Predicting the Activity of Oral Lichen Planus with Glycolysis-related Molecules:A Scikit-learn-based Function

Objective Oral lichen planus(OLP)is one of the most common oral mucosa diseases,and is mainly mediated by T lymphocytes.The metabolic reprogramming of activated T cells has been shown to transform from oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis.The present study investigated the serum levels of glycolysis-related molecules(lactate dehydrogenase,LDH;pyruvic acid,PA;lactic acid,LAC)in OLP,and the correlation with OLP activity was assessed using the reticular,atrophic and erosive lesion(RAE)scoring system.Methods Univariate and multivariate linear regression functions based on scikit-learn were designed to predict the RAE scores in OLP patients,and the performance of these two machine learning functions was compared.Results The results revealed that the serum levels of PA and LAC were upregulated in erosive OLP(EOLP)patients,when compared to healthy volunteers.Furthermore,the LDH and LAC levels were significantly higher in the EOLP group than in the nonerosive OLP(NEOLP)group.All glycolysis-related molecules were positively correlated to the RAE scores.Among these,LAC had a strong correlation.The univariate function that involved the LAC level and the multivariate function that involved all glycolysis-related molecules presented comparable prediction accuracy and stability,but the latter was more time-consuming.Conclusion It can be concluded that the serum LAC level can be a user-friendly biomarker to monitor the OLP activity,based on the univariate function developed in the present study.The intervention of the glycolytic pathway may provide a potential therapeutic strategy.

Prediction of potential targets and molecular mechanisms of Tripterygium hypoglaucum for oral lichen planus based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

Objective:To explore the potential targets and molecular mechanisms of tripterygium hypoglaucum for oral lichen planus(OLP)by applying network pharmacology and molecular docking technology.Methods:The active ingredients and targets of tripterygium hypoglaucum were screened.OLP-related targets were predicted.The Protein-Protein Interaction(PPI)network was constructed for the intersection targets of tripterygium hypoglaucum and OLP.The“OLP-target-molecule-Tripterygium hypoglaucum”network was constructed and visualized.The intersection genes were screened for gene ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analyses.Molecular docking analysis and visualization were performed.Results:15 active ingredients and 78 targets of tripterygium hypoglaucum were obtained.9109 OLP-related targets were screened,and 54 intersection genes of tripterygium hypoglaucum with OLP were obtained.The top 10 key targets were screened from the constructed PPI network.The top 10 active ingredients of tripterygium hypoglaucum were screened from the constructed“OLP-targets of actionactive ingredients-tripterygium hypoglaucum”network.The GO and KEGG analyses of the 54 intersection targets indicated that tripterygium hypoglaucum may play a therapeutic role by regulating one carbon pool by folate,pathways in cancer,et al.Molecular docking analysis showed that dihydrofolate reductase(DHFR),phosphoribosylglycinamide formyltransferase(GART),estrogen receptor 1(ESR1),et al are the key targets for the treatment of OLP in tripterygium hypoglaucum.Conclusion:The potential key targets and molecular mechanisms of tripterygium hypoglaucum in treating OLP provide a theoretical basis for new drug development and clinical applications.

Periodontopathogen profile of healthy and oral lichen planus patients with gingivitis or periodontitis

Oral lichen planus （OLP） is a chronic inflammatory disease that is frequently detected in oral tissues. The aim of our study was to identify the prevalence of the detection of periodontopathogenic microorganisms （Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Tannerella forsythia and Treponema denticola in OLP patients and to compare with this prevalence of periodontopathogenic microorganisms in healthy non-OLP patients. Our study included 27 （18 chronic periodontitis （OLPP） and 9 gingivitis （OLPG）） patients diagnosed with OLP along with 26 （13 chronic periodontitis （HP） and 13 gingivitis （HG）） healthy non-OLP patients. The multiplex polymerase chain reaction （PCR）with subsequent reverse hybridization method （micro-IDent） was used for identifying periodontopathogenic microorganisms present in subgingival plaque samples. The percentages of detection for A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis, P. intermedia, T. forsythia and T. denticola in subgingival plaque samples taken from OLP patients （OLPG and OLPP） were 18.5%, 85.1%, 81.4%, 88.8% and 74%, respectively. Meanwhile, in the non-OLP patients （HG and HP）, these values were 7.6%, 50%, 46.1%, 73% and 57.7%, respectively. Thus, comparing the non-OLP groups with the OLP groups, the periodontopathogens＇ percentages of detection in the OLP groups were higher than those in the non-OLP groups. According to our study results, OLP patients have higher levels of infection with A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis, P. intermedia, T. forsythia and T. denticola than non-OLP patients. We argue that the high percentages in patients with OLP may help identify the importance of periodontopathoRenic microorganisms in the progress of periodontal diseases of OLP.

