Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Level in Patients With Oral Lichen Planus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Study

Background: According to the possible role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in the incidence of oral lichen planus lesions, it seems necessary to evaluate it in patients with Oral Lichen Planus (OLP). Objective: The present study aims to investigate the level of VEGF in patients with OLP. Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis study, the search was conducted in online databases including PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus. Data were analyzed in Stata14 software at 95% Confidence Interval (CI) and using a random effect model. The standardized mean difference was used to measure the difference in VEGF level between the two groups of controls and OLP. Data heterogeneity was quantified by I2 index. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in the VEGF  (Standardized mean difference= 0.46, 95% CI: -2.13,-3.05, P=0.730) and I2 index showed a significant heterogeneity among the results of studies (I2=97.9%). Based on the results of immunohistochemistry, there was a significant difference in the VEGF level between the two groups (Standardized mean difference= 3.30, 95% CI: 6.25,-0.36), but the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant using ELISA method (P=0.530). Conclusion: The VEGF level in patients with OLP is higher than in healthy people. Therefore, the serum factors which indicate VEGF should be considered as an effective risk factor of OLP.