Expression of TNF-α and TGF-β in oral lichen planus patients

AIM: To investigate the expression of TNF-α， TGF-β in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) and normal oral mucosa (NOM). METHODS: An immunohistochemical technique was performed to detect TNF-α, TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 expression in 22 cases with OLP and 10 normal controls. RESULTS: In lamina propria of OLP, the expression of TNF-α and TGF-β1 were increased, whereas TGF-β2 did changed significantly compared with control group. TNF-α positive signal were mostly found in macrophages, lymphocytes. TGF-β1 positive cell was present in macrophages, endothelial cells and fibrocytes. CONCLUSION: TNF-α and TGF-β1 play an important role in the development and maintenance of OLP local inflammation.