Future prospective and current status of antioxidants in premalignant and malignant lesions of oral cavity

Abstract

In the late 19 th and early 20 th century, extensive study was devoted to the use of antioxidants in important industrial processes, such as the prevention of metal corrosion, vulcanization of rubber, and polymerization of fuels in the fouling of internal combustion engines. In recent years, there is an upsurge in the areas related to newer developments in prevention of disease, especially the role of free radicals and antioxidants. So it will be pertinent to examine the possible role of 'free radicals' in disease and 'antioxidants' in its prevention. Antioxidants are intimately involved in the prevention of cellular damage-the common pathway for cancer and a variety of diseases. The reversal or suppression of premalignant lesions is an important strategy against carcinogenesis for the prevention of cancer. Whether antioxidants can protect the human population from diseases like leukoplakia, lichen planus, carcinoma in situ or oral cancer and also from cancers of the upper aero digestive tract i.e. larynx, pharynx and esophagus and increase the life expectancy is still controversial. This article deals with the action of various chemopreventive agents along with brief review of literature about the outcome of effect of antioxidant on potentially premalignant and malignant lesions of oral mucosa.

Screening and Diagnostic Aids of Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders

“…The most common oral mucosal diseases that have a very high malignant transformation rate are oral leukoplakia, oral erythroplakia oral submucous fibrosis with the most frequently reported etiological agents being tobacco, alcohol, chewing of betel quid containing areca nut. An early diagnosis can be lifesaving; hence its importance cannot be ignored as in later stages they might progress to severe dysplasia and even carcinoma in situ and/ or squamous cell carcinoma (Tables 1 & 2) [3][4][5]. Even though the diagnosis relies on the histopathology report but even then there are certain diagnostic criteria which should be taken into account which not only helps in the diagnosis but also in the prognosis and the treatment of such conditions.…”

Role of curcumin in management of potentially malignant disorders: A review of literature

“…As oxidative stress appears to be an important part of many diseases, it is both the source and the outcome of disease. [18] Natural antioxidants include superoxide, hydroxyl peroxide, GSH peroxidase, tocopherols, carotenoids, bilirubin, uric acid, melatonin, lycopene, and ascorbic acid. Butylated hydroxyanisole and propyl gallate are some examples of synthetic antioxidants.…”