Estimation and Comparison of Lipid Profile and Total Serum Protein in Patients with Oral Leukoplakia, Oral Submucous Fibrosis, Oral Lichen Planus, Oral Cancer with that of Healthy Subjects

Abstract

Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) and oral cancer are associated with alterations in lipid metabolism and protein synthesis. Lipids play a crucial role in cell membrane integrity and carcinogenesis, while serum proteins reflect systemic nutritional and inflammatory status. This study aims to estimate and compare lipid profile parameters (Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL), Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL)) and total serum protein levels in patients with oral leukoplakia, oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), oral lichen planus, and oral cancer with that of healthy controls. A total of 200 participants were included, comprising 50 healthy controls and 150 patients diagnosed with one of the above conditions. Lipid and protein levels were measured using standard biochemical assays. Results indicated a significant reduction in total cholesterol, HDL, and serum proteins in oral cancer and OPMDs compared to controls, while triglycerides and LDL levels showed variability. These findings suggest that lipid and protein alterations may serve as potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis of OPMDs and oral cancer.

Keywords: Oral cancer, Oral potentially malignant disorders, Lipid profile, Serum protein, Biomarkers