Therapeutic potential of sulforaphane: modulation of NRF2 mediated PI3/AKT/mTOR pathway in oral fibrosis / Potencial terapêutico do sulforafano: modulação do NRF-2 mediado o pela via PI3/AKT/mTOR na fibrose oral

Oral Submucous Fibrosis is a potentially malignant disorder caused by habitual areca nut chewing, which contributes to the dispersion of active alkaloids into subepithelial tissues, stimulating excessive extracellular matrix deposition. Various treatment modalities are available; however, their efficacy in inhibiting fibrosis progression remains limited. Sulforaphane (SFN), an isothiocyanate found abundantly in cruciferous plants, is known to have effective antifibrotic properties. Objective: The present study investigated the antifibrotic effect of SFN via phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K), Serine/Threonine Kinase 1 (AKT-1), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway in arecoline (AER) induced fibrosis in human gingival fibroblasts [HGFs]. Material and Methods: MTT assay determined the half-maximal inhibitory concentration of AER and SFN at 24h in the HGF cell line. Expression levels of transforming growth factor ß1 (TGFß1), collagen type 1 alpha 2 (COL1A2), hydroxyproline (HYP), PI3, AKT, mTOR, and nuclear factor erythroid 2­related factor 2 (NRF2) were assessed post-AER and SFN treatment using qPCR and western blot analysis. Results: The findings of the study revealed that AER elicited a stimulatory effect, upregulating TGFß1, COL1A2, HYP, PI3K, AKT, and mTOR and downregulating NRF2 expression. Conversely, SFN treatment significantly upregulated NRF2, inhibiting TGFß1 mediated PI3/AKT/mTOR pathway. Conclusion: These observations suggest that SFN can be used as a promising synergistic antifibrotic agent to combat fibrogenesis via the non-Smad pathway (AU)

Fibrose submucosa oral é uma desordem potencialmente maligna causada pelo habito de mascar a noz da areca, o que contribui para a dispersão de alcalóides ativos nos tecidos subepiteliais, estimulando a deposição excessiva de matriz extracelular. Há várias modalidades terapêuticas, no entanto, com eficácia limitada no controle da progressão da fibrose. O sulforafano (SFN), isotiocianato encontrado abundantemente em plantas crucíferas, é conhecido por suas propriedades antifibróticas. Objetivo: Investigar os efeitos antifibróticos do SFN na via fosfatidilinositol3-quinase (PI3K), via quinase serina/treonina 1 (AKT-1), via do alvo da rapamicina em mamíferos (mTOR), na fibrose induzida por arecolina (AER) em fibroblastos gengivais de humanos (HGFs). Material e Métodos: A meia concentração inibitória mínima de AER e SFN em 24 horas nas células HGFs foi determinada por MTT. Os níveis de expressão de ß1 (TGFß1), colágeno tipo 1 alfa 2 (COL1A2), hidroxiprolina (HYP), PI3K, AKT, mTOR, fator nuclear eritroide 2 relacionado ao fator 2 (NRF2) foram analisados após tratamento com ERA e SFN através de qPCR e western blot. Resultados: O ERA apresentou efeito estimulatório aumentando a expressão de TGFß1, COL1A2, HYP, PI3K, AKT e mTOR e diminuindo a expressão de NRF2. Por outro lado, tratamento com SFN aumentou significativamente a expressão de NRF2, inibindo a liberação de TGFß1 mediada pela via PI3/AKT/mTOR. Conclusão: Esses achados sugerem que o SFN pode ser um agente antifibrótico promissor no combate à fibrogênese decorrente da via não-Smad (AU)

Assessment of electromyography in evaluating masseter muscle activity in oral submucous fibrosis with different treatment modalities: a systematic review

Electromyography (EMG) is used for the measurement of muscle activity to characterize the nature of muscle contraction in Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF). Aim: To assess the efficacy of EMG in evaluating masseter muscle activity in the management of OSMF. This review identified 73 records from standard databases which were rigorously screened with eligibility criteria and 3 clinical studies were identified based on our inclusion criteria. The quality of included studies was assessed by the PEDro scale and data was synthesized with detailed characterization. The Risk of Bias assessment among studies was done using the ROBINS-I tool and a meta-analysis could not be done due to high clinical heterogeneity. Our result recommends that EMG be used as an objective prognosis assessment tool by quantifying the management of OSMF irrespective of the intervention applied. However, it is not to be considered the gold standard as of now with limited data pooled and needs to be further assessed with clinical trials. EMG can be advocated as a reliable adjunct assessment for measuring the interventional outcome of OSMF irrespective of treatment modalities.

