Salivary Profile Analysis Based on Oral Cancer Risk Habits: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: In Indonesia, cultural practices such as betel quid chewing, smoking, and alcohol consumption are prevalent. These practices are known risk factors for oral cancer and may influence the salivary profile, which is essential for maintaining oral health.

Purpose: To compare the salivary profiles of individuals with and without risk factors for oral cancer.

Methods: The study included 49 individuals identified as having risk factors for oral cancer. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected. Various parameters were measured, including salivary pH, flow rate (FR), thickness, color, turbidity, and the levels of IL-1β and IL-8. Data were analyzed using Chi-square and t-tests.

Results: A significant difference was found in salivary IL-1β levels between the two groups (p = 0.009), with higher levels observed in individuals with oral cancer risk factors. Notably, the salivary IL-1β concentrations showed significant differences between the smoking group (p = 0.021; OR = 2.94) and the alcohol-drinking group (p = 0.007; OR = 4.96) compared to the control group. However, no significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of salivary viscosity, color, turbidity, flow rate, acidity, or IL-8 levels (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Individuals with risk factors for oral cancer exhibit distinct salivary IL-1β profiles compared to those without such risk factors, particularly those who practice alcohol drinking.

Keywords: oral cancer; risk factor; saliva.

Figure 1

Bar chart showing the mean and standard deviation of pH, salivary flow rate, IL-1β, IL-8 among the studied groups. ** p < 0.01 * p < 0.05.

Figure 2

Kaplan–Meier analysis of time to IL-1β level among the groups.

Figure 3

Series of risk factor habits based on the duration and salivary flow rate 10 min. (BQC, betel quid chewing).

Figure 4

The salivary flow rates over a 10 min period vary across different risk factor habit groups as follows: smoking: 13.0 mL; alcohol: 6.50 (3.10) mL; betel quid chewing (BQC): 3.54 (1.86) mL; smoking–alcohol: 4.20 (1.64) mL; smoking–BQC: 2 mL; alcohol–BQC: 4.24 (2.28) mL; smoking–alcohol–BQC: 4.50 mL.