Evaluation of serum copper and iron levels among oral submucous fibrosis patients

Abstract

Objective: To estimate and compare the levels of serum copper and iron among subjects with oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) of different clinical stages and healthy controls. Study Design: Study sample comprised of 50 patients clinically diagnosed with OSMF and 50 healthy controls who were matched for age and gender. OSMF patients were categorised by clinical staging. Serum estimation of copper and iron was done using atomic absorbtion spectrophotometry. Results: Mean copper and iron level differed significantly (p<0.000) between the patients and controls with patients exhibiting higher copper (134.1±20.16) and lower iron (114.78±23.47) levels in contrast to controls who presented lower copper (114.8±12.36) and higher iron (130.86±31.01) levels in serum. There was a definite trend as (P<0.0001) with cases having the lesion in faucial bands (1st stage) exhibiting the lowest serum copper and those in stage 3 (faucial, labial and buccal bands) presenting the highest copper levels in serum. Conclusions: Copper level increased and iron level decreased in study group in comparison to healthy controls. Copper level increased as clinical stage of oral submucous fibrosis increased.

Status of trace elements in saliva of oral precancer and oral cancer patients

“…The reason for the increase in Cu levels in serum is due to its ability to induce an intrinsic protein based enzyme (lysl-oxidase) in the connective tissue that crosslinks collagen and elastin which is an important factor in etiopathogenesis of OSMF. [11] biological markers in oral carcinogenesis. The significant and encouraging findings of the present study thus validate and reinforce that; salivary micronutrient analysis can be used as an efficient, non-invasive, patient-friendly tool for the early diagnosis of PMD and OSCC for planning comprehensive treatment protocol.…”

Estimation of Serum Copper and Zinc Levels in Oral Submucous Fibrosis: An Atomic Absorption Spectroscopic Study

“…5 It was noticed that most of the subjects in the present study had the history of using pan with areca nut and it is reported that high levels of cop per in areca nut plays an initiating role in stimulation of fibrogenesis. 12 Studies done (2000) and Khanna et al (2006) suggested that increased copper content in areca nut is implicated in tissue fibrogenesis via the copperdependent enzyme lysyl oxidase, which has a crucial role in cross-linking of collagen and elastin, thereby causing inhibition of degradation of collagen in OSMF patients.…”

“…5 As suggested by Tadakamadla, the present study cannot be generalized to all OSMF patients due to regional and cultural variations that occur within and between the countries. 12 The dilemma in the literature regarding these trace elements and its association with OSMF can be minimized further by using a larger sample size. The other limitation could be instrument being expensive and not affordable in all clinical setups.…”

Oral submucous fibrosis: a historical perspective and a review on etiology and pathogenesis

“…70,71 However, the effect of copper appears to be local in the context of OSF as there is no evidence to suggest that these patients demonstrate any clinical evidence of systemic or organ fibrosis.…”