Hematinic deficiencies and anemia statuses in antigastric parietal cell antibody-positive erosive oral lichen planus patients with desquamative gingivitis

Anemia, hematinic deficiencies, hyperhomocysteinemia, and gastric parietal cell antibody positivity in burning mouth syndrome patients with macrocytosis

Background/purpose

Macrocytosis is defined as having the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) ≥ 100 fL. This study evaluated whether 46 burning mouth syndrome (BMS) patients with macrocytosis had significantly higher frequencies of anemia, hematinic deficiencies, hyperhomocysteinemia, and serum gastric parietal cell antibody (GPCA) positivity than 442 healthy control subjects or 884 BMS patients.

Materials and methods

Complete blood count, serum iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, homocysteine, and GPCA levels in 46 BMS patients with macrocytosis, 884 BMS patients, and 442 healthy control subjects were measured and compared.

Results

We found that 65.2%, 23.9%, 47.8%, 0.0%, 60.9%, and 45.7% of 46 BMS patients with macrocytosis were diagnosed as having blood hemoglobin, iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid deficiencies, hyperhomocysteinemia, and serum GPCA positivity, respectively. Moreover, 46 BMS patients with macrocytosis had significantly higher frequencies of blood hemoglobin and serum vitamin B12 deficiencies, hyperhomocysteinemia, and serum GPCA positivity than 442 healthy control subjects or 884 BMS patients (all P-values < 0.001). In addition, 46 BMS patients with macrocytosis also had a significantly higher frequency of serum iron deficiency than 442 healthy control subjects (P < 0.001). Pernicious anemia was found in 15 BMS patients with macrocytosis.

Conclusion

There are significantly higher frequencies of anemia and serum iron and vitamin B12 deficiencies, hyperhomocysteinemia, and serum GPCA positivity in BMS patients with macrocytosis than in healthy control subjects. BMS patients with macrocytosis also have significantly higher frequencies of anemia, serum vitamin B12 deficiency, hyperhomocysteinemia, and serum GPCA positivity than BMS patients.

Anemia, hematinic deficiencies, and hyperhomocysteinemia in serum gastric parietal cell antibody-positive burning mouth syndrome patients without serum thyroid autoantibodies

Background/purpose

Our previous study found that 70 of 884 burning mouth syndrome (BMS) patients have serum gastric parietal cell antibody (GPCA) positivity but without thyroglobulin antibody (TGA) and thyroid microsomal antibody (TMA) (so-called GPCA⁺TGAˉTMAˉBMS patients). This study assessed whether these 70 GPCA⁺TGAˉTMAˉBMS patients had significantly higher frequencies of macrocytosis, anemia, hematinic deficiencies, and hyperhomocysteinemia than 553 GPCA-negative, TGA-negative, and TMA-negative BMS (GPCAˉTGAˉTMAˉBMS) patients or 442 healthy control subjects.

Materials and methods

Complete blood count, serum iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, homocysteine, GPCA, TGA, and TMA levels in 70 GPCA⁺TGAˉTMAˉBMS patients, 553 GPCAˉTGAˉTMAˉBMS patients, and 442 healthy control subjects were measured and compared.

Results

We found that 15.7%, 28.6%, 20.0%, 11.4%, 2.9%, and 25.7% of 70 GPCA⁺TGAˉTMAˉBMS patients and 3.8%, 17.7%, 15.9%, 3.8%, 2.7%, and 20.1% of 553 GPCAˉTGAˉTMAˉBMS patients had macrocytosis, blood hemoglobin, iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid deficiencies, and hyperhomocysteinemia, respectively. Moreover, both 70 GPCA⁺TGAˉTMAˉBMS patients and 553 GPCAˉTGAˉTMAˉBMS patients had significantly greater frequencies of macrocytosis, blood hemoglobin, serum iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid deficiencies, and hyperhomocysteinemia than 442 healthy control subjects (all P-values < 0.05). In addition, 70 GPCA⁺TGAˉTMAˉBMS patients also had greater frequencies of macrocytosis, anemia, serum vitamin B12 deficiency, and hyperhomocysteinemia than 553 GPCAˉTGAˉTMAˉBMS patients (all P-values < 0.05).

