Risk Factors for Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The cause and prevention of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (also called aphthous ulcers or canker sores) are still unknown. This may be due in part to ignorance of the risk factors present in susceptible people. In this systematic review (PROSPERO record #CRD42019122214), we show that most of the risk factors for the disease are single nucleotide genetic polymorphisms in genes related to the functioning of immune system (TLR4, MMP9, E-selectin, IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha). Single nucleotide genetic polymorphisms do not constitute a modifiable risk. This indicates that, at least in part, susceptibility to recurrent aphthous stomatitis is hereditary, and that these factors cannot be modified.

Salivary proteome of aphthous stomatitis reveals the participation of vitamin metabolism, nutrients, and bacteria

“…Despite the increasing use of topical corticosteroids for recurrent aphthous stomatitis over the past several years, high-quality evidence of their efficacy is lacking 7 , and relief is often only symptomatic with no effect on disease-free periods 8,9 . We believe that the limited availability of preventative or therapeutic options for recurrent aphthous stomatitis results from poor understanding of its etiopathogenic process 10 , and the stagnation in our understanding of the condition over the last few decades. One of the biggest problems is that the scientific focus has been on studying individual molecules, such as TNF-α 11 , IL-2 12 , and cortisol 13 .…”