Salivary Level of Trace Element in Oral Lichen Planus, A Premalignant Condition

Abstract

Background: Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) is a common inflammatory disease of unknown cause that knows also<br />as a premalignant condition. Recent studies contributed nutritional factors to the pathogenesis of many autoimmune<br />disorders. Objective: The aim of present study was to investigate the salivary levels of Magnesium (Mg), Calcium (Ca),<br />Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn) and Copper (Cu) in this disorder. Materials and Methods: In this observational case-control study,<br />the unstimulated saliva of 40 patients with OLP and 40 age and sex matched healthy control subjects were collected.<br />The salivary levels of Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn and Cu were determined using ICP-AES. Results: Mg levels were significantly<br />lower in OLP patients than in healthy controls, although it didn't differ significantly between erosive and non-erosive<br />types of Lichen Planus. Also there was no meaningful relationship between the levels of Ca, Fe, Zn and Cu in case and<br />control groups. Conclusion: Trace elements such as Mg may have a role in ethiopathogenesis of OLP.