Unveiling the Protein Expression Patterns in Oral Lichen Planus and Leukoplakia Through Comparative Salivary Proteomics

Salivary Proteomic Comparison of Oral Lichen Planus and Oral Leukoplakia

The goal of this observational study is to compare salivary proteome profiles in patients with Oral Lichen Planus (OLP), Oral Leukoplakia (OL), and healthy individuals without oral mucosal disease. The main questions it aims to answer are:

1. Do salivary protein expression patterns differ between patients with OLP, OL, and healthy controls?
2. Can specific differentially expressed proteins serve as potential biomarkers for distinguishing OLP and OL from each other and from healthy individuals?

Researchers will compare salivary proteomic profiles from patients with OLP, patients with OL, and healthy controls to determine whether measurable differences in protein expression exist between the groups. Participants will:

1. Provide unstimulated saliva samples collected as part of the study protocol.
2. Undergo grouping based on clinical diagnosis (OLP, OL, or healthy control), after which samples will be pooled and analyzed using nano-liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (nLC-MS/MS) and label-free protein quantification methods.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Saliva samples from patients diagnosed with either OLP or OL were included in the study group.
• Saliva samples from individuals with no dermatological or systemic diseases and no lesions in the oral mucosa were included in the control group.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who were using corticosteroids or retinoids that could affect the mucosa either locally or systemically were excluded from the study.
• Patients with hyposalivation or with any conditions or medications that could cause reduced salivary flow were also excluded from the study.