Estimation of serum antioxidative enzyme glutathione peroxidase, serum copper and zinc ratio in patients with oral potentially malignant disorders and oral cancer -A comparative biochemical study
1Upendra Gurugubelli, 2Ramesh Tatapudi, 3R. Sudhakara Reddy, 4Ravikanth Manyam, 5Sowmya Vimala Nandika, 6Veera Kumari Merneedi and 7Ujwala Neelathi
1MDS in Oral Medicine and Radiology, Visakhapatnam - 530003 (India) 2,3,5,6Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Vishnu Dental College, Bhimavaram - 534202 (India) 4Department of Oral Pathology, Vishnu Dental College, Bhimavaram - 534202 (India) 7Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Sree Sai Dental College, Srikakulam - 532401 (India) *Corresponding author Email ID: nandikasowmya01@gmail.com Phone number – 7075859450
ABSTRACT
Oral cancer is a life-threatening disease that most commonly arises from OPMDs, necessitating the need for early detection. This cross-sectional study assessed serum levels of antioxidants and trace elements like glutathione peroxidase (GPx), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) as potential biomarkers in 75 participants categorized into three groups, with 25 each, Group I (OPMDS), Group II (OSCC), and Group III (healthy controls). Serum levels of GPx, Cu, and Zn were analyzed by using ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc tests. Results showed GPx levels were noticeably lower in Groups I and II compared to Group III. Copper levels were highest in Group II, followed by Group I and lowest in Group III, showing statistical significance. Zinc levels varied significantly between Groups II and I but not between Groups I and III. The Cu: Zn ratio was highest in Group I, followed by Group III and lowest in Group II, but this difference was not statistically significant. Findings suggest that reduced GPx levels may heighten oxidative stress. Elevated serum copper and altered Cu: Zn ratio suggest their role in cancer progression.