“Exploring the Link Between Oral Lichen Planus and Xerostomia: A Systematic Literature Review” Publisher Pubmed



Aghahosseini F^{1, 2, 3} ; Tahmasebinasab M⁴ ; Vatanpour M⁵
Source: Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Published:2024

Abstract

Introduction: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic disorder affecting the oral mucosa, potentially associated with xerostomia, either independently or concurrently. Research suggests that approximately 45% of patients with erythematous and ulcerative OLP may experience dry mouth sensations. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the current literature regarding the potential relationship or co-occurrence of xerostomia with OLP. Understanding this association is imperative for the development of comprehensive management strategies and the improvement of patient outcomes. Method and Material: The study followed the PRISMA 2020 checklist and included human studies, specifically investigating xerostomia in patients with OLP. After screening 897 articles, 9 studies were selected based on predefined criteria Quality assessment was conducted using the Cochrane risk of bias tools: ROB 2 for RCTs and ROBINS-I for non-randomized studies Scale was conducted to evaluate potential biases in study design, selection, and outcomes. Result: A systematic review of nine studies (1960–2023) examining xerostomia in OLP patients found a significant reduction in unstimulated salivary flow rates in many cases. Although evidence links xerostomia with OLP, a definitive causal relationship remains unestablished. Some studies highlighted Candida infection, altered saliva protein expression, and inflammation-related nerve damage as contributing factors to dry mouth in OLP patients. Discussion and Conclusion: This systematic review examines the potential relationship between OLP and xerostomia, focusing on factors such as salivary flow, histopathological changes, and immune-related mechanisms. While some studies suggest a link between OLP and reduced saliva production, no definitive causal relationship has been established. The review identified significant research gaps, including inconsistent methodologies and a lack of standardized criteria. Future studies should explore different OLP forms, receptor interactions, immune responses, and neuropeptides to gain a better understanding of xerostomia's etiopathogenesis and improve management strategies for OLP patients. © 2024 The Author(s). Immunity, Inflammation and Disease published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.