ETIOPATHOGENETIC ASPECTS OF ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT RECURRENT APHTHOUS STOMATITIS (LITERATURE REVIEW)
Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) belongs to the group of chronic, inflammatory, ulcerative diseases of the oral mucosa. To date, the etiopathogenesis of this condition remains unclear; however, it is considered multifactorial. The results of ongoing research indicate that an important role in the development of the disease is played by genetically determined disorders of innate and acquired immunity. Factors that modify the immunological response in RAS include food allergies, vitamin and micronutrient deficiencies, hormonal and gastrointestinal disorders (eg, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), certain viral and bacterial infections, mechanical trauma, and stress. Clinically, this condition manifests itself in three forms: small, large and herpetiform aphthae. In this paper, we have presented the main etiopathogenetic factors of RAS with a special focus on the mechanisms of immune response modification. In addition, we discussed the most important clinical symptoms and types of RAS along with epidemiological data based on current medical literature reports.