Conclusion

The GPCA ⁺ TGAˉTMAˉBMS patients have significantly greater frequencies of macrocytosis, anemia, serum iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid deficiencies, and hyperhomocysteinemia than healthy control subjects and significantly greater frequencies of macrocytosis, anemia, serum vitamin B12 deficiency, and hyperhomocysteinemia than GPCAˉTGAˉTMAˉBMS patients.

Micronutrients Profile in Oral Lichen Planus: a Review Literature

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a relatively common chronic inflammatory disease. The micronutrients are critical factors in health of oral mucous and proper function of immune system. There have not been any review articles for evaluating trace element levels before and after standard treatments of OLP. The purpose of this study is to provide complete review of the association of micronutrients with OLP. Databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Embase (Ovid) with keywords of oral lichen planus, OLP, oral disorder, micronutrients, trace element, nutrient element, antioxidant, oxidative stress, malnutrition, and essential trace elements, without time limitation (1900-2019) were searched to collect data on related articles. Total number of 58 original articles including 12 randomized clinical trials, 41 case-control, 4 case reports, and 1 cell line research were reviewed in this study. Lower levels of iron and its associated markers, such as hemoglobin and ferritin, increased levels of TIBC; reduced levels of zinc, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, folic acid, and antioxidants such as vitamins C and E; and increased levels of oxidants and homocysteine, have been reported in OLP patients.

Reduced levels of serum vitamin B12 in symptomatic cases of oral lichen planus: A cross-sectional study

Objectives

Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) is an immune mediated disease and causes oro-mucosal burning sensation that reduces food intake and hence resulting in nutritional deficiency. The present study was done to evaluate the serum levels of vitamin B12 in patients with symptomatic OLP and establish an association between reduced B12 levels and OLP.

Materials and method

Serum vitamin B12 was assessed in 60 symptomatic cases of oral lichen planus and 60 healthy age and gender matched controls.

Results

Serum vitamin B12 was significantly reduced (p value < 0) in patients with oral lichen planus when compared to healthy individuals. 43.33% of cases (26 out of 60) had B12 levels less than 187 pg/ml.

Conclusion

Oral lichen planus causes serum vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is linked with normal functioning of immune and neuropsychologic system which has a role to play in etiopathogenesis and malignant transformation of oral lichen planus.

The profile of hematinic deficiencies in patients with oral lichen planus: a case-control study

Background

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a relatively common mucocutaneous disorder, and its causative factors and pathogenesis are not fully understood. Existing studies on the association between hematinic deficiencies and OLP are limited and inconsistent. The aim of this study was to assess the hematinic deficiencies in a cohort of OLP patients and evaluate the correlation between hematinic deficiencies and OLP.

Methods

A total of 236 OLP patients and 226 age-and-gender-matched healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The levels of hemoglobin (Hb), serum folate, vitamin B12 and ferritin were measured and compared between OLP patients and healthy controls. An REU (reticular/hyperkeratotic, erosive/erythematous, ulcerative) scoring system was adopted and compared between the OLP patients with and without hematinic deficiencies. The correlation between hematinic deficiencies and OLP was analyzed.

Results

The frequencies of serum ferritin and vitamin B12 deficiency in OLP patients were both significantly higher than those of the healthy controls. According to gender and age, the profiles of hematinic deficiencies in OLP patients were significantly different. As for the REU score, no significant difference existed between OLP patients with and without hematinic deficiencies. Both serum ferritin deficiency and serum vitamin B12 deficiency were significantly correlated with OLP.

Conclusions

The present study suggested a significant association between hematinic deficiencies and OLP. Iron, folate, and vitamin B12 levels in OLP patients should be monitored routinely. Further studies are warranted to explore the interactions between OLP and hematinic deficiencies.

Anemia, hematinic deficiencies, and hyperhomocysteinemia in gastric parietal cell antibody-positive and -negative burning mouth syndrome patients

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Our previous study found the serum gastric parietal cell antibody (GPCA) positivity in 12.3% of burning mouth syndrome (BMS) patients. This study assessed whether GPCA-positive BMS (GPCA⁺BMS) patients had significantly higher frequencies of macrocytosis, anemia, hematinic deficiencies, and hyperhomocysteinemia than healthy control subjects or GPCA-negative BMS (GPCA^-BMS) patients.

