ASSESSMENT OF THE LEVEL OF INTERLEUKIN-17 IN SALIVA IN PATIENTS WITH VARIOUS FORMS OF LICHEN PLANUS

Lichen planus (LP) of the oral cavity is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by symmetrical, multiple lesions of the oral mucosa. The etiology and pathogenesis of LP have not yet been fully studied; however, it is assumed that the immune response of the body plays a key role in the development of the disease. One of the important mediators of the inflammatory response in LP is interleukin-17 (IL-17), a cytokine that is secreted by activated T lymphocytes. IL-17 promotes the recruitment of monocytes and neutrophils to the site of inflammation, and also stimulates the production of other pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can contribute to the chronization and progression of the disease. LP is a significant clinical problem due to the frequent recurrence and lack of effective therapies aimed at correcting immune disorders. The purpose of the study was to assess the level of IL-17 in saliva in patients with various forms of oral CPL. The study included 40 participants divided into three groups: Group I consisted of 20 patients with erosive and ulcerative form of LP; Group II included 10 patients with reticular form of LP; Group III consisted of 10 patients without LP (comparison group). The concentration of IL-17 in saliva samples was assessed by enzyme immunoassay (ELISA). In addition, clinical evaluation and pain assessment were performed. Clinical and pain indicators were significantly higher in the group with erosive and ulcerative form of LP (the first group), compared with the second and third groups. IL-17 levels were higher in patients with erosive and ulcerative form of LP (44.37 ± 2.19 pg/ml) than in patients with reticular form of LP and patients in the comparison group. The level of IL-17 speaks not only about the inflammatory course of LP, but also provides diagnostic information about the severity of the course of this disease.