Exploratory Study to Evaluate Changes in Serum Lipid Levels as Early Diagnostic and/or Prognostic Indicators for Oral Submucous Fibrosis and Cancer among Gutkha Consumers in India

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> In India smokeless tobacco users account for 25.9% of total tobacco use, Gutkha being themost common form. This study evaluated the association between serum lipid profile and Gutkha use as anearly diagnostic and/or prognostic indicator for oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) and oral cancer (Oral Ca) innon-smokers and non-alcohol consumers. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: A total of 163 participants were recruitedfrom two sites in India. Participants were divided into four groups: individuals without any Gutkha chewinghabit and without any oral lesions (control group), individuals with Gutkha chewing habit but without any orallesions (GWL), patients with a confirmed clinical diagnosis of OSMF, and patients with a confirmed diagnosis ofOral Ca. Mixed linear modelling (MLM) was conducted to detect the change in mean serum lipid levels amongfour groups. <br/><b>Results</b>: The sample consisted of 69% males and 31% females. Results of MLM show an inverserelationship between serum lipid levels in OSMF, and Oral Ca groups when compared to the control group.<br/><b>Conclusions</b>: The results of our study demonstrated that GWL, OSMF and Oral Ca patients had lower serumlipid levels. Low serum lipid levels could be an indicator of initial neoplastic changes in oral cancer.