Investigation of the Role of Micro-RNAs in the Immunopatho-genesis of Oral Lichen Planus Patients

Background and Objectives: Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the skin, mucous membranes, and other tissues. Its exact etiology remains elusive, but the immunopathogenesis of LP has gained significant attention due to its complex interplay between immune dysregulation and tissue response. We aim to investigate the importance of understanding LP immunopathogenesis, explicitly focusing on the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in modulating the disease process. Materials and Methods: In our research, punch biopsy samples were collected from 85 patients, including 52 Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) and 33 healthy volunteer patients, according to specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Samples were analyzed for miR-21, p53, and p63 expression using real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT/PCR). Results: The OLP group was compared to a control group, revealing increased miR-21 and p53 expression. Further comparison of the OLP group’s miR-21, p53, and p63 expression showed a weak positive correlation between p53 and miR-21 and a weak negative correlation between p63 and miR-21. These findings suggest that miR-21 and its potential targets, p53 and p63, play crucial roles in the pathogenesis and malignant potential of OLP. Conclusions: In conclusion, our research suggests that miR-21 and its target genes p53 and p63 are crucial in the molecular pathogenesis and cancerous potential of OLP. This understanding can lead to targeted treatment approaches for this pre-cancerous condition.背景与目的：扁平苔藓（Lichen Planus, LP）是一种累及皮肤、黏膜及其他组织的慢性炎症性疾病，其确切病因尚未明确，但因免疫失调与组织反应间存在复杂相互作用，其免疫发病机制已受到广泛关注。本研究旨在探讨明确LP免疫发病机制的重要性，重点聚焦微小RNA（microRNAs, miRNAs）在疾病进程中的调控作用。 材料与方法：本研究按照特定纳入与排除标准，收集85例患者的钻孔活检标本，其中52例为口腔扁平苔藓（Oral Lichen Planus, OLP）患者，33例为健康志愿者。采用实时聚合酶链反应（real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction, RT-PCR）检测标本中miR-21、p53及p63的表达水平。 结果：将OLP组与对照组进行比较，结果显示miR-21与p53的表达水平均升高。进一步分析OLP组的miR-21、p53及p63表达水平发现，p53与miR-21呈弱正相关，p63与miR-21呈弱负相关。上述结果提示，miR-21及其潜在靶基因p53、p63在OLP的发病机制及恶变潜能中发挥关键作用。 结论：综上，本研究表明miR-21及其靶基因p53、p63在OLP的分子发病机制及癌变潜能中具有重要作用，该研究成果可为该癌前病变的靶向治疗提供理论依据。