Salivary levels of interleukin‑8 in oral lichen planus and diabetic patients: A biochemical study

Background: This study aimed to assess the salivary levels of interleukin‑8 (IL‑8) in oral lichen planus (OLP) and diabetes mellitus (DM) patients, and OLP + DM patients in comparison with healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross‑sectional study was conducted on 75 patients (30 with OLP, 5 with both OLP and DM, 20 with DM and 20 healthy controls). The salivary levels of IL‑8 and fasting blood sugar and 2‑h postprandial blood glucose levels were measured in all the subjects. Data were analyzed with one‑way ANOVA and post hoc least significant difference tests. Results: The mean salivary level of IL‑8 was the highest in OLP + DM patients, followed by DM, OLP and control groups, respectively. Pair‑wise comparisons of the groups revealed significant differences in the salivary levels of IL‑8 between OLP and control, DM and control, also OLP + DM patients and control (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The increasing salivary level of IL‑8 in the control, OLP, DM, OLP + DM groups, respectively, indicates the role of this inflammatory cytokine in the pathogenesis of OLP and diabetes.