RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Serum homocysteine (Hcy), a nonessential amino acid, is considered as a helpful indicator of vitamin status for its strong correlation with Vitamin B12. Although Hcy levels in oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) have been studied, the relationship between Hcy and Vitamin B12 has not been studied yet. This study is the first one to compare and correlate the levels of serum Hcy and Vitamin B12 in OSMF patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group comprised 60 patients. Serum Hcy and Vitamin B12 estimation were done by chemiluminescence immunoassay. These levels in OSMF patients were compared and correlated with corresponding levels in healthy controls. RESULTS: Hcy levels were elevated in OSMF and were found to be statistically significant (P = 0.014) as compared to healthy controls. On the contrary, although Vitamin B12 levels were found to be higher in healthy controls, the difference was statistically nonsignificant (P = 0.657). A significant correlation was found (P = 0.01) between Hcy and Vitamin B12 in both groups, i.e., decreased Vitamin B12 levels led to elevated Hcy levels but vice versa was not found. No correlation was found between levels of Hcy and the severity of OSMF (P = 0.806). CONCLUSION: Chronic inflammation in OSMF leads to hyperhomocysteinemia, which may also be seen in cases of Vitamin B12 deficiency and certain systemic disorders. Thus, while serum Hcy could be used as biomarker for OSMF, Vitamin B12 deficiency and certain systemic disorders should be ruled out.
