Detection of T cells secreting type 1 and type 2 cytokines in the peripheral blood of patients with oral lichen planus.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to detect and enumerate T cells secreting type 1 and 2 cytokines in the peripheral blood of patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) and in healthy controls. SUBJECTS AND METHODS The study group consisted of 80 OLP patients and 80 healthy individuals. Cytokine secreting T cells were detected using ELISPOT assay. RESULTS There was a statistically significant decrease (p<0.05) in the number of IFN- and IL-12 secreting cells in the peripheral blood of patients with OLP compared to the controls. No statistical difference was observed in the number of IL-2 and TNF-a secreting cells between OLP patients and controls (p>0.05). Also there was no significant difference in the numbers of IFN-gamma, IL-12, IL-2 and TNF-a secreting cells between reticular and erosive forms of OLP (p>0.05). As regards type 2 cytokines, the number of IL-5 and IL-10 secreting cells was significantly decreased in OLP patients compared to the healthy control group (p<0.05). No statistical difference was observed in the number of IL-6 secreting cells between OLP patients and control group (p>0.05). Similarly, no statistical difference was observed in the number of IL-4 secreting cells between OLP patients and controls (p>0.05). No significant difference was also found in the numbers of IL-4, IL-5, IL-10 and IL-6 secreting cells between reticular and erosive OLP group. CONCLUSION These data suggest decreased type 1 and type 2 cytokine production (except IL-4) in OLP patients.