Assessment of lactate dehydrogenase status in oral submucosa fibrosis patients

Abstract

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF or OSF) is a chronic, premalignant, complex, (1% transformation risk) condition of the oral cavity. This is generally featured by juxta-epithelial inflammation and progressive fibrosis of the submucosal tissue which includes the lamina propria and deeper connective tissues. With the progression of this disease, the jaws become rigid to that extent that the person will find it difficult to open his mouth. The condition is remotely linked to oral cancers and is associated with areca nut or betel quid chewing, a habit similar to tobacco chewing. 25 OSMF patients and 25 healthy individuals from the OP of Saveetha Dental College. Serum samples were it is analyzed for serum Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) by Pyruvate Method using ERBA CHEM 5 plus analyzer. A significant rise in LDH (p<0.005) levels in OSMF patients when compared with healthy controls, by the influence of OSMF on LDH metabolism. Our findings suggest that assessment of LDH can be used as an effective biochemical diagnostic tool for the manifestation of OSMF and other types of malignancy in patients.