title: Interdependence of antioxidants and micronutrients in oral cancer and potentially malignant oral disorders: a serum and saliva study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In our previous studies we have evaluated the role of antioxidants and trace elements in potentially malignant disorders and cancers of the oral cavity, taking into consideration the importance of antioxidants as biomarkers in cancer detection. We felt that other than evaluation, the correlation and interdependence that existed among antioxidants and trace elements require further evaluation in order to develop a better understanding.
  
  
  METHODS
  Serum and salivary zinc, glutathione, and superoxide dismutase levels were evaluated in 65 healthy controls, 115 subjects with potentially malignant oral disorders, and 50 subjects with oral squamous cell carcinoma, using the atom absorption photometry, [5, 5-Dithiobis (2 nitrobenzoic acid)], and nitroblue tetrazolium methods, respectively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Serum zinc and serum glutathione showed significant positive correlation (r=0.76, P=0.01). Similarly, salivary glutathione and salivary zinc levels had a positive correlation (r=0.68, P=0.01). Serum superoxide dismutase showed a strong positive correlation with serum zinc (r=0.64, P=0.01). Similarly, there was a moderate positive correlation between salivary superoxide dismutase and salivary zinc (r=0.67, P=0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our findings showed that trace elements and antioxidants exhibited interdependence in serum, as well as in saliva, in both physiologic and pathologic states such as oral cancer.
authors: Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Science, Nitte University, Karnataka, India.
authors: Shishir Ram
authors: SR
authors: Shetty
authors: Professor, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Science, Nitte University Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors: Subhas G
authors: SG
authors: Babu
authors: Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Yenepoya Dental College, Yenepoya University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors: Prasanna Kumar
authors: PK
authors: Rao
authors: Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Century International institute of Dental Sciences, Kasargaod, Kerala, India.
authors: Sham Kannepady
authors: SK
authors: Kishor
authors: Assistant Professor, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Science, Nitte UniversityMangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors: Kumuda Arvind
authors: KA
authors: Rao
authors: Assistant Professor, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Science, Nitte UniversityMangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors: Renita
authors: R
authors: Castelino
keywords: Antioxidants; Copper; Glutathione; Micronutrients; Serum, Saliva; Superoxide dismutase; Zinc
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