Abstract

DETERMINATION OF PLASMA HOMOCYSTEINE LEVELS IN ORAL SUBMUCOUS FIBROSIS & ORAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA USING HIGH PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY AND ITS PLAUSIBILITY AS A POTENTIAL BIOMARKER.

Dr. Shetty Shravya Jaganath*, Dr. Hallikeri Kaveri and Dr. Akshata Okade

Abstract

Homocysteine is a non essential amino acid, and the altered levels are noted in various diseases, including a plethora of cancers. A thorough literature review of various cancers like that of breast, lung, prostate, colorectal region, ovaries and head and neck, revealed inconsistent plasma homocysteine levels. Only a handful of studies on amino acids exist in oral potentially malignant disorders and oral carcinomas. Thus, we aimed at evaluating plasma Homocysteine levels in healthy controls, OSF and OSCC (Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma) patients; and determining its plausibility as a potential biomarker in these conditions. Plasma homocysteine was evaluated in controls (n=10), OSF (n=20) and OSCC patients (n=20) using Reverse phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography. The results obtained were statistically analyzed using Non parametric tests such as Mann Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis tests. The plasma homocysteine levels were elevated in OSF and OSCC patients as compared to healthy controls. Conversely, levels in OSCC patients were lower compared to OSF patients. These levels were correlated amongst the three groups and with their clinical parameters. Although statistically insignificant, the altered plasma homocysteine level plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of these conditions as it brings about oxidative DNA damage, initiating carcinogenesis. It is an indicator of folate and Vitamin B12 levels, and supplementation with these vitamins could act as chemopreventive agents in combating hyperhomocysteinemia, arresting the disease progression in OSF and aiding in and treatment of OSCC. Concerted efforts would help in early detection, management and monitoring the efficacy of treatment.

Keywords: Homocysteine, OSF, OSCC, plasma.