Estimation Of Uric Acid In The Saliva Of Patients With Oral Cancer And Odontogenic Cysts: A Biochemical Study

ABSTRACT

Background– Oxidative Stress, which is related with chronic inflammation can predispose tissue to cancer development. There are some reports in the literature concerning primary tumors such as squamous cell carcinoma arising from odontogenic cysts. The reason for this transformation is still unknown. Saliva is rich in antioxidant compounds and is considered to be the first line of defense against oxidative stress, the main cause for many systemic and oral health diseases. The primary antioxidants include uric acid, albumin, ascorbic acid, glutathione and antioxidant enzymes with uric acid, being the most important antioxidant molecule in saliva contributing approximately to 70% of the total antioxidant capacity. Aim and objective: To verify the utility of uric acid concentration in saliva in differentiation of healthy subjects, people with oral squamous cell carcinoma and odontogenic cysts, by using semiautomatic analyser. Material and method: Unstimulated whole saliva was collected in a sterile container after overnight fasting from ten each of age matched Healthy subjects (Group 1), patients diagnosed with Oral squamous cell carcinoma (Group 2) and Odontogenic Cyst (Group 3). The concentration of uric acid in saliva was determined using a ‘ROASCH URIC ACID‘ assay kit. Results: The salivary uric acid concentration significantly lowered from 6.4mg/dl in healthy control to 3.3mg/dl in odontogenic cyst to 1.8 mg/dl in oral squamous cell carcinoma. The present study adds an evidence that lowered level of salivary uric acid concentration can be considered as an important mechanism by which toxic effects of free radicals can initiate malignant transformation of cyst.