METHODS

The mean corpuscular volume, blood hemoglobin (Hb), and serum iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, homocysteine, and GPCA levels were measured and compared between any two of three groups of 109 GPCA⁺BMS patients, 775 GPCA^-BMS patients, and 442 healthy control subjects.

RESULTS

We found that 109 GPCA⁺BMS patients had significantly higher frequencies of macrocytosis, blood Hb and serum iron and vitamin B12 deficiencies, and hyperhomocysteinemia than 442 healthy control subjects (all P-values < 0.001) and significantly higher frequencies of macrocytosis, blood Hb and serum vitamin B12 deficiencies, and hyperhomocysteinemia than 775 GPCA^-BMS patients (all P-values < 0.01). Moreover, 775 GPCA^-BMS patients had significantly higher frequencies of macrocytosis, blood Hb and serum iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid deficiencies, and hyperhomocysteinemia than 442 healthy control subjects (all P-values < 0.005). Pernicious anemia (45.5%) and normocytic anemia (24.2%) were the two most common types of anemia in 33 anemic GPCA⁺BMS patients. Moreover, normocytic anemia (61.3%), thalassemia trait-induced anemia (15.5%), and iron deficiency anemia (14.1%) were the three most common types of anemia in 142 anemic GPCA^-BMS patients.

CONCLUSION

GPCA⁺BMS patients have significantly higher frequencies of macrocytosis, blood Hb and serum vitamin B12 deficiencies, and hyperhomocysteinemia than healthy control subjects or GPCA^-BMS patients.

Gastric parietal cell and thyroid autoantibodies in patients with burning mouth syndrome

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Gastric parietal cell antibody (GPCA), thyroglobulin antibody (TGA), and thyroid microsomal antibody (TMA) are organ-specific autoantibodies. This study mainly assessed the frequencies of serum GPCA, TGA, and TMA positivities in burning mouth syndrome (BMS) patients.

METHODS

Serum GPCA, TGA, and TMA levels were measured in 884 BMS patients and in 442 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects.

RESULTS

We found that 12.3%, 21.6%, and 22.7% of 884 BMS patients and 1.8%, 2.3%, and 2.9% of 442 healthy control subjects had the serum GPCA, TGA, and TMA positivities, respectively. BMS patients had significantly higher frequencies of GPCA, TGA, and TMA positivities than healthy control subjects (all P-values < 0.001). We also found that 20 (2.3%), 130 (14.7%), and 181 (20.5%) BMS patients and 3 (0.7%), 8 (1.8%), and 6 (1.4%) healthy control subjects had the presence of three (GPCA + TGA + TMA), two (GPCA + TGA, GPCA + TMA, or TGA + TMA), or one (GPCA only, TGA only, or TMA only) organ-specific autoantibody in their sera, respectively. Of 255 TGA/TMA-positive BMS patients whose serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were measured, 87.8%, 5.1%, and 7.1% of these TGA/TMA-positive BMS patients had normal, lower, and higher serum TSH levels, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Approximately 37.5% of 884 BMS patients have serum GPCA/TGA/TMA positivity. Moreover, 12.3%, 21.6%, and 22.7% of 884 BMS patients have the serum GPCA, TGA, and TMA positivities, respectively. Only 5.1% and 7.1% of TGA/TMA-positive BMS patients have hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, respectively. It needs further studies to know whether GPCA-positive BMS patients may finally become as having autoimmune atrophic gastritis.

Anemia, hematinic deficiencies, hyperhomocysteinemia, and gastric parietal cell antibody positivity in burning mouth syndrome patients with vitamin B12 deficiency

Background/purpose

Our previous study found that 42 of 884 burning mouth syndrome (BMS) patients have vitamin B12 deficiency. This study assessed whether the vitamin B12-deficient BMS (B12D/BMS) patients had significantly higher frequencies of anemia, hematinic deficiencies, hyperhomocysteinemia, and serum gastric parietal cell antibody (GPCA) positivity than healthy control subjects and evaluated whether all B12D/BMS patients had pernicious anemia (PA).