La electromiografía se ha utilizado para medir la actividad muscular y caracterizar la naturaleza de la contracción muscular. Nuestra revisión sistemática tuvo como objetivo evaluar la eficacia de EMG en la evaluación de la actividad del músculo masetero en el manejo de OSMF. Esta revisión identificó 73 registros de bases de datos estándar que se revisaron rigurosamente con criterios de elegibilidad y se identificaron 3 estudios clínicos según nuestros criterios de inclusión. La calidad de los estudios incluidos se evaluó mediante la implementación de la escala PEDro y los datos se sintetizaron con una caracterización detallada. La evaluación del riesgo de sesgo entre los estudios se realizó mediante la herramienta ROBINS-I y no se pudo realizar un metanálisis debido a la alta heterogeneidad clínica. Nuestro resultado recomienda que la EMG podría utilizarse como una herramienta objetiva de evaluación del pronóstico mediante la cuantificación en el manejo de OSMF independientemente de la intervención aplicada. Sin embargo, no debe considerarse el estándar de oro a partir de ahora con datos agrupados limitados, y debe volver a evaluarse en el futuro después de la disponibilidad de ensayos clínicos extensos. A partir de ahora, la EMG se puede recomendar como un equipo de evaluación complementario confiable para medir el resultado de la intervención de la fibrosis submucosa oral, independientemente de las modalidades de tratamiento.

Oral Submucous Fibrosis: Clinical Stage, Functional Stage, and Histopathological Grade Correlation

Background- Oral submucosal fibrosis (OSMF) is a common precancerous condition predominantly affecting the oral cavity. There are several contributing factors to its pathogenesis, areca nut chewing being the primary culprit. OSMF reversal is difficult once the disease sets in. Hence, after its diagnosis, staging becomes imperative as it affects the treatment plan. Several classification methods have been developed by various authors to categorize the disease based on its clinical, functional, and Histopathological characteristics. The main aim to conduct this study was to correlate clinical and histopathological staging. Materials & Methods- This study involved 30 patients who had been diagnosed with OSMF both Clinically and Histopathologically. All 30 patients were classified and were categorized according to their clinical and functional stages after inspection. Following this, histopathological grading was done. Results- The statistical analysis showed that there was a wide similarity between the clinical and functional staging. However, no significant similarity or correlation was found between the clinical and functional staging with its corresponding histopathological grades. Conclusions- Our study concluded that there is strong correlation between clinical and functional grading.

Cytokines in Oral Submucous Fibrosis: A Bird’s Eye View

Introduction: Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSF) is a chronic fibrosis condition of oral cavity. It is a multifactorial condition, are- canut chewing being the prime etiologic factors. Objectives: Arecanut alkaloids stimulate the oral tissue initiating the inflammatory response. As an inflammatory response, cells release cytokines activating the cascade of different fibrinogenic pathways leading to fibrosis. Conclusion: This review briefs about the various cytokines studied in Oral Submucous Fibrosis.

A comparative study to evaluate the efficacy of clobetasol and curcumin in patients with oral submucous fibrosis

Background: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) was considered primarily as a disease prevalent in Southern Asia and southern Asian immigrants. However, it has been associated with an increased risk of malignant transformation and beginning to garner considerable attention world-wide. The main aim in management of OSMF is to relieve burning sensation and improve mouth opening. Aim and Objective: This study aimed to compare efficacy of curcumin (2 g) and topical clobetasol propionate (0.05%) cream in management of OSMF. Materials and Methods: This prospective and randomized study was conducted among sixty clinically diagnosed patients between age group of 18 and 50 years of age. They were randomly divided into two groups. Group A patients were instructed to apply topical clobetasol propionate cream (0.05%) thrice daily for 6 weeks. Group B patients were prescribed oral curcumin lozenges for 6 weeks. Recalls were done every week for up to 6 weeks for both groups for which burning sensation and mouth opening parameters were recorded. Results: The prevalence of OSMF was more in the younger age group which was due to increase in the chewing habit. Reduction in burning sensation was seen among patients in both groups but a significant reduction of 6.67 was seen with clobetasol group when compared with curcumin group with mean reduction of 2.53. Marked improvement in mouth opening was seen with Clobetasol ointment group when compared to curcumin group with a mean increase in mouth opening of 3.57 mm in the former and only 0.47 mm improvement in the latter. Conclusion: In the present study, both treatments were beneficial in reducing burning sensation significantly with clobetasol group showing better improvement as compared to curcumin group. There was a significant improvement in mouth opening with clobetasol group and nonsignificant results were obtained with curcumin group. Therefore, clobetasol can be opted as a drug of choice in improving mouth opening in OSMF patients.

