Effect of α-tocopherol on salivary reactive oxygen species and trace elements in oral submucous fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic debilitating disease and a well-recognized, potentially malignant condition of the oral cavity associated with betel quid chewing. Betel quid chewing is a popular oral habit in India and shows strong association in the incidence of OSMF. The objective of the study was to determine the levels of trace elements, pro-oxidants and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in saliva of betel quid chewers and OSMF patients, which may help in the diagnosis of cancer progression in the oral cavity.

METHODS: A total of 35 cases of OSMF and 35 cases of healthy individuals were included in the present study. The salivary status of ROS, pro-oxidants and some trace elements was studied in OSMF patients and normal healthy individuals.

RESULTS: The levels of lipid peroxides (P < 0.001), conjugated dienes (P < 0.01), hydroxyl radicals (P < 0.01), superoxide dismutase (P < 0.05), copper (P < 0.05), calcium (P < 0.01), magnesium (NS), potassium (P < 0.05) and iron (P < 0.05) in OSMF patients were elevated when compared with normal healthy individuals. The levels of hydrogen peroxide (P < 0.05) and sodium (P < 0.01) in OSMF patients were found to be decreased when compared with control subjects. A significant alteration was noticed after supplementing with α-tocopherol in oral precancerous patients.

CONCLUSION: These parameters may help in the detection of the severity of oral diseases.