Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Serum and Saliva of Oral Lichen Planus and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients

Abstract

<strong>Background:</strong>Oral lichen planus (OLP) is considered as a potentially malignant disorder and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) may play a key role in cancer development. The aim of this study was to compare serum and saliva VEGF among patients with OLP, oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and a healthy control group. <strong>Methods:</strong>A cross sectional study was performed on 27 patients with OLP, 27 patients with OSCC and 27 healthy volunteers. The serum and saliva VEGF were assayed by ELISA method. Statistical analysis of ANOVA was used. <strong>Results:</strong>The mean saliva flow rate and serum VEGF in OLP and OSCC patients were significantly lower compared to healthy control group (p<0.05), but there was no significant difference between OLP and OSCC patients. There was no significant difference in mean salivary VEGF among groups. <strong>Conclusion:</strong>It seems that saliva VEGF may not be a good biomarker for OLP and OSCC.