Salivary and serum leptin levels in oral lichen planus patients. A case-control study

BACKGROUND: Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory disease. Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the oral mucosa. Different clinical types of oral lichen planus can be diagnosed based on clinical presentation and histopathological features. AIM: The present study aimed to assess the potential of salivary and serum leptin in the diagnosis of OLP. MATERIALS & METHODS: The study was conducted on 78 cases (i.e., 39 cases per group) with OLP. The subjects were systematically free. Salivary and serum leptin concentrations from patients exhibiting a classic OLP and from healthy controls were assessed. RESULTS: Salivary and serum leptin levels are higher in the OLP group. The participants in the study are older than those in the control group; therefore, the age difference between the two groups does not affect the study's results. CONCLUSION: Salivary and serum leptin levels in OLP patients were higher than in healthy control subjects, suggesting a possible role in the process of OLP pathogenesis.