Evaluation of circulating immune complexes and serum immunoglobulins in oral cancer patients - A follow up study.

Background: High serum immunoglobulins and circulating immune complexes (IgG, IgM, IgA and CIC) values in patients with cancer have been used as tumor markers. Hence, the aim of the study was to estimate these immunological markers in pre- and post-treatment phases with a follow-up of 3-24 months and to understand the prognostic significance of the same in patients with oral cancer. Materials and Methods: The malignancy group consisted of 56 patients with different stages (AJCC TNM) of oral cancer and 20 healthy control group. Samples were selected at random and subjected for sequential analysis of serum biochemical markers (IgG, IgA, IgM and CIC-circulating immune complexes levels) in the pre- and post-treatment period. Statistical method employed was the paired t test. Results: We observed significant elevated levels of all the immunological markers ( P < 0.01) when compared with the control group. Sequential analysis of these markers revealed significant reduction in immunological markers in stage I and II patients. On the contrary, stage III and IV patients showed remarkably elevated levels of IgA and CIC one year after initial treatment. Conclusions : All these immunological markers are indicative of tumor burden and Serum levels of CIC and IgA might be employed as prognostic indicators in oral cancer.

GST null genotype and antioxidants: Risk indicators for oral pre-cancer and cancer.

Objectives : This study was undertaken to detect the gene polymorphism of detoxification enzymes and estimate the antioxidant enzyme status in patients with oral cancer, oral leukoplakia and oral submucous fibrosis (OSF). Materials and Methods : The GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene polymorphism was evaluated using polymerase chain reaction; the antioxidant enzyme was estimated using biochemical methods. Statistical analyses were performed using student t-test and odds-ratio to estimate relative risk (RR). Results : The RR at 95% confidence interval (CI) for GSTM1 and GSTT1 was statistically significant for all groups. The mean values of glutathione were significantly raised in all groups. The mean values of ceruloplasmin and malonaldehyde was statistically significant among cancer and OSF patients but was insignificant in smokers and cases with leukoplakia. Conclusion : Several genes perform the same function which implies the need to test for several genetic polymorphisms to identify individuals at high risk. The level of antioxidant enzymes correlate with the degree of oxidative damage. The need for further studies is emphasised.

p53 aberrations in oral sub mucous fibrosis and oral cancer detected by immunohistochemistry.

Study of expression of p53 oncoprotein in several precancerous and cancer have been done, but only one literature is available regarding p53 expression in Oral Sub Mucous Fibrosis (OMSF), hence this study was taken up (i) to determine the expression of aberrant p53 in Oral Sub Mucous Fibrosis (OSMF) and Oral Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) patients. (ii)To study correlation if any between p53 expression and degree of dysplasia in OSMF and SCC patients and (iii)To study correlation if any between p53 expression and habits in OSMF and SCC patients. Study Design consists of biopsy specimens of 38 cases of OSMF and 37 cases of Squamous cell carcinoma were subjected for staining by immunohistochemistry for p53 protein using LSAB visualization system kit. Clinical details along with habits were recorded and the data analyzed with t- test and chi- square test. Results of the study reveals 18 cases of OSMF and 26 cases of SCC were positive for p53 protein. Only 4 cases of SCC showed (++)grade and the rest all had (+)grade. Out of 75 patients, 65 had the habit of smoking and chewing, 4 patients history of habit was not known. Among patients with habits (65), 40 specimens were +ve for p53 stain and 2 out of 6 without history of habit, 2 out of 4 unknown history of habit took up p53 stain. To conclude study showed higher percentage of p53 positive cells in oral cancer cases when compared to oral sub mucous fibrosis cases. It suggests p53 expression may correlate with increase in dysplasia or malignant transformation. Both smoking and chewing habits had a significant role in p53 positive expression.