Investigation of the serotonin role in the development of Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis

Abstract

Background: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common disease characterized by repeated formation of non-contagious and benign oral ulcers. It is triggered by different factors and its cause is not completely understood. This study aimed to evaluate the role of serotonin in the patients with RAS, compared to that in the control subjects. Subjects and Methods: Present study involved 100 participants of which 50 subjects diagnosed with RAS and the others without (healthy controls). Blood samples obtained from participants for serum serotonin investigation by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Serum serotonin concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in patients with RAS (mean ± standard deviation [SD]; 5.737±5.007) compared to control group (mean ± SD; 8.709±5.670). Conclusion: Serum serotonin decreased in Iraqi patients with RAS compared to controls. RAS is one of the significant variables that may relate to the low serum serotonin concentrations.