Materials and methods

The blood hemoglobin (Hb) and serum iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, homocysteine, and GPCA levels in 42 B12D/BMS patients and 442 healthy control subjects were measured and compared.

Results

We found that 42 B12D/BMS patients had significantly lower mean blood Hb and serum iron and vitamin B12 levels as well as significantly higher mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean serum homocysteine level than healthy control subjects (all P-values < 0.05). Moreover, 42 B12D/BMS patients had significantly higher frequencies of macrocytosis (52.4%), blood Hb (61.9%) and serum iron (26.2%) and vitamin B12 (100.0%) deficiencies, hyperhomocysteinemia (83.3%), and serum GPCA positivity (42.9%) than 442 healthy control subjects (all P-values < 0.001). Moreover, of 26 anemic B12D/BMS patients, 15 (57.7%) had PA, 5 (19.2%) had macrocytic anemia other than PA, 4 (15.4%) had normocytic anemia, and 2 (7.7%) had thalassemia trait-induced anemia.

Conclusion

B12D/BMS patients have significantly higher frequencies of macrocytosis, blood Hb and serum iron and vitamin B12 deficiencies, hyperhomocysteinemia, and serum GPCA positivity than healthy control subjects. Although PA is the most common type of anemia in our B12D/BMS patients, only 15 (35.7%) of 42 B12D/BMS patients have PA.

Anemia, hematinic deficiencies, hyperhomocysteinemia, and gastric parietal cell antibody positivity in burning mouth syndrome patients with iron deficiency

Background/purpose

Our previous study found that 143 of 884 burning mouth syndrome (BMS) patients have iron deficiency (ID). This study assessed whether all BMS patients with ID (so-called ID/BMS patients) had iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and evaluated whether the ID/BMS patients had significantly higher frequencies of anemia, hematinic deficiencies, hyperhomocysteinemia, and serum gastric parietal cell antibody (GPCA) positivity than healthy control subjects.

Materials and methods

The blood hemoglobin (Hb) and serum iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, homocysteine, and GPCA levels in 143 ID/BMS patients and 442 healthy control subjects were measured and compared.

Results

We found that 143 ID/BMS patients had significantly lower mean blood Hb and serum iron, vitamin B12, folic acid levels as well as significantly higher mean serum homocysteine level than healthy control subjects (all P-values < 0.01). Moreover, 143 ID/BMS patients had significantly higher frequencies of blood Hb (55.9%) and serum iron (100.0%), vitamin B12 (7.7%), and folic acid (2.1%) deficiencies, hyperhomocysteinemia (27.3%), and serum GPCA positivity (12.6%) than 442 healthy control subjects (all P-values < 0.001). Furthermore, of 80 anemic ID/BMS patients, 5 (6.3%) had pernicious anemia, 5 (6.3%) had macrocytic anemia other than pernicious anemia, 42 (52.5%) had normocytic anemia, 21 (26.3%) had IDA, and 7 (8.8%) had thalassemia trait-induced anemia.

Conclusion

ID/BMS patients had significantly higher frequencies of blood Hb and serum iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid deficiencies, hyperhomocysteinemia, and serum GPCA positivity than healthy control subjects. Normocytic anemia is the most common type of anemia in ID/BMS patients.

Anemia, hematinic deficiencies, hyperhomocysteinemia, and gastric parietal cell antibody positivity in atrophic glossitis patients with vitamin B12 deficiency

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Our previous study found that 56 of 1064 atrophic glossitis (AG) patients have vitamin B12 deficiency. This study assessed whether the AG patients with vitamin B12 deficiency (B12D/AG patients) had significantly higher frequencies of anemia, hematinic deficiencies, hyperhomocysteinemia, and serum gastric parietal cell antibody (GPCA) positivity than healthy control subjects.

METHODS

The blood hemoglobin (Hb) and serum iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, homocysteine, and GPCA levels in 56 B12D/AG patients and 532 healthy control subjects were measured and compared.