Interferon-c and interleukin-4 detected in serum and saliva from patients with oral lichen planus

Our previous salivary study had demonstrated an apparent T helper 2 （Th2）-predominance in saliva of oral lichen planus （OLP） patients and suggested a potential of salivary interleukin-4 （IL-4） as a biomarker for monitoring disease severity. To further determine the consistency of Th1/Th2 bias of OLP, this study investigated the expression profile of interferon-γ （IFN-γ） and IL-4 in serum and the relationship of the serum levels of these cytokines with their saliva partners. Sixty ethnic Chinese patients with OLP （40 of the erythematous/ulcerative form and 20 of the reticular form） were recruited for this study, with 40 age-sex-matched healthy volunteers as control group. IFN-γ and IL-4 levels in serum and paired saliva samples were screened by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. OLP patient showed a low-level IFN-γ but high-level IL-4 expression profile in both serum and saliva, with a lower IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio. Serum IL-4 level in the erythematous/ulcerative group was significantly higher than that in the reticular group. Serum levels of IFN-γ and IL-4 were significantly and positively correlated with their saliva partners. These results provided more evidence for Th2 cytokine- predominant immune imbalance in OLP, as well as the potential of IL-4 as the biomarker for monitoring severity of OLP.

Implications of Th1 and Th17 Cells in Pathogenesis of Oral Lichen Planus

Oral lichen planus （OLP） is considered a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease with unknown aetiology. T helper cells appear to play an important role in the pathogenesis of OLP. We investigated the possible role of T helper cells, Th1 and Th17, in the lesions and circulation of patients with OLP. Forty patients with OLP and 15 healthy volunteers were recruited. Double immunofluorescence staining was used to detect Th1 and Th17 cells in the OLP lesions, and intracellular cytokine staining and flow cytometry to evaluate the proportion of Th1 and Th17 cells in peripheral blood. The levels of serum interferon （IFN）-γ and interleukin （IL）-17 were assessed by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. It was found that Th17 cells, as well as Th1 cells, were present in OLP lesions. The proportion of peripheral Th1 and Th17 cells was significantly increased in patients with OLP. The proportion of Th17 cells in atrophic-erosive OLP was elevated as compared with that in reticular OLP. Serum IL-17 levels in OLP patients were significantly higher than in controls, and those in the atrophic-erosive OLP group were increased as compared with the reticular OLP group. However, the levels of serum IFN-γ were slightly decreased in OLP patients. Our data suggested that Th1 and Th17 cells in the local lesions and peripheral blood may be associated with the pathogenesis of OLP, and that IL-17 may be an important proinflammatory cytokine in OLP. These findings enhance our understanding of OLP pathogenesis.

The Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Oral Lichen Planus in an Ethnic Chinese Cohort of 232 Patients

Aim Oral lichen planush （OLP） is a chronic inflammatory disease, and has been reported to have a correlation with hepatitis Cvirus （HCV） infection in some regional investigations. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of HCV in patients with oral lichen planus in an ethnic Chinese cohort. Methodology The antibody of HCV infection was detected by using enzymelinked immunosorbent assay. Moreover, the clinical characteristics of whole the cohort have also been studied, such as the gender, age, clinical type, habits and social factors. Results Of all 232 patients, the antibody of HCV infection was detected positive in 4 patients （1.72%） using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. It was lower than that in control group of 2.5%, but not significant （P=0.309）. The positive rate of HCV antibody in the erosive type ones （4.2%） was higher than that in the reticular type ones （1.0%）, but this difference was proved to be not significant （P=0.389）. The clinical characteristics of whole cohort, such as the gender, age, clinical type, habits and social factors, showed the outcome obtained in the present study were similar to thao of our previous study. Conclusion HCV may play no etiological role in oral lichen planus in ethnic Chinese OLP patients.

