Evaluation of serum and salivary total sialic acid and α-l-fucosidase in patients with oral precancerous conditions and oral cancer.

OBJECTIVE

We compared serum and salivary total sialic acid/total protein (TSA/TP) ratios and α-l-fucosidase activity in patients with oral precancerous conditions (OPCs) and oral cancer to better understand the utility of saliva, in monitoring early changes occurring during oral cancer progression.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of 100 oral cancer patients, 50 patients with OPC, and 100 controls was performed.

RESULTS

Serum and salivary TSA/TP ratios and α-l-fucosidase activity were significantly higher in OPC and oral cancer patients compared to the controls. Also, levels were higher in controls and oral cancer patients with tobacco habits as compared to those without tobacco habits.

CONCLUSIONS

Salivary TSA/TP ratio and α-l-fucosidase activity were elevated with higher magnitude than serum levels. These results suggest that a larger study may prove the use of these saliva biomarkers as a noninvasive method for detecting early changes occurring during oral carcinogenesis.