Archive Biological Chemistry

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Salivary flow rate, enzymes, total protein and antioxidant status as biomarkers of oral cancer, and a correlative study of enzymes and antioxidants in blood and saliva

Arnadi Ramachandrayya Shivashankara*, Smyrna Martyr S., Toni Thomas, Ashwin DA Lobo,

Manjeshwar Shrinath Baliga

Abstract

India has the highest number of oral cancer incidences in the world. Though many studies have attempted to establish tumor markers in body fluids, still there are no definite biomarkers of oral cancer. Saliva as a diagnostic tool, is receiving increased attention in recent years. There is paucity of Indian studies on salivary biomarkers of oral cancer. The present study aimed to assess the changes in amylase, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glutathione S-transfearse (GST) and total antioxidant capacity in blood and saliva of oral cancer patients. We also attempted to correlate the salivary biochemical changes with those of blood in oral cancer. Clinically diagnosed oral cancer patients (n=60) and healthy controls (n=30), were the subjects of the study. Activities of amylase and LDH in blood and saliva, and salivary total protein levels were significantly higher in oral cancer patients, in comparison to controls. Activity of GST and total antioxidant capacity of blood and saliva, and salivary flow rate were significantly lower in oral ancer patients. There was significant correlation between the activities in blood and saliva, with respect to amylase, LDH and total antioxidant capacity. Enzymes and antioxidant capacity of blood and saliva have the potential to be used as biomarkers in oral cancer.

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