BIOCHEMICAL METABOLITE PROFILING IN ORAL POTENTIALLY MALIGNANT DISORDERS: A DIAGNOSTIC AND PROGNOSTIC APPROACH

Cancer is characterised by the uncontrolled cell growth that disrupt surrounding tissues. Oral cancer (OC) typically starts as a tiny, unexplained growth or lesion of oral cavityextending to the oropharynx. Alterations in antioxidant defence, whether through an increase or decrease, can damage macromolecules, including proteins and other biochemical metabolites. Thus, protein, lipid profile and other biochemical metabolites can be potential biomarkers in oral premalignant. This research aims to determine and compare the levels of serum proteins, Lipid profile, urea, uric acid, and other metabolites in Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders (OPMDs)and Healthy Controls (HC). One hundred sixty males with healthy control were between 22 and 55. A substantial decrease in serum levels of uric acid, total protein, total cholesterol, HDL, VLDL and triglycerides (TG) was detected in subjects with oral precancerous lesions compared to controls. Additionally, oral cancer subjects exhibited elevated serum glucose, urea, and creatinine levels and reduced plasma lipid levels compared to precancerous subjects. The analysis revealed an inverse relationship between plasma lipid levels and the progression of oral diseases. Low serum levels of uric acid, total cholesterol, total protein, triglycerides, and HDL may serve as indicators of an increased risk for developing precancerous conditions, particularly in individuals with tobacco use. Elevated serum levels of creatinine and glucose and low lipid profile parameters could be potential diagnostic markers for assessing oral cancer and precancer, alongside other biochemical markers.