Comparative Observation on the Effects of Radix Tripterygium Hypoglaucum Tablet and Tripterygium Glycosides Tablet in Treating Erosive Oral Lichen Planus

Objective: To compare the therapeutic effects of Radix Tripterygium hypoglaucum tablet (THT) and Tripterygium glycosides tablet (TGT) in treating erosive oral lichen planus(EOLP).Methods: The patients were randomized into two groups, and they were treated with THT (n=47) or TGT (n=47), respectively. The therapeutic effects were evaluated after 3 months treatment.Results: For the patients of grade 1, the total efficacy in TGT group was 85.71%, compared with 52.38% in THT group, the efficacy was statistically greater in the group receiving TGT (P=0.043). However, for the patients of grade 2, the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.173).Conclusion: TGT is more effective in treating EOLP than THT for grade 1 patients. However, TGT is not suitable for patients of child bearing age.

Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Study of the Distinction between Oral Lichen Planus and Oral Lichenoid Lesions

Background: Oral potentially malignant disorders, which include oral lichen planus (OLP), are clinical presentations that carry a risk of development to cancer in the oral cavity. Oral lichenoid lesions (OLLs) are also termed interface/lichenoid mucositis. Malignant transformation of them remains controversial, but distinct clinical and histological criteria for how to differentiate OLP from OLLs have not been developed. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to elucidate findings that can allow histopathological differentiation of OLP and OLLs using histomorphological and immunohistochemical analyses. Materials and Methods: Analyses were performed in 10 cases diagnosed with OLP and 9 cases diagnosed with OLLs. Cytokeratin 19 (CK19), Ki-67 and CD3 were used as primary antibodies to detect basal cells, proliferative activity and T-cell distribution, respectively, and Perlecan and COX-2 to evaluate epithelial intracellular arrangements and interstitial distributions of proteoglycans and enzymes. Results: For CK19, positive cells were significantly found in OLLs at both the prominent area and site adjacent to the lesion comparison with those of OLP’s. The number of COX-2 positive cells was significantly higher in spinous and basal layers in OLLs of the prominent area. Additionally, OLLs showed mild to moderate expression for perlecan in the basal to spinous layers and in subepithelial tissue. Conclusion: Almost no basal cells were noted in the prominent area in OLP. COX-2 and perlecan were found in the basal to spinous layers in OLLs. Although there are restrictions, these suggested the possibility of helping to distinguish between OLP and OLLs.

Photodynamic therapy of oral leukoplakia and orallichen planus using methylene blue:A pilot study

Premalignant lesions like oral lichen planus(OLP),oral leukoplakia(OL)has a fair probability of transforming into malignancy and they are perverse toward conventional therapies.Photody-namic therapy(PDT)has been considered as an alternative/complimentary therapeutic mo-dality for the management of premalignant lesions.In this study,methylene blue mediated photodynamic therapy(MB-PDT)was used as a possible alternative method for the treatment of OLP and OL.A total of 15 OLP lesions and 13 OL lesions were enrolled in the study.The patients were irradiated 1using metal halide lamp filtered at 630土10nm,with a light exposure dose of 120 J/cm^(2) per stting.For the OLP lesions,MB-PDT was performed once a week for four weeks and for the OL lesions,MB-PDT was performed twice a week for three weeks.Lesions were evaluated pre-and post-and at follow-u sessions by changes in sign and symptom scores,and size of lesions.We have observed a 53.3%of complete reduction in the treated OLP lesions and their decrease in size,sign and symptom score after treatment and at follow-up session was statistially signifcant.We have also observed complete response for one OL lesion of the 13 treated lesions.The result indicates that MB-PDT is an effective modality in management of OLP and OL.Among the two types of premalignancies treated with MB-PDT,OLP lesions responded much better than that of OL.

Dysregulation of Notch signaling related genes in oral lichen planus

Objective: To investigate a dysregulation of Notch signaling in oral lichen planus(OLP)using public available microarray dataset.Methods: A m RNA expression profiling dataset from Gene Expression Omnibus was downloaded. Differential gene expression between OLP and normal oral epithelium was examined using Network Analyst. The dysregulated genes related to Notch signaling were identified.Results: Thirteen genes in Notch signaling pathway were significantly differential expressed between OLP and normal epithelium. OLP samples significantly increased the m RNA levels of HEYL, APH1 B, CNTN1 and PSEN2. Whilst, ITCH, HES1, TLE2, DLK2,DTX2, NOTCH3, JAG2, RFNG, and SPEN were downregulated in OLP groups.Conclusions: Notch signaling was dysregulated and may participate in pathophysiologic process in OLP.

Treatment of oral lichen planus by surgical excision and acellular dermal matrix grafting:Eleven case reports and review of literature

BACKGROUND Oral lichen planus(OLP)is a chronic inflammatory disorder,and it can affect normal oral function.The conventional treatments for OLP are not always effective,and relapse easily occurs.Therefore,treatment of OLP is difficult and challenging.In this study,we evaluated over a long period the clinical efficacy of surgical excision and acellular dermal matrix(ADM)grafting in patients with refractory OLP.CASE SUMMARY Eleven patients with refractory OLP underwent a standardized protocol of surgical excision and ADM grafting.The condition of the area of the grafted wound,the intraoperative maximum mouth opening,pain,and clinical healing were assessed at postoperative follow-up visits.All patients had a flat surgical area with similar mucosal tissue coverage and local scar formation.Patients had no irritation and pain in their mucous membranes when eating acidic and spicy food.All patients’mouth openings returned to normal within 2-6 mo after surgery.During follow-up,none of the patients had recurrence of OLP after surgery.The longest follow-up was 11 yr and the shortest was 6 mo,and none of the patients relapsed during follow-up.CONCLUSION Surgical excision and ADM grafting could be an effective method to treat refractory OLP.

COX-2, MMP-7 expression in oral lichen planus and oral squamous cell carcinoma

Objective: To observe cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression in normal oral mucosa (NOM), oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and explore its significance in the incidence of oral cancer. Methods: The immunohistochemical method and RT-PCR method were applied to detect the expression of COX-2 and MMP-7 in 10 cases with NOM, 33 cases of with OLP and 38 cases with OSCC. Results: The expression of COX-2 mRNA in OSCC tissues (68.4%, 26/38) was significantly higher than in the OLP (24.2%, 8/33) and NOM (0.0%, 0/10) ( P<0.01). The expression of MMP-7 mRNA in OSCC tissues (65.8%, 25/38) was significantly higher than in the OLP (30.3%, 10/33) and NOM (0.0%, 0/10) ( P<0.01). The expression of MMP-7 in OLP was significantly higher than in the NOM ( P<0.05). There was no significant expression of COX-2 protein in NOM, and the positive rate was 42.4% (14/33) and 89.5% (34/38) in OLP and OSCC group, respectively. The COX-2 expression in cancer tissues was significantly higher than in NOM and OLP ( P<0.05). The MMP-7 protein expression in cancer tissues (84.2%, 32/38) was significantly higher than in NOM (10.0%, 1/10) and in OLP (42.4%, 14/33), and the positive rate in OLP was significantly higher than in NOM ( P<0.01). The COX-2 expression was associated with clinical stage ( P<0.05), the MMP-7 expression was associated with clinical stage and lymph node metastasis ( P<0.05). The expressions of COX-2 and MMP-7 mRNA were positively correlated with OSCC. Conclusions: The abnormal expressions of COX-2 and MMP-7 are closely related to the biological behavior of OSCC, the MMP-7 may be induced by COX-2, and further lead to the invasion and metastasis of OSCC.

Efficacy of Topical Tacrolimus for Erosive Oral Lichen Planus: A Meta-analysis

Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of topical tacrolimus for erosive oral lichen planus(EOLP). Methods Literatures published up to December 2013 were searched from Pub Med, Embase, CENTRAL, Chinese Bio Medical Literature Database(CBM), and System for Information on Grey Literature in Europe(SIGLE). All randomized controlled trials(RCTs) of topical tacrolimus for EOLP which compared with other interventions or a placebo were considered in this Meta-analysis. Two researchers collected data independently. The assessment of methodological quality was based on Cochrane Handbook and the materials were analyzed with the software Revman 5.2.5. The primary outcome measures were the symptoms(e.g. pain, discomfort) complained by patients. The secondary outcome measures included the improvement rate of clinical signs assessed by the investigators and the incidence of adverse effects(e.g. clinical candidiasis). Results A total of 9 RCTs involving 476 patients were finally included. The pooled odds ratio(OR) of clinical improvement for topical tacrolimus vs. topical corticosteroids was 1.19 [95% confidence interval(CI): 0.64-2.22, I2: 44%]. Regarding to 0.1% tacrolimus and 0.03% tacrolimus, the pooled OR were 1.87(95 % CI: 0.60-5.82) and 1.47(95 % CI: 0.14-16.04) respectively in subgroup analysis. No serious adverse events were reported in topical tacrolimus group. Conclusions There was no evidence to support that topical tacrolimus for EOLP was more effective and safer than topical corticosteroids in this Meta-analysis. Clinical assessment criteria should be established and accepted by clinicians and researchers before further RCTs are undertaken.

Methylation and Expression Status of <i>SOCS</i>1 and <i>SOCS</i>3 in Oral Lichen Planus

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a disease of unknown etiology affecting oral mucosa by mediated chronic inflammation and is classified as a potentially malignant oral disorder. SOCS1 and SOCS3 in the SOCS family have been identified as negative regulators of the cytokine-activated JAK/STAT pathway responsible for inflammatory reaction. The DNA methylation in the promoter regions of SOCS1 and SOCS3 have been reported to correlate with carcinogenesis. In this study, we performed methylation-specific PCR (MSP) to investigate the methylation status of the promoter regions in SOCS1 and SOCS3 genes using biopsy samples from OLP and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients. SOCS1 was methylated in 14/29 (48.3%) cases with OLP and 7/15 (46.7%) cases with OSCC. At the same time, SOCS3 was methylated in 25/29 (86.2%) cases with OLP and 11/15 (73.3%) cases with OSCC. We didn’t recognize any DNA methylation in SOCS1 or SOCS3 genes from the exfoliated cytological specimens of normal buccal mucosa. Furthermore, mRNA expression level was analyzed using real-time RT-PCR method to evaluate the correlation with DNA methylation status. DNA methylation status of SOCS1 seemed not to affect the expression level of SOCS1 mRNA. At the same time, DNA methylation status of SOCS3 was negatively correlated with the expression level of SOCS3 mRNA (p < 0.05). We posit frequent methylation of the SOCS3 gene promoter, theoretically resulting in the increase of cytokines expression, might be associated with the etiological mechanism of OLP.

Efficacy of IMOD in the treatment of oral lichen planus—Efficacy of IMOD in oral lichen planus

Objectives: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic, immunologically mediated, mucocutaneous disorder. A wide range of topical and systemic therapies have been used in the treatment of OLP. The efficacy of IMOD (an Iranian new immunomodulator drug, con- taining selenium, carotene, and flavonoids) in the management of oral lichen planus was evaluated. Study design: In a before-after clinical trial study, thirty patients (21 women and 9 men;age range 35 - 66 years with 112 lesions) with lichen planus were enrolled. The study covered a three-month period of therapy by IMOD (400 mg/day) and a three-month follow-up period after drug cessation. Outcome mea- sures include soreness relief based on the “nu-meric scale”, and clinical improvement of lesion size and score. Saliva levels of TNF-α was analysed at the baseline and after treatment by ELISA. Statistical analysis of Wilcoxon and paired student’s t-test were used. Results: Approximately 85% of patients showed partial to complete improvement and re-mained sym- ptom free after drug cessation. There was no signifi-cant difference in mean saliva TNF-α level before and after the treatment. Conclusion: These results suggest that IMOD seems to be an effective alternative treat- ment for OLP and TNF-α may not be a good indica- tor for monitoring therapeutic response of OLP.

Evaluation on Malignant Transformation of Oral Lichen Planus

目的 :口腔扁平苔藓 (orallichenplanus ,OLP)是否属于癌前病变 ,至今仍存在较大的争论。本文的目的在于评估OLP的癌变性质。方法 :报告 1995～ 2 0 0 2年之间 9例OLP的癌变病例。结果 :5例OLP患者同时或继发为口腔鳞状细胞癌 ,1例为疣状癌 ,3例为上皮异常增生。其中 7例发生在原OLP存在的部位 ,1例发生在其它部位 ,1例在同一部位同时存在OLP和鳞状细胞癌。OLP的癌变常发生在糜烂型和萎缩型 ,发生于颊粘膜、舌或牙龈。根据所制定的OLP的诊断及癌变标准 ,4例OLP患者发生了癌变。结论 :OLP具有一定的癌变潜力 ,对OLP患者应每年随访 2～ 4次 ,尤其是对发生在颊粘膜。

