Malonaldehyde Levels in Dental Disorders and Effect of Anti Oxidant Supplementation on it

Free radical induced lipid peroxidation has been implicated in pathogenisis of several disorders. Lipid peroxidation product malonaldehyde (MDA) was analyzed before and after Vitamin c supplementation (500 mg single dose daily for 6 weeks) in 25 patients of leukoplakia, 47 patients of oral submucous fibrosis, 21 patients of candidiasis, 67 patients of dental caries, 62 patients of oral cancer and 50 healthy controls. Significantly elevated levels of MDA were observed in leukoplakia, oral submucous fibrosis, and cancer as compared to controls (p<0.05). After six weeks of vitamin C supplementation MDA levels decreased in patients of candidiasis and dental caries but in leukoplakia, oral submucous fibrosis and cancer not much change was observed. These findings indicate a role of free radicals in their pathogenesis and effect of Vitamin C supplementation on their levels.