Levels of osteopontin in plasma and tissue in relation to metabolic status in patients with lichen planus

Abstract

Chronic inflammation with lichen planus (LP) has been suggested as a component of the metabolic syndrome (MetS). LP is assumed to be related closely to dyslipidemia. Plasma osteopontin (OPN) has been reported to be a potential clinical marker for the prediction of atherosclerosis. Selenium (Se), an essential trace element, involved in the defense against oxidative stress, has been hypothesized to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD). Se compounds are effective in the downregulation of OPN expression. Moreover, an inverse relation has been detected between the levels of plasma OPN and plasma Se in patients with psoriasis. To determine the possible role of OPN and Se in the pathogenesis of LP and their relation to the metabolic status in patients. Thirty patients with LP and 30 controls were included. Participants were assessed for the presence of MetS and/or its components. In all participants, plasma and tissue OPN levels were assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay, plasma Se levels were assessed by flame atomic absorption spectrophometry, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels were assessed using a solid-phase enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay. Patients with LP showed a significant association with MetS parameters than the controls. Plasma and tissue OPN were significantly higher in LP patients than those in the control group. Plasma Se levels were significantly lower in patients than those in the control group. In patients, plasma OPN levels were associated positively with the presence of diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and MetS. The presence of LP in patients was associated strongly with MetS parameters, most probably because of long-standing inflammation. OPN may be a critical regulator of chronic inflammation in patients with LP and may explain its association with components of the MetS such as diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia.