Journal of Carcinogenesis & Mutagenesis

Abstract

Estimation of Serum Homocysteine: As a Diagnostic Marker of Oral Sub Mucous Fibrosis

Deepak Narang, Shamma Shishodiya, Jaideep Sur and Niyaz Fatma Khan

Oral sub mucous fibrosis is indeed one of the classic “Diseases of civilization” with large differences being seen between races, geographic areas and individuals at different levels in both prevalence and degree to which it transforms into malignancy with continuation of habit, with increased frequency and duration. In majority of cases oral cancers develop from pre-existing lesions and conditions which are mainly a result of carcinogenic agents like tobacco, lime, alcohol, betel nut, spices etc. Several studies in the past have tried to evaluate serum levels of homocysteine in oral squamous cell carcinoma but till date there is no documentation on serum Homocysteine levels in Oral Pre cancers. The present research was carried to find out if serum homocysteine can be used for the diagnosis of O.S.M.F.
Methodology: The research was conducted on (n=50) patients suffering from the disease of O.S.M.F clinically and pathologically diagnosed not undergoing treatment. Results: In our study serum homocysteine level was increased in all patients irrespective of gender and age. There was no statistically significant co-relation when comparing homocysteine level among clinical stages and pathological grading.
Conclusion: This is the first research to estimate serum homocysteine in OSMF which suggest that chronic inflammation in OSMF leads to hyperhomocysteinemia which could be used to assess the level of severity of disease and may be used as prognosticator for treatment of the disease.