A case of oral lichen planus treated by clearing phlegm and heat

Oral lichen planus(OLPS),a common oral mucosa disease,not only affects the patients’daily life,but also has a certain risk of cancerization.In traditional Chinese medicine,“phlegm”and“heat”can cause many various illnesses.Professor Bo Zhang holds the point that the pathogenesis of OLPS is related to phlegm-heat amassment.He treated the patient in the case report with traditional Chinese medicine which was based on the principle of clearing phlegm and heat,and got a good curative effect.He treats OLPS with his own unique experience,which is taking clearing phlegm-heat and coordinating spleen-stomach as the main method,taking strengthening vital Qi to eliminate pathogenic factor as the supplement,and applying Wendan Decoction flexiblly.In order to provide a reference and guidance for clinicians,we report the typical case of OLPS.

Correlation of IRAK1 and TRAF6 expression with inflammatory response and immune response in oral lichen planus lesions

Objective: To study the correlation of IRAK1 and TRAF6 expression with inflammatory response and immune response in oral lichen planus lesions. Methods: Patients who were diagnosed with oral lichen planus in Ziyang First People's Hospital between June 2014 and February 2017 were selected as the OLP group of the study, and the oral lichen planus lesions were collected;42 patients who accepted surgery for oral trauma or maxillofacial plastic surgery were selected as the control group of the study, and the normal oral mucosa tissue was collected. The expression of IRAK1, TRAF6 and TLR4 signaling pathway molecules, Th1/Th2/Treg/Th17 transcription factors and cytokines in tissue samples were detected. Results:IRAK1, TRAF6, TLR4, MyD88 and NF-kB mRNA expression and protein expression in oral lichen planus lesions of OLP patients were significantly lower than those of control group, T-bet and IFN-γ levels were significantly lower than those of control group, and GATA3, FOXP3, RORγt, IL-4, IL-10 and IL-17 levels were significantly higher than those of control group;IRAK1 and TRAF6 expression in oral mucosa tissue were positively correlated with TLR4, MyD88 and NF-kB expression as well as T-bet and IFN-γ levels, and were negatively correlated with GATA3, FOXP3, RORγt, IL-4, IL-10 and IL-17 levels. Conclusion: IRAK1 and TRAF6 expression in oral lichen planus lesions can inhibit the TLR4 inflammatory response pathway and lead to Th1/Th2 /Treg/Th17 immune response disorder.

Lichen planus affecting a 12-year-old girl

Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous condition which is relatively common in adults but rarely affects children. In addition, few cases with oral lesions affecting children have been reported in the literature. The purpose of this study is to report an unusual case of oral LP involving the tongue and buccal mucosa in a child. A 12-year-old girl complained of painless oral lesions with 18 months of evolution. On clinical evaluation, multiple white lesions in tongue and buccal mucosa were observed with no cutaneous lesions. Diagnosis was made based on clinical examination and histopathological features. No active treatment was necessary. The patient is currently under regular evaluation. Although rarely reported in childhood, lichen planus should be considered in a differential diagnosis of hyperkeratotic and/or reticular lesions of the oral mucosa in children.

Detection of microRNA expressions in tissues and exfoliative cells reveals the potential role of miR-203 in oral lichen planus

Oral lichen planus （OLP） is a chronic inflammatory disorder and premalignantlesion, of which the mechanisms are still obscure. In the present study, the expression levels of miR-96/182/183 cluster, miR-203, miR-375, and miR-769-5p in both tissues and exfoliative cells of OLP patients as well as healthy volunteers were detected, differentially expressed miRNAs were identified and their correlation with OLP was evaluated by a biplot method. Experimental results show that miR-203 is significantly up-regulated in patient lesion tissues in comparison to volunteer mucosa tissues. Moreover, the contra- dictory insignificant expression changes of miR-203 as well as miR-96/182/183 cluster in comparisons of exfoliative cell samples suggest that different cell compositions in OLP lesion have distinct miRNA regulation, which accords with the histological heterogeneity of OLP. Finally, biplot analyses indicate the expression of miR-203 and miR-96/182/183 cluster are positively correlated in patient lesions. These results provide miR-203 as a molecular indicator of heterogeneity of OLP, and also a potential diagnostic biomarker or therapeutic target that deserves further studies.