The measurement of serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels in patients with lichen planus

Background: Lichen planus is a common mucocutaneous inflammatory skin disease with a multifactorial etiology. Cytokines have a key role in its pathogenesis. In our study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between the disease severity and levels of the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) cytokine which was considered as a primary cytokine that initiates the cytotoxicity. Materials and Methods: A total of 34 patients with lichen planus who were 18 year or older and gender-matched healthy controls were included in the study. Serum TNF-α levels were measured by human TNF-α enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test kits and the values in the two groups were statistically compared. Results: The mean serum TNF-α levels were higher in the patient group than that in the control group. Serum TNF-α levels were not associated with oral mucosal involvement and gender. However, it was observed that the level of TNF-α was higher in older ages, both in patient and in control groups. Conclusion: It is thought that TNF-α, a proinflammatory cytokine, may have an important role in the pathogenesis of lichen planus