Serum level of Interleukin‑8 in subjects with diabetes, diabetes plus oral lichen planus, and oral lichen planus: A biochemical study

Background: Correlation between diabetes mellitus (DM) and oral lichen planus (OLP) seems probable. Since Interleukin‑8 (IL‑8) is an important inflammatory mediator involved in both conditions, this study aimed to measure and compare the serum level of IL‑8 in DM, OLP, and DM + OLP patients in comparison with healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted on 75 patients (30 OLP, 5 OLP and type II DM, 20 type II DM, and 20 healthy controls). Serum levels of IL‑8, fasting blood sugar (FBS) and 2‑h postprandial blood sugar were measured in the four groups. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 by one‑way ANOVA and post_hocleast significant difference test. Results: Type II DM patients with OLP had the highest mean serum level of IL‑8 followed by OLP, DM and control groups, respectively. Pairwise comparison of groups revealed significant differences in serum IL‑8 between the control and OLP and also control and OLP+DM (P < 0.05) groups. No other significant differences were noted. The mean levels of FBS and 2‑h postprandial blood sugar were the highest in OLP+DM patients followed by DM, OLP and control groups, respectively. Conclusion: The ascending trend of serum level of IL‑8 in the control, DM, OLP, and DM+OLP patients may indicate the role of this factor in the pathogenesis of DM and OLP. Moreover, it may play a synergistic role in patients suffering from both conditions.