[Changes in trace elements in epithelial cells of oral submucous fibrosis].

OBJECTIVES

To assay the concentrations of the trace elements in intranuclei and extranuclei between oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) and normal buccal membrane, to observe the relationship between the trace elements and OSF, and finally to understand the mechanism of OSF.

METHODS

The concentrations of the trace elements of internuclei and extranuclei in OSF epithelial cells were assayed in computer automatic process by electron probe micro-analysis.

RESULTS

The concentrations of Cu, Zn, S, and As in OSF were significantly lower than those in the normal buccal membrane (P < 0.01). The concentrations of Se and Mo were significantly higher than those in the normal buccal membrane(P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The epithelial cells of OSF are seriously damaged by the low level of Cu and Zn and high level of Se in intracell. These changes are the element bases that OSF has canceration trend.