Estimation and comparison of serum levels of Copper, Zinc and Cu/Zn ratio as markers of disease activity in oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients

Context: Trace elements such as copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) are involved in vital biochemical reactions, including different redox reactions and free radical formation and in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Several studies have been carried out on Cu, Zn, and iron level in the serum, plasma, and tissue of oral pre-malignant and malignant lesions. Aim: The aim of this study was the estimation and comparison of serum levels of Cu, Zn, and Cu/Zn ratio in oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients. Subjects and Methods: Sera of OSMF (n = 30) and OSCC (n = 30) patients as also of healthy controls was analyzed for the estimation of Cu and Zn using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Statistical Analysis: Analysis of variance was used to compare the results of patients of OSMF, OSCC patients, and the controls. Independent sample's t-test was used to compare the mean values between the two groups. Comparison of mean values between different groups was carried out using Student's t-test using appropriate level of significance and degrees of freedom. Results: Sera levels of Cu were found to be increased while those of Zn were decreased in OSMF and OSSC patients as compared to the healthy controls. Conclusion: It could be concluded that altered sera levels of these trace elements can be helpful in early detection, management, and monitoring the efficacy of treatment in OSMF and OSCC patients.