Investigation of tumour necrosis factor-alpha role in development of recurrent aphthous stomatitis

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common disease characterized by a repeated formation of non-contagious and benign oral ulcers. The cause for this condition not completely understood but it involves a T cell-mediated immune response initiated and triggered by different factors. The understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease is essential to improve the plan of management. Objective: This study aimed to identify the correlation between the blood levels of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-?) levels and the development of RAS. Subjects and Methods: Present study involved 100 participants of which 50 subjects diagnosed with RAS and the others without (healthy controls). Blood samples obtained from participants and used for TNF-? investigation by enzyme linked immunesorbent assay. The data collected was statistically analysed. Results: Serum TNF-? concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in patients with RAS (mean ± standard deviation [SD]; 104.27 ± 41.63) compared to control group (mean ± SD; 85.30 ± 38.72). Conclusions: Serum TNF-? is increased in Iraqi patients with RAS compared to controls. RAS is one of the significant variables that relates to high TNF-? serum concentration.