title: Serum vitamin c and iron levels in oral submucous fibrosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In this study Serum Vitamin C and Iron levels in Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) were estimated. The objective was to evaluate the correlation between Serum Vitamin C and Iron levels in OSMF individuals. Serum Iron content can be a predictor for the progression of this condition. OSMF is basically a disorder of collagen metabolism where Vitamin C gets utilized in conversion of proline into hydroxyproline, this hydroxylation reaction requires ferrous Iron and Vitamin C. Many studies regarding micronutrients and other antioxidants levels have been emphasized, but very few studies are done on the Serum levels of Vitamin C and its correlation with Iron in OSMF patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty five OSMF patients and 50 deleterious habit free healthy individuals (controls) were selected. Two ml of venous blood was collected from each individual. Vitamin C level in serum was estimated by 2-4 dinitrophenylhydrazine method and Iron estimated by Tripyridyl method.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The level of Serum Vitamin-C and Iron was significantly decreased in OSMF patients when compared to controls which were statistically significant.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  On the basis of these observations, it seems possible that the chemical, thermal and/or mechanical factors associated with the use of areca nut may act in conjunction with the Vitamin C and Iron deficiency leading to the development of OSMF. Therapeutic substitution of vitamin C and Iron may be recommended in the management of OSMF.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, People's College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Karond Bhanpur Bypass Road, Bhopal, India.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Guruprasad
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, People's College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Karond Bhanpur Bypass Road, Bhopal, India.
authors.forename: Preeti P
authors.initials: PP
authors.lastname: Nair
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, People's College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Karond Bhanpur Bypass Road, Bhopal, India.
authors.forename: Manika
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, Chiraiyu Medical College, Bhopal, India.
authors.forename: Manishi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.affiliation: Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, People's College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Karond Bhanpur Bypass Road, Bhopal, India.
authors.forename: Mp
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, People's College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Karond Bhanpur Bypass Road, Bhopal, India.
authors.forename: Arpit
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jain
keywords: Iron; Vitamin C; oral submucous fibrosis