Background: the current study investigated the level of salivary 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine & total antioxidant capacity in oral premalignant and malignant lesions in order to determine their diagnostic value for the malignant patients.
Methods: A total of 120 subjects diagnosed with leukoplakia (n=30), oral lichen planus (n=30), oral squamous cell carcinoma (n=30) & healthy control subjects (n=30) were included in this study. Salivary samples from all participants were collected. 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay technique and the level of total antioxidant capacity had been measured by means of photometric system.
Results: A significant higher salivary levels of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine was observed in the group of oral squamous cell carcinoma in comparison to other groups. Comparing leukoplakia & oral lichen planus groups, no significant difference existed. Total antioxidant capacity showed its lowest value, with statistical significance, in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients. As between different grades of oral squamous cell carcinoma, significant difference had been registered in 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine between grade III and the other two grades while for total antioxidant only statistical significance existed between grade I and III.
Conclusion: Salivary 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine & total antioxidant capacity are noteworthy diagnostic markers that can be utilized in diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma.