Serum Immunoglobulins as Diagnostic Markers in Smokeless Tobacco Users for Prevention of Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders

摘要

Smokeless tobacco (SLT) remains a threat amongst a large population across the globe and particularly in India. Among the 28 known carcinogens in SLT, tobacco-specific nitrosamines are considered to be the most potent and it has been shown to cause immunomodulatory effects making the individual susceptible to various diseases. Immunoglobulins (Ig) form the defense against pathogens at the mucosal surfaces and SLT might interfere with its production and function. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to estimate the level of IgG and IgA in SLT patients and establish a correlation between them.