title: Quantitative analysis of serum levels of trace elements in patients with oral submucous fibrosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma: A randomized cross-sectional study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Metabolic disorders, oral precancerous conditions and oral cancer are accompanied by alterations in the concentration of one or more trace elements like copper, iron, zinc, magnesium etc., in some body fluids, especially blood serum or plasma, which can help not only in the early diagnosis and treatment but also in prognosis. The objective of the study is to evaluate the levels of circulating trace elements (copper, iron, magnesium, zinc and calcium) in serum of patients with Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSF) and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC), to analyze the alteration and identify the best predictors amongst these parameters for disease occurrence and progression and their association with areca nut and betel quid chewing habits.
  
  
  METHODS
  Serum levels of trace elements (copper, iron, magnesium, zinc and calcium) were estimated using electronic absorption colorimetric method. These levels were compared with controls and statistically evaluated using ANOVA and POST-HOC TUKEY tests.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The data analysis revealed that serum copper levels increased gradually from precancer to cancer, as the duration of betel quid chewing habit increased. However, serum iron, magnesium, zinc levels were decreased significantly in both the groups. Serum calcium levels were increased in the cancer group owing to bone resorption in the later stages of the disease, whereas it was close to normal in OSF patients. Among all the trace elements, the best predictor for occurrence of both the lesions was copper.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present study shows that the above trace elements may be associated with the pathogenesis and progression of OSF and OSCC. Betel quid and areca nut chewing habits are frequently associated with both disease states and may play a role in altering the serum levels of these trace elements. Concerted efforts would, therefore, help in early detection, management and monitoring the efficacy of treatment.
authors: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Krishnadevaraya College of Dental Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
authors: Sreelatha S
authors: SS
authors: Hosthor
authors: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Amrith Educational and Cultural Society Maaruti College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
authors: Pushpalatha
authors: P
authors: Mahesh
authors: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Amrith Educational and Cultural Society Maaruti College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
authors: S Anu
authors: SA
authors: Priya
authors: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Amrith Educational and Cultural Society Maaruti College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Sharada
authors: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Madha Dental College, Krundrathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Jyotsna
authors: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Amrith Educational and Cultural Society Maaruti College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Chitra
keywords: Arecanut; betel quid chewing habit; oral squamous cell carcinoma; oral submucous fibrosis; serum trace elements