European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: Lichen planus (LP) is animmune mediated inflammatorydiseaseof skin and
mucous membranes without a clear etiology. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pro-inflammatory
cytokinewith variousbiologicaland pathological impactson immunity, acute phase response
andinflammation. ExcessiveIL-6production can play a role in the pathogenesis of several
pathological conditionslike psoriasis.
Aim:This study aimed to evaluate serum IL-6 levels inLP patients alongwithassessment
ofitscorrelation with disease severity.
Patients and methods: Twenty-one adult patients with LP as well astwenty-one healthy adult
controls were enrolled in the study. The total score of LP severity was estimated for all
patientsby calculation of the affected body surface area in cutaneous LP patients and clinical
scoring system with visual analogue scale for pain assessment for oral LP.Serum IL-6 levels
were measured in all participants using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results:The mean serumIL-6 levels were significantly higher in patients than controls (P <
.002). A positive correlation wasnoticed between serum IL-6 with both cutaneous LP (P
<0.004) and oral LP (P <0.005) severities.