“Pathophysiological Association Between Oxidative Stress and Oral Lichen Planus and its Future Implication on Treatment“

Objective: This narrative review highlights the relationship between oxidative stress and oral lichen planus, and its implications on the future treatment. Background data: lichen planus is a chronic, non-contagious, immune-mediated, muco-cutaneous inflammatory disease. The imbalance between antioxidant defense mechanisms and reactive oxygen species homeostasis is one of the numerous reasons proposed by researchers. The dynamic nature of the diseases, with varying clinical forms ranging from moderate to severe forms, as well as anticipated flare-up times and symptom-free intervals that affect patients’ quality of life, is what makes them distinctive. Methodology: Studies with solid evidence served as the foundation for the data collection for this review article. The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), the Cochrane Oral Health Group’s Trials Register, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science were among the thirty databases searched. Findings: The key players in LP pathogenesis are the inflammatory infiltrate consisting of T cells and the proinflammatory cytokines. The cytokines stimulate the production of reactive oxygen species that induce cell apoptosis, a defining element encountered in LP. The lead inquiry triggered by this revolves around the role of oxidative stress in LP development. The low levels of enzymatic (superoxide dismutase-SOD, catalase-CAT, glutathione peroxidase-GPX) and nonenzymatic antioxidant (vitamin E, A, C, flavonoids, carotenoids, glutathione, plant polyphenols, uric acid, theaflavin, allyl sulfides, curcumin, melatonin, bilirubin, and polyamines) observed in patients with LP suggest a strong relationship with oxidative stress from free radicals, which may significantly contribute to the development of LP lesions. Conclusion: reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction has the potential to initiate autoimmune reactions leading to the development of oral lichen planus (OLP). Identifying new treatment targets and creative target methods requires a thorough understanding of ROS signaling and disease states. Antioxidant therapy is expected to emerge as a novel and promising adjuvant treatment for OLP.