HIF – 1? as a marker of risk assessment for malignant transformation in oral submucous fibrosis: An immunohistochemical study

Background: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a potentially malignant disorder associated with habit of chewing betel quid containing arecanut. Morphological features of OSMF especially fibrosis suggests a possibility of the hypoxic environment in diseased tissues. The adaptation of cells to hypoxia appears to be mediated via hypoxia inducible factor-1? (HIF-1?) which is also said to be associated with malignant transformation of epithelial cells in various other carcinomas like prostate and cervical carcinoma. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to investigate the role of HIF-1? in progression and malignant transformation of OSMF. Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of histo-pathologically diagnosed 30 cases of oral submucous fibrosis and 10 cases of OSCC were taken as control. The immunohistochemistry was carried out on neutral buffered formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections by using the monoclonal antibody of HIF-1?. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software version 2.0. Results: A gradual and significant rise in the expression of HIF-1? was observed in various grades of OSMF and OSCC cases. HIF 1? expression was increased in cases showing hylanization and constricted blood vessels. A cut off value of 39.6% of HIF-1? positive cells was determined statistically to categorize the cases into high risk and low risk group for malignant transformation. Conclusion: Overexpression of HIF-1? may contribute to the progression and malignant transformation of OSMF. Cases expressing more than 40% of HIF-1? positive cells are at a greater risk for malignant transformation.

Consensus guidelines on management of oral potentially malignant disorders

Oral cancer is usually preceded by oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) and early detection can downstage the disease. The majority of OPMDs are asymptomatic in early stages and can be detected on routine oral examination. Though only a proportion of OPMDs may transform to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), they may serve as a surrogate clinical lesion to identify individuals at risk of developing OSCC. Currently, there is a scarcity of scientific evidence on specific interventions and management of OPMDs and there is no consensus regarding their management. A consensus meeting with a panel of experts was convened to frame guidelines for clinical practices and recommendations for management strategies for OPMDs. A review of literature from medical databases was conducted to provide the best possible evidence and provide recommendations in management of OPMDs

Efficacy of topical tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) paste for the management of oral submucous fibrosis – A clinical study

Context: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic insidious oral potentially malignant disorder characterized by increased collagen deposition and reduced collagen degradation causing burning sensation and difficulty in mouth opening. Aim: To assess the efficacy of topical Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) paste for the management of OSMF. Settings and Design: Institution?based clinical trial. Materials and Methods: The study included a total of 60 OSMF patients categorized into three Groups A, B and C (20 in each) depending on the severity according to Lai DR et al. classification. The patients were advised for topical Tulsi paste application and were evaluated for the reduction in the burning sensation and improvement in mouth opening every month for 3 subsequent months using the numeric pain rating scale (NRS) and a Vernier calliper, respectively. Statistical Analysis: The baseline and 3?month recordings were subjected to inter? and intra?group statistical analysis using Kruskal–Wallis analysis of variance (ANOVA), Mann–Whitney U, one?way ANOVA, Tukey’s multiple post?hoc and Wilcoxon matched?pairs tests. Results: There was a reduction in the burning sensation and improvement in the mouth opening in all three groups. The reduction in the burning sensation was statistically significant among all the groups (P < 0.05) and the NRS scores after 3 months among the three groups were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) in the improvement of mouth opening between Group A and B; A and C; but not between B and C. Conclusion: Tulsi paste showed a significant reduction in the burning sensation and improvement of the mouth opening thereby proving to be a safe and promising medicament for OSMF

Comparative molecular analysis of oral submucous fibrosis and other organ fibrosis based on weighted gene co-expression network analysis / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#There is currently a lack of economic and suitable animal models that can accurately recapitulate the oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) disease state for indepth study. This is one of the primary reasons for the limited therapeutic methods available for OSF. Based on the underlying logic of pan-cancer analysis, this study systematically compares OSF and the other four types of organ fibrosis from the aspects of molecules, signaling pathways, biological processes, etc. A comprehensive analysis of the similarities and differences between OSF and other organ fibrosis is helpful for researchers to discover some general rules of fibrosis disease and may provide new ideas for studying OSF.@*METHODS@#Microarray data of the GSE64216, GSE76882, GSE171294, GSE92592, and GSE90051 datasets were downloaded from GEO. Differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) of each type of fibrosis were identified by Limma package. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify each type of fibrosis-related module. The similarities and differences of each fibrosis-related-module genes were analyzed by function and pathway enrichment analysis.@*RESULTS@#A total of 6 057, 10 910, 27 990, 10 480, and 4 801 DEmRNAs were identified in OSF, kidney intestinal fibrosis (KIF), liver fibrosis (LF), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and skin fibrosis (SF), respectively. By using WGCNA, each type of fibrosis-related module was identified. The co-expression networks for each type of fibrosis were constructed respectively. Except that KIF and LF have 5 common hub genes, other fibrotic diseases have no common hub genes with each other. The common pathways of OSF, KIF, LF, IPF, and SF mainly focus on immune-related pathways.@*CONCLUSIONS@#OSF and the other 4 types of fibrotic diseases are tissue- and organ-specific at the molecular level, but they share many common signaling pathways and biological processes, mainly in inflammation and immunity.

A comparative physicochemical and pharmacological evaluation of dexamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone sodium phosphate mucoadhesive gels for the treatment of oral submucous fibrosis in rats

Abstract The present study is aimed to formulate steroidal oral mucoadhesive gels of dexamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone sodium phosphate. Six gel formulations each of dexamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone sodium phosphate prepared using two different polymers carboxymethyl cellulose sodium and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, in variable proportions. All the formulations subjected for assessment of various physicochemical parameters and mechanical properties. The formulations BSP5 and DSP5, both containing 1.25 % carboxymethyl cellulose sodium, 1.25 % hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, exhibiting mucoadhesive strength of 12.300 ± 0.004 and 12.600 ± 0.01, adhesiveness of 28.04 ± 00 and 30.02 ± 00, cohesiveness of 28.04 ± 00 and 30.02 ± 00, drug release of 86.869 ± 0.380 % and 88.473 ± 0.457 % respectively were considered as promising ones and were further subjected for stability studies and in vivo study in male albino rats. Formulation DSP5 upon oral application for 4 months in arecoline induced oral submucous fibrosis rats, showed more than 80 % reduction in fibrosis as compared with BSP5 which showed nearly 50 % reduction. These results were concluded on the basis of histopathological profile and weight gain among the experimental animals during in vivo study. Hence, DSP5 by minimizing the painful injuries and morbidities justifies being suitable noninvasive model for OSMF treatment.

Research progress on the malignant transformation of oral submucosal fibrosis / 国际肿瘤学杂志

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) can cause various oral dysfunctions in patients and can turn into oral cancer. The causes and processes of OSF malignant transformation involve betel nut chewing, vascular atrophy, tissue hypoxia, cell cycle changes, aging, autophagy, and changes in cancer/cancer suppressor genes and microRNAs. It is of great significance to study the causes and process of OSF malignant transformation for the treatment and prevention of OSF malignant transformation.

Research progress in the treatment of oral submucous fibrosis with traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine / 口腔疾病防治

@#Oral submucous fibrosis is a chronic, occult and progressive potentially malignant disease that seriously affects the oral function and quality of life of patients. The oral burning sensation and limitation of mouth opening are the main reasons for patients to see a doctor. At present, the main treatment for oral submucosal fibrosis is still drug therapy. To provide ideas and references for the clinical treatment of oral submucosal fibrosis, this article reviews the mechanism, therapeutic effect and characteristics of common Chinese and Western medicine in the treatment of oral submucosal fibrosis. The results of the literature review show that salvia miltiorrhiza, aloe, lycopene, curcumin and other traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine are effective in the treatment of oral submucosal fibrosis; in addition, Taohong Siwu Decoction combined with Western medicine and other combinations of traditional Chinese and Western medicine are effective and reduce side effects, and clinicians can choose appropriate drugs according to the patient’s main symptoms and general condition. In the future, researchers can study more combinations of traditional Chinese and Western medicine to treat oral submucosal fibrosis.

Efficacy of curcumin in the treatment of oral submucous fibrosis: a Meta-analysis / 华西口腔医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#This study was performed to review the efficacy of curcumin in the treatment of oral submucous fibrosis systematically.@*METHODS@#We searched seven databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, EBSCO, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, WanFang Data, and VIP, to obtain randomized controlled trials related to the treatment of oral submucous fibrosis by curcumin. Each database was searched from inception to 30 June 2019. RevMan 5.3 software was used for the meta-analysis.@*RESULTS@#Six randomized controlled trials involving 350 patients were included in this study. Meta-analysis showed that curcumin can increase the maximal mouth opening and improve burning sensation compared with placebo treatment. Curcumin was not as effective as the controls in achieving maximal mouth opening after 1 month of treatment. However, no statistically significant difference was observed between the treatments from 2 months to 6 months. Curcumin significantly improved burning sensation compared with the controls after 3 months of treatment. No statistically significant diffe-rence in burning sensation was observed between the curcumin and control groups after 1, 2, and 6 months of treatment.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The current evidence shows that curcumin is an effective treatment for improving maximal mouth opening and burning sensation in patients with oral submucous fibrosis. Given the limited number and low quality of the included studies, however, more high-quality studies are needed to verify these findings.

Etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of oral submucous fibrosis / 口腔疾病防治

@#Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a chronic disease that produces scars, tissue fibrosis, and precancerous lesions. Epidemiological studies have shown that chewing betel nut is the most significant risk factor for OSF. Many studies have also indicated that habits such as chewing and smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol increase the risk of OSF, which is widely recognized as an oral precancerous lesion or a potentially malignant oral disorder. Pathological characteristics include chronic inflammation, excessive collagen deposition in the connective tissues below the oral mucous epithelium and local inflammation in the lamina propria or deep connective tissues. OSF patients have a 7%~30% chance of developing oral cancer. Submucosal local injection of triamcinolone and tanshinone was mainly used for the treatment of oral submucosal fibrosis. This treatment improves mouth opening and alleviates the burning sensation in OSF, and the treatment efficacy was as high as 93%. The article will discuss the occurrence, development, diagnosis and treatment of oral submucous fibrosis for clinical management by the medical community.

Evaluation of muscle involvement & degeneration in advanced oral submucous fibrosis using three different stains ­ a retrospective cross-sectional study / Avaliação do envolvimento e degeneração muscular na fibrose submucosa oral avançada usando três colorações diferentes - um estudo transversal retrospectivo

Background: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is graded according to various histological factors which include the epithelial changes and the connective tissue changes. These features could be identified in routine Hematoxylin and Eosin (H and E) staining in shades of pink. However, the use of special stains provides a contrast to various connective tissue components thereby aiding in better visualization of these connective tissue changes in advanced OSMF cases. Objective:To compare and evaluate muscle involvement and degeneration in advanced oral submucous fibrosis using three different stains namely, H&E, Van Gieson, and Masson's Trichrome. Material and Methods: 10 Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections of advanced OSMFwere stained using 3 different stains namely Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), Van-Gieson, and Masson trichrome. The results obtained were tabulated and statistically analyzed using Kruskal Wallis ANOVA. Results: The hyalinization and fibrosis involving the skeletal muscle were better visualized in Masson's Trichrome but were not statistically significant. The muscle degeneration in deeper areas was better visualized in Masson's trichrome when compared to the H&E and Van Gieson. Conclusion: Hematoxylin and eosin stains all the connective tissue components in various shades of pink, use of special stains bestows contrast between different components of connective tissue, thus improvising grading of OSMF. Masson's trichrome stain can be used as a single adjunct to hematoxylin and eosin stain as changes in the superficial and deeper connective tissue could be ascertained (AU)

