Comparative Assessment of Salivary Oxidative Stress, Antioxidant Activity and Psychological Stress Between Oral Lichen Planus Patients and Healthy Controls

Abstract

Background and objectives: Lichen planus is a common inflammatory disorder that affects the skin and mucous membrane. Many factors are considered as etiology and one among them is psychological stress that might have a direct impact on oxidant /antioxidant system. Thus, psychological stress, Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were assessed. Objective of our study was to evaluate and compare MDA, TAC and psychological stress between oral lichen planus patients and healthy controls. Methods: This study included 52 subjects who were divided into two groups. Group I consisted of subjects clinically and histopathologically diagnosed with oral lichen planus and Group II consisted of 26 normal subjects with stress score ranging from 0-13. Stress score was assessed using perceived stress scale questionnaire. MDA and TAC were assessed by collecting the whole saliva by spit method. MDA, TAC and psychological stress values were compared between oral lichen planus patients and healthy controls. Results: MDA and psychological stress levels were higher in oral lichen planus patients compared to controls and TAC was lower in lichen planus patients than the controls. Conclusion: MDA, TAC and psychological stress serves as indicators to evaluate the progress and monitoring process of this disease.