Clinical Relevance of Serum Total Sialic acid in Oral Leukoplakia and Oral Squamous cell carcinoma - A Randomized study.

Dr. Bhanushree R

Volume : IV, Issue : XII, December - 2015

Clinical Relevance of Serum Total Sialic acid in Oral Leukoplakia and Oral Squamous cell carcinoma - A Randomized study.

Dr. Bhanushree R

Abstract :

Background: An important molecular change that accompanies malignant transformation is altered glycosylation of glycoconjugates. Total Sialic acid is a glycoconjugate, which forms the terminal epitope of carbohydrates. It is thought to be important in determining the surface properties of cells. It has been implicated in cellular invasiveness, adhesiveness and immunogenicity. In this background, this study was aimed to investigate the clinical relevance and direct correlation of circulatory levels of serum Total Sialic acid for early diagnosis and management of patients with potentially malignant disorder and cancer of oral cavity. Method: Serum Total Sialic acid levels (TSA) were evaluated from 25 each untreated patients of Oral Leukoplakia(OLP), Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) and 25 age and sex matched healthy controls (HC) using the simplified quick method by G Sydow and measured Spectrophotometrically at 525nm. Results: Statistical analysis showed Significant elevated Serum TSA (P<0.001) in untreated OSCC patients as compared to untreated OLP patients and HC. Analysis of variants (ANOVA) documented significant difference in the mean TSA levels in the 3 groups; OSCC, OLP and HC (P<0.001). Bonferroni’s test acknowledged significant difference between HC & OLP group; HC group & OSCC group; and OLP group & OSCC group with respect to the mean TSA levels (P<0.001). Conclusion: The data revealed an ascending order of serum TSA levels from HC to OLP to OSCC, suggesting the potential utility of this parameter in initial diagnosis of OLP &OSCC.