RESULTS

We found that 56 B12D/AG patients had significantly lower mean blood Hb and serum iron levels as well as significantly higher mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean serum homocysteine level than healthy control subjects (all P-values < 0.05). Moreover, 56 B12D/AG patients had significantly higher frequencies of macrocytosis (53.6%), blood Hb (64.3%), iron (26.8%), and folic acid (3.6%) deficiencies, hyperhomocysteinemia (89.3%), and serum GPCA positivity (55.4%) than 532 healthy control subjects (all P-values < 0.005). In addition, of 36 anemic B12D/AG patients, 22 (61.1%) had pernicious anemia (PA), 6 (16.7%) had macrocytic anemia other than PA, 4 (11.1%) had normocytic anemia, 3 (8.3%) had iron deficiency anemia (IDA), and one (2.8%) had microcytic anemia other than IDA and thalassemia trait-induced anemia.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that B12D/AG patients have significantly higher frequencies of macrocytosis, blood Hb, iron, and folic acid deficiencies, hyperhomocysteinemia, and serum GPCA positivity than healthy control subjects. PA is the most common type of anemia in our B12D/AG patients.

Anemia, hematinic deficiencies, and gastric parietal cell antibody positivity in atrophic glossitis patients with or without hyperhomocysteinemia

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Our previous study found that 127 of 1064 atrophic glossitis (AG) patients have hyperhomocysteinemia. This study assessed whether the AG patients with hyperhomocysteinemia had significantly higher frequencies of anemia, hematinic deficiencies, and serum gastric parietal cell antibody (GPCA) positivity than AG patients without hyperhomocysteinemia or healthy control subjects.

METHODS

The blood hemoglobin (Hb) and serum iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, homocysteine, and GPCA levels in 127 AG patients with hyperhomocysteinemia, 937 AG patients without hyperhomocysteinemia, and 532 healthy control subjects were measured and compared.

RESULTS

We found that 127 AG patients with hyperhomocysteinemia had significantly higher frequencies of blood Hb and serum iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid deficiencies and serum GPCA positivity than 532 healthy control subjects (all P-values < 0.001) and significantly higher frequencies of blood Hb and serum vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiencies and serum GPCA positivity than 937 AG patients without hyperhomocysteinemia (all P-values < 0.001). Moreover, 127 AG patients with hyperhomocysteinemia had significantly higher frequencies of macrocytic anemia and significantly lower frequencies of normocytic anemia than 937 AG patients without hyperhomocysteinemia (both P-values < 0.001). Pernicious anemia (22 cases) was found only in AG patients with hyperhomocysteinemia but not in AG patients without hyperhomocysteinemia.

CONCLUSION

AG patients with hyperhomocysteinemia had significantly higher frequencies of anemia, serum iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid deficiencies, and serum GPCA positivity than healthy control subjects and significantly higher frequencies of anemia, serum vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiencies, and serum GPCA positivity than AG patients without hyperhomocysteinemia.

Does serum gastric parietal cell antibody titer have influence on anemia and vitamin B12 deficiency in atrophic glossitis patients?

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Our previous study found 284 gastric parietal cell antibody (GPCA)-positive atrophic glossitis (AG) patients (so-called GPCA⁺AG patients in this study) in a group of 1064 AG patients. This study evaluated whether high-titer (GPCA titer ≥ 160) GPCA⁺AG patients had greater frequencies of anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency, macrocytosis, and hyperhomocysteinemia than low-titer (GPCA titer < 160) GPCA⁺AG patients.

METHODS

Complete blood count, serum iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, homocysteine, and GPCA levels in 117 high-titer GPCA⁺AG patients, 167 low-titer GPCA⁺AG patients, and 532 healthy control subjects were measured and compared.

RESULTS

We found that 12.0%, 29.1%, 23.1%, 16.2%, 1.7%, and 23.1% of 117 high-titer GPCA⁺AG patients and 5.4%, 17.4%, 17.4%, 7.2%, 1.2%, and 14.4% of 167 low-titer GPCA⁺AG patients were diagnosed as having macrocytosis, blood hemoglobin, iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid deficiencies, and hyperhomocysteinemia, respectively. Moreover, both 117 high-titer and 167 low-titer GPCA⁺AG patients had significantly greater frequencies of macrocytosis, blood hemoglobin, serum iron and vitamin B12 deficiencies, and hyperhomocysteinemia than 532 healthy control subjects (all P-values < 0.05). In addition, 117 high-titer GPCA⁺AG patients also had greater frequencies of anemia (P = 0.029, statistically significant), serum vitamin B12 deficiency (P = 0.027, statistically significant), macrocytosis (P = 0.075, marginal significance), and hyperhomocysteinemia (P = 0.085, marginal significance) than 167 low-titer GPCA⁺AG patients.

