Association between squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck and serum folate and homocysteine.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum levels of folate and homocysteine in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) and to correlate them with the clinical stage. An attempt was made to associate the results with the effects of smoking.


METHODS
Serum levels of folate and homocysteine were measured in 150 patients with histologically-proven SCCHN before any treatment and in 150 healthy volunteers (77 smokers and 73 nonsmokers).


RESULTS
The study indicated a positive correlation between hyperhomocysteinemia and hypofolatemia and the presence of SCCHN. Folate deficiency and high levels of homocysteine were noted in a large number of healthy smokers.


CONCLUSIONS
If metabolic disorders of the methionine cycle are confirmed as risk factors for SCCHN, folate as a dietary supplement might play a role in chemoprevention and the posttreatment care of SCCHN patients.
Eleftheriadou
Anna
A
Department of Otolaryngology, G. Gennimatas Hospital, Athens, Greece. aegika@yahoo.gr
Chalastras
Thomas
T
Ferekidou
Elisa
E
Yiotakis
Ioannis
I
Kyriou
Lambrini
L
Tzagarakis
Michalis
M
Ferekidis
Eleftherios
E
Kandiloros
Dimitrios
D
D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000097:blood* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000097:blood*; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000097:blood* / Q000473:pathology; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D020138:Hyperhomocysteinemia / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012907:Smoking / Q000097:blood
D006710:Homocysteine; D005492:Folic Acid