Background: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a highrisk precancerous condition characterized by changes in the connective tissue fibers of the lamina propria and deep parts leading to stiffness of the mucosa and restricted mouth opening. Worldwide estimates of OSMF shows a confinement to Indians and Southeast Asians, with overall prevalence rate in India to be about 0.2% to 0.5 %.
Tobacco and areca nut induces generation of free radicals promoting lipid peroxidation. Malondialdehyde is the most widely used marker for lipid peroxidation. Antioxidant enzymes Catalase can form conjugate and neutralize Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) protecting the cellular macromolecules. Repeated exposure of oral mucosa to arecanut ingredients will reduce antioxidant status, due to utilization of antioxidants by body’s defense to neutralize free radicals.
Methods
This study involves 30 OSMF patients as study group and 30 healthy individuals as control group. Blood withdrawn, centrifuged, serum separated and biochemically evaluated for Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Catalase (CAT). Results obtained were statistically analyzed using student‘t’ test.
Results: The study revealed increased serum MDA and decreased Catalase levels in OSMF patients compared to healthy patients.
Conclusion: The study showed impairment in oxidant-antioxidant status in the body due to excess consumption of areca nut and tobacco. Increased malondialdehyde levels in the serum indicates increased lipid peroxidation and decreased catalase levels in the serum indicates consumption of antioxidant enzymes in neutralizing free radicals.
Impact Factor
2022: 6.012
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