VALIDATION OF MICRORNA EXPRESSION PROFILE IN ORAL LICHENOID DISEASE THROUGH CYTOLOGIC SAMPLES

Objective To validate oral exfoliative cytology in the analysis of the microRNA expression profile in oral lichenoid disease (OLD). Study Design The expression of 13 microRNAs was analyzed in 26 cases, 16 diagnosed as OLD and 10 controls with no oral mucosal pathology. Cytologic samples from the oral mucosa obtained using an Orcellex toothbrush were analyzed using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and TaqMan microRNA assays. Results The aberrant expression was validated for 2 microRNAs (miR-146 a-5 P and miR-7-1-3 P) of those previously recognized in the biopsy study. Conclusion This is the first time that oral exfoliative cytology is validated in a microRNA study in OLD. The microRNAs validated in this study are associated with both inflammatory and carcinogenic phenomena that are involved in the etiopathogenesis of this potentially malignant oral disorder.