Assessment of serum copper, iron and immune complexes in potentially malignant disorders and oral cancer

Abstract Potentially malignant disorders (PMDs) of oral cavity and oral cancer remain a cause of serious concern despite intensive research and development. Diet and immunity have been identified to play a crucial role as modifying factors in these diseases. Our study intended to explore this relationship by estimating and comparing the serum levels of copper, iron and circulating immune complexes (CICs) in patients diagnosed with PMDs and oral cancer and normal healthy individuals. In this study, 40 histopathologically diagnosed cases of PMDs and oral cancer were included along with 30 healthy controls and 5 ml of venous blood was drawn using venipuncture. Serum estimation of copper, iron and CIC then followed using the colorimetric and spectrophotometric methods. The data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis using one way ANOVA and Pearson's Product-Moment Correlation Test. The mean serum copper level was measured as 138.98 ± 10.13µg/100ml in the PMD group and 141.99 ± 21.44 µg/100ml in the oral cancer as compared to 105.5 + 18.81µ/100ml in the controls. The mean serum CIC levels was highest in the oral cancer (9.65 ± 0.16OD470) followed by the PMD group (0.18 + 0.21 OD470) and least in the control group (0.048 ± 0.02OD470). Whereas, the serum levels of iron showed a significant decrease in the PMD group (110.9 ± 10.54 µg/100ml) and the oral cancer group (114.29 ± 25.83 µg/100ml) as compared with the control group (136.85 ± 14.48 µg/100ml). There was no positive correlation obtained between the three groups with respect to the chosen parameters indicating that the variables were independent of each other. It can be thus be ascertained that trace elements like copper and iron as well as humoral responses (CICs) have a close relationship with PMDs and oral cancers.

Serum level of matrix metalloproteinase-3 in patients with oral Lichen planus

Oral Lichen planus [OLP] is a chronic lesion of the oral mucosa with unknown origin. Basement membrane changes are common in OLP and may be mediated by proteases such as matrix metalloproteinase [MMPs] and mast cell chymase. The aim of our study was to evaluate the level of serum MMP-3 in OLP compared to normal individuals and assess its clinical significance. Thirty four serum samples from patients diagnosed with OLP [12 males, 22 females, age: 42.2 +/- 10.8 years] and 34 serum samples from healthy control subjects [11 males, 23 females, age: 42.5 +/- 13.3 years] were collected and MMP-3 concentration was measured by ELISA. The serum MMP-3 level in OLP patients was higher [21.64 +/- 24.31 ng/ml] compared with healthy controls [16.52 +/- 23.63 ng/ml], but showed no statistically significant difference. A statistically significant difference was demonstrated between the two types of OLP, being more pronounced in the erosive/atrophic form 6]. The different clinical appearances of OLP are associated with significant differences in MMP-3 serum level

Folate and vitamin B12 levels in patients with oral lichen planus, stomatitis or glossitis.

Forty-one patients with oral lesions and symptoms were enrolled in the study. Their ages ranged from 16 to 79 years with a mean age of 48.5 years. They were divided into two groups. Group I consisted of 25 patients with oral lichen planus and group II consisted of 16 patients with stomatitis or glossitis. Their complete blood counts, hemoglobin typing, serum and red cell folate, and serum vitamin B12 levels were studied. The results revealed low red cell folate levels in 11 out of 25 patients (44%) in group I and 9 out of 16 patients (56%) in group II. The serum vitamin B12 levels were within normal range in both groups. They were defined as having folate deficiency (n = 10), folate deficient erythropoiesis (n = 3) and folate depletion (n = 7). None of them had anemia nor macrocytes. Therefore, folate levels should be investigated in patients with oral lesions and symptoms especially those with risk factors of age, poor nutrition or systemic diseases. When suspected, daily folic acid supplements should be given.

Arterial blood pressure and blood glucose levels in oral lichen planus patients in Calcutta (India).

The Arterial Blood pressure and Blood Glucose levels of 192 patients with Oral Lichen Planus was determined. A control sample of 5000 healthy individuals was also studied for comparison with the oral Lichen Planus cases. No significant difference was found between oral Lichen Planus patients and the general population with respect to Blood pressure and Blood Glucose values.