Contexto: A fibrose submucosa oral (FSO) é classificada de acordo com vários fatores histológicos que incluem alterações epiteliais e do tecido conjuntivo. Essas características podem ser identificadas na coloração de rotina com Hematoxilina e Eosina (H&E) em tons de rosa. No entanto, o uso de colorações especiais fornece um contraste para vários componentes do tecido conjuntivo, auxiliando assim na melhor visualização dessas alterações do tecido conjuntivo em casos avançados de FSO. Objetivo: Comparar e avaliar o envolvimento e degeneração muscular da fibrose submucosa oral avançada usando três colorações diferentes: H&E, Van Gieson e Tricrômio de Masson. Material e Métodos: 10 seções de tecido fixadas em formalina e embebidas em parafina de FSO avançada foram coradas usando essas três colorações. Os resultados obtidos foram tabulados e analisados estatisticamente por meio do teste de Kruskal Wallis. Resultados: A hialinização e fibrose envolvendo o músculo esquelético foram melhor visualizadas no tricromo de Masson, mas não foram estatisticamente significativas. A degeneração muscular em áreas mais profundas foi melhor visualizada no tricrômico de Masson, quando comparado ao H&E e Van Gieson. Conclusão: Hematoxilina e Eosina coloram todos os componentes do tecido conjuntivo em vários tons de rosa. O uso de colorações especiais confere contraste entre os diferentes componentes do tecido conjuntivo, melhorando assim a avaliação da FSO. A coloração com tricrômio de Masson pode ser usada como um único adjunto para a coloração de Hematoxilina e Eosina, pois assim é possível verificar alterações superficiais e profundas no tecido conjuntivo. (AU)

Efficacy of Oil Pulling in the Management of Oral Submucous Fibrosis: A Preliminary Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of oil pulling in the management of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF). Material and Methods: A total of 62 patients clinically and histopathologically diagnosed as OSMF were incorporated in the present study. The subjects are randomly divided equally into two groups, Group A (oil pulling group) and Group B (placebo group). Subjects in Group A were asked to perform OP with sesame oil on an empty stomach in the morning for 3 months and Group B was given placebo capsules for 3 months. Assessment of various clinical parameters was done regularly, and data were analyzed using the Chi-square test. Results: Eighty-two percent had a habit of betel nut chewing, while 18% of the patients had tobacco chewing habits, which were among the main causative factors for OSMF. Clinical improvements in mouth opening, tongue protrusion, difficulty in speech and deglutition, and burning sensation were significant in the Group A. None of the patients reported any discomfort or side effects. The symptoms were not severe in nature and resolved in few days without stopping the therapy. Conclusion: Oil pulling can bring about significant clinical improvements in the symptoms like a mouth opening and tongue protrusion.

Alteration in Serum Lipid Profile Pattern in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Potentially Malignant Disorders

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate and compare lipid profile level in oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), oral leukoplakia (OL) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients. Material and Methods: Thirty histopathologically diagnosed subjects each of OL, OSMF, OSCC were recruited along with 30 healthy controls. 5ml of venous blood is collected and estimated using standard diagnostic kits. Results: The mean of Total cholesterol level in controls was 219.03 mg%, in OSCC, OL and OSMF was 142.89 ± 10.21mg%, 155.44 ± 17.63 mg% and 180.60 ± 13.25 mg%, respectively. The mean low-density lipid level in controls was 137.24 mg and in OSCC, OL and OSMF groups were 109.28 ± 2.16 mg%, 126.63 ± 0.85 mg% and 119.15 ± 0.93 mg%, respectively. The mean of high-density lipid level in controls, OSCC, OL and OSMF was 42.87 ± 0.42 mg%, 36.50 ± 2.31 mg%, 21.13 ± 0.77 mg% and 28.37 ± 1.11mg%, respectively. The mean of very low density lipids level in controls, OSCC, OL and OSMF was 30.12 ± 1.51 mg%, 17.24 ± 0.80 mg%, 22.25 ± 0.93 mg% and 25.89 ± 0.43 mg%, respectively. The mean triglyceride level in controls, OSCC, OL and OSMF was 118.80 ± 9.47 mg%, 91.2 ± 3.03 mg%, 105.05 ± 2.96 mg% and 106.19 ± 3.09 mg%, respectively. Conclusion: Lipid profile levels could be early indicators of precancer and cancer.

