No abstract

Background Hepatitis C virus is a viral infection associated with autoimmune disorders. This virus has hepatic and extrahepatic manifestations. One of the extrahepatic manifestations associated with the hepatitis C virus includes oral lichen planus. Oral lichen planus is an autoimmune disorder mainly affecting the tongue and buccal mucosa. It clinically represents grayish-white striae bilaterally on the buccal mucosa. The pathogenesis involves the progression of the hepatitis C virus, and oral lichen planus affects T lymphocytes. Specific proteins and cytokines activate these T lymphocytes, which act as biomarkers to detect certain diseases. Interleukin 10 is an anti-inflammatory cytokine, whereas interleukin 17 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine. These cytokines have a pathophysiological role and act as biomarkers for many diseases. Therefore, this review article aims to establish the role of interleukin 10 and interleukin 17 as biomarkers for hepatitis C-associated oral lichen planus. Conclusion Hepatitis C virus is an infectious disease that can lead to liver cirrhosis, and oral lichen planus is a premalignant lesion that can lead to oral carcinoma. As interleukin 10 lessens the immune pathologies and interleukin 17 mediates proinflammatory response, therefore, these biomarkers have a role in progression of these diseases.