Oral Microbiome and Its Role in Oral Lichen Planus Development: A Literature Review

Abstract

This article aims to explore the oral microbiome, the implications of its dysbiosis and its role in the development of oral lichen planus (OLP) and systemic diseases. This underscores the necessity for additional research to elucidate the connections between oral microorganisms and the pathology of OLP. Furthermore, a deeper understanding of these intricate interactions may pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies and improved disease management. An electronic search was conducted using PubMed and Scopus, complemented by a manual review of the reference lists of the identified articles for full-text evaluation. Initially, titles and abstracts were assessed, followed by a comprehensive review of pertinent articles for potential inclusion. The human body hosts a diverse array of microorganisms that can influence both health and illness. Recent progress in genomic technologies, including next-generation sequencing, has significantly improved our comprehension of these microbial communities and their impact on human health. Importantly, cancer, currently the second leading cause of death worldwide, has been associated with specific oral pathogens. Certain bacterial species, such as Helicobacter pylori and various oral periopathogens, have been linked to the development of cancers, especially in the gastrointestinal system. Elevated levels of bacterial populations, including C. sputigena, E. corrodens, L. crispatus, M. curtisii, N. mucosa, P. bivia, P. intermedia, S. agalactiae and S. haemolyticus, have been identified in the lesions associated with oral lichen planus. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that individuals with oral lichen planus demonstrated increased infection rates of A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis, P. intermedia, T. forsythia and T. denticola when compared to those without oral lichen planus. Oral lichen planus, a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the oral mucosa, is marked by T cell-mediated immune responses and is frequently correlated with microbial dysbiosis. OLP is classified as a precancerous condition, underscoring the importance of monitoring and investigating its microbial influences.