Salivary biomarkers of oxidative stress and quality of life in patients with oral lichen planus

AIM

Lichen planus is a T cell-mediated chronic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the status of oxidative stress in saliva and the anti-oxidant defense system in relation to quality of life parameters in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP).

METHODS

The sample consisted of 70 patients (40 with OLP and 30 control patients). The average age of OLP patients was 60 years (9 males and 31 females), and of the control group 57 years (6 males and 24 females). All participants completed the Oral Health Impact Profile-49 quality of life questionnaire. Total anti-oxidant activity and lipid peroxidation products in saliva were evaluated, using ferric reducing anti-oxidant power and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance.

RESULTS

Mean levels of salivary malondialdehyde were higher in the OLP group than the control group (P = 0.001), and total anti-oxidant capacity was lower among OLP patients than control patients (P = 0.02). There was no correlation between Oral Health Impact Profile-49 findings and the oxidative stress parameters studied.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study point to the possible function of oxidative stress in the etiopathogenesis of OLP.

Short-term side effects of 0.2% alcohol-free chlorhexidine mouthrinse in geriatric patients: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effects of a 0.2% alcohol-free chlorhexidine mouthwash applied twice a day during 30 days in patients over 65 years of age.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was made of 70 denture wearers over 65 years of age. The study subjects were randomly assigned to one of the two groups (chlorhexidine or placebo). The patients were instructed to complete a first whitening phase with a duration of 1 week, followed by a 30-day treatment period. The following data were collected: Silness and Löe plaque index, gingival index, the number of colony-forming units of Candida albicans at the start and end of treatment and the possible adverse effects of chlorhexidine.

RESULTS

Significant differences were observed in the evolution of the Silness and Löe plaque index and gingival index in the two groups, as well as in the number of colony-forming units of C. albicans between the start and end of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the clinical benefits of antiplaque, antigingivitis mouthrinses in both study groups.

Association of autoimmune diseases with oral lichen planus: a cross-sectional, clinical study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between autoimmune disease and oral lichen planus (OLP), comparing OLP patients with a control population.

METHODS

This cross-sectional clinical study evaluated the prevalence of autoimmune diseases in male and female patients with OLP. The variables analysed were age, sex, tobacco and alcohol consumption, the clinical form of OLP, time of evolution and the presence of autoimmune diseases.

RESULTS

Autoimmune diseases were present in 7% of OLP patients (10/130) and 4% of the control group (6/130) without statistically significant difference (P = 0.67). The estimated odds ratios (with 95% confidence intervals) of the presence of autoimmune disease in OLP sufferers was 1.033 (0.97-1.10). A logistic regression model for presence/absence of the risk autoimmune disease found statistically significant differences in relation to age.

CONCLUSIONS

At present, there is no definitive hypothesis that explains the coexistence of OLP and autoimmune disease; further research is required into the mechanisms whereby this coexistence occurs.

Dental implants in patients with oral lichen planus: a narrative review

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the success and survival rates of dental implants in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP).

METHOD AND MATERIALS

A narrative review literature search was conducted in the PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane databases for articles published between 1990 and April 2013, using key search words "dental implants" and "oral lichen planus".

RESULTS

This review did not identify any publications that were randomized controlled trials. A total of 60 OLP patients and 199 dental implants were analyzed. Three cases of OLP-related oral squamous cell carcinoma were reported.

CONCLUSION

The extent and severity of underlying disease should be determined before dental implant placement.

Clinical evaluation of periodontal disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the presence of periodontal disease among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in comparison with a control group.

METHOD AND MATERIALS

The study included 44 patients diagnosed with RA according to American Rheumatism Association (ARA) criteria, who were attending the Morales Meseguer Hospital Rheumatology Service (Murcia, Spain), and 41 control subjects. Patients younger than 18 years or patients suffering systemic diseases that could affect the immune system were excluded. Age, sex, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, and body mass index were registered. Each patient underwent a full periodontal examination.

RESULTS

Bleeding on probing was significantly greater in the RA group (0.9 ± 0.36) than the control (P < .001). The Plaque Index was significantly higher in the RA group (0.76 ± 0.34) versus the control group (0.55 ± 0.2) (P < .001). RA patients showed a 0.13 increased risk of periodontal disease (95% confidence interval, 0.05-0.37).

CONCLUSION

Patients with RA suffered a higher risk of periodontal disease and for this reason these patients must be instructed to intensify their oral hygiene regimes.

Pigmented oral mucosa due to quinacrine

We describe the case of a 50-year-old woman with asymptomatic, irregularly outlined macule, dark in color on the hard palate. Antecedents include antimalarial medication for lupus erythematous subacute. After a histopathological study, differential diagnoses are presented.