Interleukin 10 supplement to reduce episodes of recurrent aphthous stomatitis

Abstract

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a very frequent condition in developed countries whose basic symptom is a lesion referred to as an aphthous ulcer. High levels of interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6 and low salivary levels of IL-10 are the basis of RAS pathogenesis. Sublingual supplements based on IL-10 can be very useful in reducing the phenomenon of aphthous recurrence in patients with RAS. An observational clinical experience with a group of 5 patients with RAS receiving a commercially available IL-10-based supplement was reported by the authors. The findings revealed a subsequent reduction in the incidence of mouth ulcers.

Keywords: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis; Interleukin 10; Low-dose medicine; Aphthosis; Interleukin

Core Tip: Aphthous lesions and recurrent aphthous stomatitis are among the most common oral diseases and are often very painful. In some patients, the frequency of new onset is greater than once a month. The pathogenetic mechanism involves high levels of interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6 and low levels of IL-10. Although several aids that are able to reduce healing times and pain have been proposed in the scientific literature, there is still no treatment that drastically reduces the frequency of lesion onset. Supplements based on IL-10, administered at low doses for prolonged periods, referred to as low-dose medicine, could be effective in reducing relapses.