IL6 is correlated with metabolic syndrome parameters in oral lichen planus

Lichen planus is considered a complex immunological disorder, potentially correlated with systemic inflammation. Abnormal serum concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines in patients with lichen planus and their correlation with metabolic syndrome parameters and peripheral insulin resistance are an argument for an increased cardiovascular risk in these patients. We studied serum levels of the proinflammatory cytokine IL6 and compared these with metabolic syndrome parameters (blood glucose, serum triglycerids and cholesterol) and serum insulin concentrations in 18 patients with oral lichen planus compared to a control group of 18 patients with other inflammatory conditions of the oral mucosa. Results showed a direct correlation between IL6 and insulin, glucose and cholesterol serum levels, especially in the erosive and atropho-erosive clinical forms of oral lichen planus.