CONCLUSION

For GPCA⁺AG patients, high-titer GPCA⁺AG patients have greater frequencies of anemia, serum vitamin B12 deficiency, macrocytosis, and hyperhomocysteinemia than low-titer GPCA⁺AG patients.

Gastric parietal cell and thyroid autoantibodies in oral precancer patients

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Gastric parietal cell antibody (GPCA), thyroglobulin antibody (TGA), and thyroid microsomal antibody (TMA) may be present in oral mucosal disease patients. This study mainly assessed the frequencies of serum GPCA, TGA, and TMA positivities in 131 oral precancer patients.

METHODS

Serum GPCA, TGA, and TMA levels were measured in 131 oral precancer patients including 96 oral leukoplakia, 26 oral erythroleukoplakia, and 9 oral verrucous hyperplasia patients and in 131 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects.

RESULTS

We found that 131 oral precancer patients had higher frequencies of serum GPCA (10.7% vs. 2.3%, P = 0.012, statistically significant), TGA (4.6% vs. 2.3%, P = 0.498), and TMA (8.4% vs. 2.3%, P = 0.054, marginal significance) positivities than 131 healthy control subjects. We also found that 1 (0.8%), 6 (4.6%), and 16 (12.2%) oral precancer patients had the presence of three (GPCA + TGA + TMA), two (GPCA + TGA, GPCA + TMA, or TGA + TMA), or one (GPCA only, TGA only, or TMA only) autoantibody in their sera, respectively. Of 10 TGA/TMA-positive oral precancer patients whose serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were measured, 80%, 10%, and 10% of these 10 TGA/TMA-positive oral precancer patients had normal, lower, and higher serum TSH levels, respectively. We also found a significantly higher GPCA positive rate in 26 smokers consuming >20 cigarettes per day than in 61 smokers consuming ≤20 cigarettes per day (P = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

Approximately 17.6% of 131 oral precancer patients have serum GPCA/TGA/TMA positivity. Only approximately 20% of TGA/TMA-positive oral precancer patients have either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

Atrophic glossitis: Etiology, serum autoantibodies, anemia, hematinic deficiencies, hyperhomocysteinemia, and management

Atrophic glossitis (AG) is characterized by the partial or complete absence of filiform papillae on the dorsal surface of the tongue. AG may reflect the significant deficiencies of some major nutrients including riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine, vitamin B12, folic acid, iron, zinc, and vitamin E. Moreover, protein-calorie malnutrition, candidiasis, Helicobacter pylori colonization, xerostomia, and diabetes mellitus are also the etiologies of AG. Our previous study found the serum gastric parietal cell antibody (GPCA), thyroglobulin antibody (TGA), and thyroid microsomal antibody (TMA) positivities in 26.7%, 28.4%, and 29.8% of 1064 AG patients, respectively. We also found anemia, serum iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid deficiencies, and hyperhomocysteinemia in 19.0%, 16.9%, 5.3%, 2.3%, and 11.9% of 1064 AG patients, respectively. Moreover, GPCA-positive AG patients tended to have relatively higher frequencies of hemoglobin, iron, and vitamin B12 deficiencies and hyperhomocysteinemia than GPCA-negative AG patients. Supplementations with vitamin BC capsules plus corresponding deficient hematinics for those AG patients with hematinic deficiencies can achieve complete remission of oral symptoms and AG in some AG patients. Therefore, it is very important to examine the complete blood count, serum hematinic, homocysteine, and autoantibody levels in AG patients before we start to offer treatments for AG patients.

