The measurement of serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels in patients with lichen planus

Background: Lichen planus is a common mucocutaneous inflammatory skin disease with a multifactorial etiology. Cytokines have a key role in its pathogenesis. In our study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between the disease severity and levels of the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) cytok...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Yesim Akpinar Kara
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2018-01-01
Series:Indian Journal of Dermatology
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.e-ijd.org/article.asp?issn=0019-5154;year=2018;volume=63;issue=4;spage=297;epage=300;aulast=Kara
Description
Summary:Background: Lichen planus is a common mucocutaneous inflammatory skin disease with a multifactorial etiology. Cytokines have a key role in its pathogenesis. In our study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between the disease severity and levels of the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) cytokine which was considered as a primary cytokine that initiates the cytotoxicity. Materials and Methods: A total of 34 patients with lichen planus who were 18 year or older and gender-matched healthy controls were included in the study. Serum TNF-α levels were measured by human TNF-α enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test kits and the values in the two groups were statistically compared. Results: The mean serum TNF-α levels were higher in the patient group than that in the control group. Serum TNF-α levels were not associated with oral mucosal involvement and gender. However, it was observed that the level of TNF-α was higher in older ages, both in patient and in control groups. Conclusion: It is thought that TNF-α, a proinflammatory cytokine, may have an important role in the pathogenesis of lichen planus.
ISSN:0019-5154
1998-3611