Oxidative Stress Enzyme as Markers in Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients

Abstract

Oxidative stress is a recognized factor that poses a significant risk for the development of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) and Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF), as it leads to the generation of Reactive Oxygen Species. In recent years, there has been significant research on the enzymes MDA (malondialdehyde) and SOD (superoxide dismutase), investigating their potential role in the development of OPMD and OSCC. These enzymes have emerged as promising biomarkers due to their ability to provide a less invasive, cost-effective, and objective diagnostic method. Furthermore, they can be used to monitor disease progression and assess the effectiveness of therapy. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of MDA and SOD in the serum of patients diagnosed with OSCC and OSMF. Study group comprised of 60 patients, out of which 20 cases of clinically diagnosed OSCC patients and 20 cases of OSMF and 20 cases pf control comprising of healthy patients were recruited. Estimation MDA and SOD was done by ELISA. The statistical analysis was done using SPSS analysis. When comparing the levels of MDA and SOD between the OSCC and OSMF groups and the control group, statistically significant findings indicated elevated levels of malondialdehyde and reduced levels of superoxide dismutase in both the OSCC and OSMF groups. In this study, the assessment of lipid peroxidation through MDA levels revealed elevated concentrations in both the OSCC and OSMF groups when compared to the control group. Specifically, the order of MDA levels was observed as OSCC > OSMF > Control. Conversely, antioxidant enzyme levels, such as SOD, exhibited decreased concentrations in the OSCC and OSMF groups compared to the control group, with the order of SOD levels being Control > OSMF > OSCC. Consequently, the findings suggest that MDA and SOD can be considered potential biomarkers for identifying and monitoring OSCC and OSMF diseases.

Keywords: ELISA; MDA; OSCC; OSMF; Oxidative stress; ROS; SOD.

Fig. 1

Image after performing histopathology (a) Well differentiated OSCC (b) Poor differentiated OSCC (c) OSMF (d) Healthy control

Fig. 2

(a) ROS production due to areca nut and tobacco. (b) Enzymatic antioxidant (SOD) catalyses the ROS to protect the cells. (c) ROS initiates lipid peroxidation by disrupting the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) is produced which causes oxidation, reactive aldehydes MDA is produced which targets DNA, protein lipids and causes oxidative damage resulting in cell apoptosis. (d) ROS causes damange in mitochondria and DNA