain severity score (P = 0.631) and the size of the lesions but it was not statistically significant (P = 0.739). Also the difference between the number of lesions (P = 0.739), duration and ulcer-free period (P = 0.873) were not statistically significant. Conclusion. Zinc mouthwash seems to be as effective on wound healing process as typical treatment modalities for RAS.

Extramedullary Plasmacytoma of the Oral Cavity in a Young Man: a Case Report.

Extramedullary plasmacytomas are rare solitary soft tissue tumors that arise from proliferations of malignant transformed monoclonal plasma cells and can be diagnosed through biopsy and histopathologic examination. These lesions are closely associated with multiple myelomas, which should be ruled out in all these cases by necessary laboratory and radiographic examinations. A 25-year-old man was referred to our clinic with a rapidly-growing painless lesion measuring about 2.5×3×3 cm in the palatal side of the left maxillary second and third molar teeth. A diagnosis of solitary plasmacytoma was made on the basis of clinical, radiographic, and histopathological findings. Early diagnosis of extramedullary plasmacytomas is of great importance. Radiotherapy is the common modality of treatment with or without adjuvant chemotherapy. Progression to multiple myeloma is possible; thus, close follow-up of the patient is essential after completion of the therapeutic procedure.

The Relationship between Anger Expression and Its Indices and Oral Lichen Planus.

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a common inflammatory disease with unknown etiology. Depression, stress and anxiety are psychological factors that their influence on the expression of lichen planus by affecting the immune system's function has been confirmed. There is a probable relationship between anger and OLP expression. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the association of "anger" and OLP. In this descriptive study 95 subjects were included in 3 groups. A: patients with oral lichen planus, B: positive control, C: negative control. Anger and its indices were assessed by the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2 (STAXI-2) questionnaire, and pain was measured via the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The collected data were analyzed statistically using SPSS 18 software. The lichen planus and positive control groups bore higher total anger index (AX index) values compared with the negative control. Comparing anger expression-in (AXI) among the lichen planus and negative control groups revealed higher grades in lichen planus group. Evaluating the pain severity index (VAS) data and anger indices in lichen planus group, Spearman's Rank Correlation Test revealed a significant correlation between TAngR (reactional anger traits) and pain severity. The findings of this study indicated that there was a significant correlation between anger control and suppression of lichen planus development. On the other hand, the patients with more severe pain mostly expressed their anger physically. Based on the findings, we can make the claim that anger suppression and its control-in (gathering tension) may play a role in the development of lichen planus as a known psychosomatic disorders.

Physicochemical and in vitro mucoadhesive properties of microparticles/discs of betamethasone for the management of oral lichen planus.

This study involved the preparation and evaluation of buccal-mucoadhesive microparticles/discs of bethamethasone disodium phosphate (BDSP). The microparticles were prepared using the emulsion solvent diffusion method. Microparticles were prepared and characterized by encapsulation efficiency particle size, Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR) spectrums, Differential Scanning Calorimetric (DSC) thermograms and mucoadhesive properties. FTIR studies reported that BDSP was changed to bethamethasone base molecule inside the intact microparticles. The best drug to polymers ratio in microparticles was F1 containing 50 mg drug, 50 mg HPMC (as non-ionic and hydrophilic polymer) and 50 mg carbomer 934p (an anionic mucoadhesive polymer). The production yield of F1 microparticles was calculated as 78.60% with loading efficiency of about 65.14% and the mean particle size was also measured as 281.84 µm. It was proposed that during the microparticle preparation procedure, water soluble salt of the drug may be converted to the base which could be more effective in the buccal mucosa due to its higher partition coefficient and lipophilicity. The highest and lowest releases resulted from the discs prepared from F1 and F4, respectively, compared with the commercial tablet and untreated drug powder (p < 0.05). The data revealed that the discs exhibited good percentage of mucoadhesion (F1, 326 g/cm2). It may be concluded that drug loaded buccal-mucoadhesive microparticles are a suitable delivery system for BDSP, and may be used in the effective management of lichen planus.

Comparison of Serum Autoantibodies to Desmogleins I, III in Patients with Oral Lichen Planus and Healthy Controls.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Lichen planus is a mucocutaneous disease which is relatively common and in 30-70% of patients, mucosal lesions can be seen and known as a precancerous lesion but its etiology is not completely understood. Desmogleins I and III are the main desmosomal transmembrane proteins. These proteins have been identified as the autoantigen of the autoimmune disease. The aim of this study was evaluation of serum autoantibodies against desmogleins Ι, ΙΙΙ in oral lichen planus . METHODS: We attempted to determine the etiology of this disease with evaluation of these serum factors. Thirty-five patients with oral lichen planus and 35 healthy controls were recruited and tested for serum autoantibodies against desmogleins Ι, ΙΙΙ and indirect immunofluorescence also performed. Data were analyzed by statistical-analytical methods (Independent sample t -test) with using the SPSS.15 software. RESULTS: Serum autoantibody against desmoglein Ι had no significant difference in the two groups ( P =0.31 ) but significant increase in serum autoantibody to desmoglein ΙΙΙ was found in patients with oral lichen planus ( P =0.00) . CONCLUSION: It seems that autoantibody against desmoglein III has a significant role in the pathogenesis of oral lichen planus.