Estimation of serum iron and protein levels in oral submucous fibrosis: A clinical research

Background: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a potentially malignant oral condition which shares a unique predisposition of occurrence in the Indian subcontinent, parts of Asia and among individuals of the Indian origin abroad and continues to rise in incidence between younger and older people. Therefore, early detection of the disease can serve as the best available tool and can play a significant role in providing effective treatment at the appropriate time and thus preventing it from malignant transformation. Aim: To estimate and compare the serum iron and protein levels between OSMF and normal subjects. Materials and Methods: A study was conducted in which 60 patients of age group 1845 year were taken, out of which 30 were clinically and histopathologically diagnosed as OSMF and 30 were normal. All 60 subjects were evaluated for serum iron and protein levels. Statistical analysis was done by unpaired t-test followed by one-way ANOVA test. Results: Statistical analysis of the data obtained a significant variation in serum iron and protein levels in OSMF and normal subjects. Serum level of iron showed significant reduction when compared to normal subjects while mean serum level of protein showed a gradual increase compared to normal subjects. Conclusion: It can be suggested that biochemical assessment of patients with areca nut chewing habit may help in the earlier diagnosis of OSMF and thus may lead to a better prognosis of these lesions.