Potentially significant biomarkers in oral submucous fibrosis

ABSTRACT

Oral submucous fibrosis [OSMF] is a chronic, irreversibly progressive and precancerous disease that effects oral, oropharyngeal and oesophageal mucosa. OSMF is characterised by the inflamation and progressive fibrosis of lamina propria that leads to difficulty in mastication, speech, swallowing and causes limited mouth opening. Arecoline [major alkaloid] in areca nut is the main aeitiological factor in causing the disease. Prevalance of OSMF ranges from 0.2% to 0.5% in South India. The malignant rate of transformation over 17-year period was 7.6%. Trace elements [part of metalloenzymes] are recognised as versatile biomarkers which may be helpful in early detection, prognosis and can reduce the incidence of cancer. Copper, Iron, Zinc, Selenium, Cadmium, antioxidants [Superoxide Dimutase, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E], immunoglobulins and alternation in oncosupressor genes and other genes have been emphasized as biochemical parameters that play an important role in its pathogenesis. These parameters can also serve as important biomarkers in early detection of a premalignant condition and cancer progression