Assessment of Promoter Hypermethylation in Tumor Suppressor Genes in Oral Leukoplakia and Oral Submucous Fibrosis.

BACKGROUND

Promoter hypermethylation of tumor suppressor genes is a hallmark of early carcinogenesis in oral lesions.

AIM: To assess the methylation status of p16, DAPK, and MGMT in oral leukoplakia and OSMF.

METHODS

DNA extracted from tissue samples of 30 leukoplakia, 30 OSMF, and 20 healthy controls was analyzed using methylation-specific PCR.

RESULTS

Promoter hypermethylation was significantly higher in both patient groups compared to controls (P < 0.05), with p16 most frequently affected.

CONCLUSION

Aberrant promoter methylation may serve as an early molecular marker in oral precancerous conditions, aiding early intervention and risk stratification.