A Salivary Calcium Binding Protein in Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Relation to Smoking

Background: Calcium binding protein regulates many important cellular functions such as cell proliferation, cell motility and differentiation. Over-expression of calcium BP was detected in different human cancers, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Therefore the aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of calcium binding protein in OSCC, quantified in stimulated saliva, and its association with smoking. Materials and methods: The present study included 20 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma who used to be smokers, and 40 control subjects. Calcium binding protein was assessed by ELISA technique, in stimulated saliva collected from all groups. Results: Salivary calcium binding protein was significantly higher in smoker patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma than smoker and nonsmoker control healthy looking subjects. Conclusions: Salivary calcium binding protein play a significant role, as a non-invasive approach, in the early diagnosis and follow up of oral squamous cell carcinoma patients.