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(CC BY-NC 4.0).
Background: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic T-cell mediated inflammatory disease that affects the basal
keratinocytes of the epithelium. Bcl-2 and MDM2 are important markers used to assess cell cycle regulation and
apoptosis. The present study aimed to evaluate the expression of Bcl2 and MDM2 in oral lichen planus.
Materials and methods: Thirteen histopathologically confirmed cases of OLP were included in the present study.
Immunohistochemistry was performed with BCL2 and MDM2 primary antibodies and analyzed by two oral
pathologists. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software Version 23.
Results: The study comprised of 6 males and 7 females. The buccal mucosa was the most common site affected,
followed by the retromolar trigone. Mild expression of BCL2 was noted in seven cases (53.8%) and moderate in one
case (7.7%) of oral lichen planus. Mild expression of MDM2 was noted in three cases (23.1%) and moderate expression
in nine cases (69.2%) of lichen planus.
Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight that oral lichen planus (OLP) exhibit immunoexpression of MDM2
and BCL2, suggesting a potential role in apoptosis and risk of malignant transformation.