Assessment of Scientific Production of the Health Sciences University on Oral Submucous Fibrosis Using Bibliometric Analysis

Oral submucous fibrosis is being recognized now as a chronic, insidious, premalignant condition affecting the mucosa of oral cavity, pharynx and the portion of upper oesophagus. Characteristically, it shows epithelial and sub-epithelial inflammation followed by fibro-elastic alterations in sub-mucosal region thereby leading to difficulty in opening mouth. Thus, stiffness of oral mucosa causes trismus and inability to eat. If untreated at earliest, it can progress to squamous cell carcinoma. Wardha is the smallest district in Maharashtra and a significant number of cases of oral submucous fibrosis and oral cancer are reported at the tertiary care hospital of the Health Sciences University. This study was conducted to shed light on the Scientific Productions of this Health Sciences University in Central India regarding cancers and oral submucous fibrosis over the period of last 15 years. METHODSThe Scopus and Web of Science databases were accessed, and the publications affiliated to the University were retrieved using the specified search query. The publications thus accessed were imported as BibText and RIS files and checked for duplicates in both databases. Duplicates were removed, and the final list of publications was prepared. Data related to finalised publications was imported to R-Studio application for producing the graphs and plots related to the number of scientific productions. RESULTSThe search generated a data of a total of 191 documents from 71 Sources (Journals, Books, etc.) for the period from 2007 – 2020. The number of authors included a list of 1356 authors. Authors of single-authored documents were 6; whereas, authors of multi-authored documents were 1350. Thus, there were 7.1 authors per document, 9.13 co-authors per document. The Collaboration Index was 7.3. Average citations per document was 37. CONCLUSIONSThe university has contributed significantly to the scientific literature on oral submucous fibrosis.

Evaluation of Oral Microbial Flora in Saliva of Patients of Oral Submucous Fibrosis.

Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) has a multifactorial origin and the risk factors vary across different parts of the world. Betel nut (areca nut) chewing is the leading cause of OSMF in parts of South East Asia as well as Indian subcontinent. Certain fungal species have been identified in the occurrence of various premalignant lesions including OSMF. Candida in mouth along with the epithelial changes like atrophy, dysplasia, and hypertrophy may predispose individuals to premalignancy. This study was carried out to evaluate the prevalence of microbial flora in saliva of patients of OSMF.METHODSThe study included a total of 48 subjects, with 24 clinically diagnosed OSMF patients and a control group of 24 healthy age sex matched patients. Demographic data and salivary samples were collected from both the groups. Swabs taken were subjected for Gram staining and Sabouraud’s Dextrose Agar. The positively cultured Candida samples were further analysed by using germ tube test for determining different Candida species.RESULTSIn total, 58.3% of the OSMF patients and 29.2% of the control patients yielded candida organisms on culture. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (x2=4.148, p=0.042). Final results of the study indicate that presence of Candida is significantly higher in OSMF patients than healthy subjects. Thus, results of the present study confirm the phenomenon of high prevalence of oral colonization by yeast in OSMF patients than healthy subjects.CONCLUSIONSIn OSMF, there is an altered microbiome which may be used as an indicator for malignant transformation of OSMF. The present study shows higher incidence and intensity of candida in OSMF patients when compared to healthy individuals. Hence, it is mandatory to maintain proper oral hygiene status in OSMF patients to prevent further complications of candidiasis.

Serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 in patients with oral submucous fibrosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma

Background: Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), which is supposed to enable cancer cells cross the basement membrane and metastasize by selectively cleaving type IV collagen, is anticipated to be a good diagnostic and prognostic marker in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF). Thus, the study is aimed to estimate and compare the serum MMP-2 levels in patients with OSMF and OSCC.Methods: The study was conducted on 88 subjects, divided into three groups; Group I (healthy subjects, n=28), Group II (patients with OSMF, n=30), and Group III (patients with OSCC, n=30). Serum levels of MMP-2 were estimated and compared among the groups and further with the clinical parameters within the groups.Results: The mean serum MMP-2 levels in patients with OSMF (2.87±1.04 ng/mL) and with OSCC (11.55±2.16 ng/mL) were significantly higher than the healthy subjects (0.93±0.26 ng/mL) (p <0.0001, for both). Furthermore, the mean serum MMP-2 levels in OSMF subjects had a positive association with inter-incisal opening (IIO), however, there was no association with the degree of burning sensation. Likewise, in subjects with OSCC, levels of serum MMP-2 showed positive association with histopathological grades, however, significant association with the site of occurrence and primary tumor size was not found.Conclusions: Elevated serum MMP-2 levels can be used as a screening tool in the early detection of OSMF and OSCC cases. Moreover, MMP-2 might be a good marker in evaluating the tumor grade in OSCC and the IIO in OSMF.