Effect of α-tocopherol on salivary reactive oxygen species and trace elements in oral submucous fibrosis

摘要

Background: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic debilitating disease and a well-recognized, potentially malignant condition of the oral cavity associated with betel quid chewing. Betel quid chewing is a popular oral habit in India and shows strong association in the incidence of OSMF. The objective of the study was to determine the levels of trace elements, prooxidants and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in saliva of betel quid chewers and OSMF patients, which may help in the diagnosis of cancer progression in the oral cavity. Methods: A total of 35 cases of OSMF and 35 cases of healthy individuals were included in the present study. The salivary status of ROS, pro-oxidants and some trace elements was studied in OSMF patients and normal healthy individuals. Results: The levels of lipid peroxides (P< 0.001), conjugated dienes (P< 0.01), hydroxyl radicals (P< 0.01), superoxide dismutase (P< 0.05), copper (P< 0.05), calcium (P< 0.01), magnesium (NS), potassium (P< 0.05) and iron (P< 0.05) in OSMF patients were elevated when compared with normal healthy individuals. The levels of hydrogen peroxide (P< 0.05) and sodium (P< 0.01) in OSMF patients were found to be decreased when compared with control subjects. A significant alteration was noticed after supplementing with α-tocopherol in oral precancerous patients. Conclusion: These parameters may help in the detection of the severity of oral diseases.