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis - Etiology, serum autoantibodies, anemia, hematinic deficiencies, and management

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is one of the most common oral mucosal diseases characterized by recurrent and painful ulcerations on the movable or nonkeratinized oral mucosae. Clinically, three types of RAS, namely minor, major, and herpetiform types, can be identified. RAS more commonly affects labial mucosa, buccal mucosa, and tongue. Previous studies indicate that RAS is a multifactorial T cell-mediated immune-dysregulated disease. Factors that modify the immunologic responses in RAS include genetic predisposition, viral and bacterial infections, food allergies, vitamin and microelement deficiencies, systemic diseases, hormonal imbalance, mechanical injuries, and stress. Our previous study found the presence of serum gastric parietal cell antibody, thyroglobulin antibody, and thyroid microsomal antibody in 13.0%, 19.4%, and 19.7% of 355 RAS patients, respectively. We also found anemia, serum iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid deficiencies, and hyperhomocysteinemia in 20.9%, 20.1%, 4.8%, 2.6%, and 7.7% of 273 RAS patients, respectively. Therefore, it is very important to examine the complete blood count, serum autoantibody, hematinic, and homocysteine levels in RAS patients before we start to offer treatments for RAS. Because RAS is an immunologically-mediated disease, topical and systemic corticosteroid therapies are the main treatments of choice for RAS.

Serum thyroid autoantibodies are not associated with anemia, hematinic deficiencies, and hyperhomocysteinemia in patients with Behcet's disease

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Our previous study found that 13 of 63 recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)/Behcet's disease (BD) patients have thyroglobulin antibody (TGA) positivity and/or thyroid microsomal antibody (TMA) positivity (TGA/TMA positivity) but without gastric parietal cell antibody positivity. This study mainly assessed whether the serum TGA/TMA positivity was significantly associated with anemia, hematinic deficiencies, and hyperhomocysteinemia in TGA/TMA-positive RAS/BD patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The mean blood hemoglobin (Hb), iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, and homocysteine levels were measured and compared between 13 TGA/TMA-positive RAS/BD patients and 41 gastric and thyroid antibodies-negative RAS/BD patients (Abs־RAS/BD patients) or 126 healthy control subjects.

RESULTS

We found no significant differences in the mean blood Hb, iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, and homocysteine leve1s as well as no significant differences in the frequencies of blood Hb and folic acid deficiencies and of hyperhomocysteinemia between 13 TGA/TMA-positive RAS/BD patients and 41 Abs־RAS/BD patients. The 41 Abs־RAS/BD patients even had a significantly greater frequency of serum iron deficiency than the 13 TGA/TMA-positive RAS/BD patients. Moreover, although a significant greater frequency of anemia was demonstrated in 13 TGA/TMA-positive RAS/BD patients than in 126 healthy control subjects, there were no significant differences in the mean serum iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, and homocysteine levels as well as no significant differences in the frequencies of serum iron and folic acid deficiencies and of hyperhomocysteinemia between 13 TGA/TMA-positive RAS/BD patients and 126 healthy control subjects.

CONCLUSION

The serum TGA/TMA-positivity is not significantly associated with anemia, hematinic deficiencies, and hyperhomocysteinemia in TGA/TMA-positive RAS/BD patients.

Gastric parietal cell and thyroid autoantibodies in recurrent aphthous stomatitis patients with concomitant oral lichen planus

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Gastric parietal cell antibody (GPCA), thyroglobulin antibody (TGA), and thyroid microsomal antibody (TMA) have not yet been reported in recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) patients with concomitant oral lichen planus (OLP/RAS patients). This study mainly assessed the frequencies of serum GPCA, TGA, and TMA (GPCA/TGA/TMA) positivities in 44 OLP/RAS patients.

METHODS

The frequencies of serum GPCA/TGA/TMA positivities in 44 OLP/RAS patients, OLP/RAS patients of four different subgroups, 520 RAS patients, and 352 healthy control subjects were calculated and compared.

