SALIVARY BIOMARKERS FOR NON-INVASIVE DETECTION OF ORAL POTENTIALLY MALIGNANT DISORDERS (OPMDS)
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Keywords
Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders, Salivary Biomarkers, Non-invasive Diagnosis, IL-6, LDH, MicroRNA
Abstract
Introduction: Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders (OPMDs) are potentially malignant disorders because they may convert into oral cancer. Timely detection of health problems, without surgery, helps patients to recover faster. Salivary biomarkers are popular for testing because they are easy to obtain and cause little discomfort.
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of salivary biomarkers for non-invasive detection of OPMDs in patients attending different hospitals in Pakistan.
Materials and Method: A prospective case-control study was conducted from March 2024 to August 2024 with 100 participants. Saliva samples were collected and analyzed for biomarkers including IL-6, LDH, and specific microRNAs using ELISA and RT-PCR techniques.
Results: Significant elevation of IL-6, LDH, and certain microRNAs was observed in OPMD patients compared to healthy controls (p < 0.05), demonstrating high sensitivity and specificity for detecting potentially malignant lesions.
Conclusion: Salivary biomarkers represent a valuable, non-invasive diagnostic tool for early identification of OPMDs, potentially enabling timely intervention and reducing oral cancer incidence.
References
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Dr Syeda Rabia Rahat Gilani
Assistant Professor, Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Foundation University College of Dentistry, Foundation University, Islamabad.
Dr Rafey Ahmad Jameel
Assistant Professor, Department of Oral Biology, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi.
Dr Wajahat Ghafoor Chaudhary
Assistant Professor, Department of Oral Pathology, Foundation University College of Dentistry, Foundation University, Islamabad
Dr Ammar Abdullah Malik
Assistant Professor & Head of Oral Biology Department, Foundation University College of Dentistry, Foundation University, Islamabad.
Dr Shah Salman Khan
Associate Professor, Department of Oral Biology, Bashir College of Dentistry, Islamabad
Dr Qaiser Masud Sheikh
Assistant Professor, Department of Dental Education & Research, Foundation University College of Dentistry, Foundation University, Islamabad.