RESULTS

We found that 20.5%, 27.3%, and 31.8% of 44 OLP/RAS patients, 75.0%, 100.0%, and 100.0% of 4 OLP/major-typed RAS (OLP/major RAS) patients, 15.0%, 20.0%, and 25.0% of 40 OLP/minor-typed RAS (OLP/minor RAS) patients, 45.5%, 72.7%, and 54.5% of 11 atrophic glossitis-positive OLP/RAS (AG⁺OLP/RAS) patients, and 12.1%, 12.1%, and 24.2% of 33 AG-negative OLP/RAS (AG־OLP/RAS) patients had the presence of GPCA, TGA, and TMA in their sera, respectively. OLP/RAS patients and OLP/RAS patients of four different subgroups all had significantly higher frequencies of GPCA/TGA/TMA positivities than healthy control subjects. Moreover, OLP/RAS patients had a significantly higher frequency of TMA positivity than RAS patients, and OLP/major RAS and AG⁺OLP/RAS patients had significantly higher frequencies of GPCA/TGA/TMA positivities than RAS patients. Furthermore, OLP/major RAS patients had significantly higher frequencies of GPCA/TGA/TMA positivities than OLP/minor RAS patients.

CONCLUSION

For OLP/RAS patients, the concomitant OLP may play a role in causing an increased frequency of TMA positivity, and major RAS and the concomitant AG are contributory factors causing the elevated frequencies of GPCA/TGA/TMA positivities.

Hematinic deficiencies and anemia in gastric parietal cell antibody-positive and -negative oral submucous fibrosis patients

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Previous studies showed that approximately 13-15% of male oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) patients are serum gastric parietal cell antibody (GPCA)-positive. This study assessed whether serum GPCA or OSF itself was a significant factor that caused hematinic deficiencies and anemia statuses in GPCA-positive or GPCA-negative OSF patients (GPCA+/OSF and GPCA-/OSF patients).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The frequencies of macrocytosis (mean corpuscular volume or MCV ≧ 100 fL) and blood hemoglobin (Hb), iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiencies were determined and compared between any two of the four groups of 149 male OSF, 23 male GPCA+/OSF, and 126 male GPCA-/OSF patients and 149 age-matched male healthy control subjects.

RESULTS

All three groups of OSF patients (including 149 OSF, 23 GPCA+/OSF, and 126 GPCA-/OSF patients) had a significantly higher frequency of Hb, vitamin B12, or folic acid deficiency and of macrocytosis than 149 healthy control subjects (all P-values < 0.05). The 23 GPCA+/OSF patients did have a significantly lower mean serum vitamin B12 level and a significantly higher MCV or frequency of vitamin B12 deficiency than the 126 GPCA-/OSF patients. Two of the 23 GPCA+/OSF patients had pernicious anemia. Of the 126 GPCA-/OSF patients, 6 had macrocytic anemia, 2 had iron deficiency anemia, and 4 had thalassemia trait-induced anemia.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that OSF itself does play a significant role in causing hematinic deficiencies and anemia in OSF, GPCA+/OSF, and GPCA-/OSF patients. The serum GPCA is the major factor that causes vitamin B12 deficiency, macrocytosis, and pernicious anemia in GPCA+/OSF patients.

Oral lichen planus - Differential diagnoses, serum autoantibodies, hematinic deficiencies, and management

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory oral mucosal disease that occurs more frequently in middle-aged and elderly female patients. Previous studies indicate that OLP is a T-cell dysfunction-induced localized autoimmune disease. Clinically, six types of OLP, namely reticular, papular, plaque-like, atrophic/erosive, ulcerative, and bullous types, can be identified. OLP more commonly affects buccal mucosa, tongue, and gingiva. It always has a bilateral and symmetric distribution of the oral lesions. Plaque-like and atrophic/erosive OLP may be misdiagnosed as oral leukoplakia and oral erythroleukoplakia, respectively. Our previous study found serum autoantibodies in 195 (60.9%) of the 320 OLP patients. Specific serum anti-nuclear, anti-smooth muscle, anti-mitochondrial, gastric parietal cell, thyroglobulin, and thyroid microsomal autoantibodies are present in 28.1%, 8.4%, 1.6%, 26.3%, 21.3%, and 24.4% of 320 OLP patients, respectively. Furthermore, we also discovered that 21.9%, 13.6%, 7.1%, 0.3%, and 14.8% of 352 OLP patients have hemoglobin, iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid deficiencies, and abnormally high serum homocysteine level, respectively. Therefore, it is very important to examine the serum autoantibody, hematinic and homocysteine levels in OLP patients before starting the treatments for OLP patients. Because OLP is an immunologically-mediated disease, corticosteroids are the drugs of choice for treatment of OLP.