Alterations in serum lipid profile patterns in oral cancer and oral precancerous lesions and conditions—a clinical study

Abstract

Introduction Changes in lipid profile have long been associated with malignancies as lipids play a key role in maintenance of cell integrity. This study evaluated the alterations in extended lipid profile in untreated patients of oral submucus fibrosis (OSMF), oral leukoplakia, and oral lichen planus, with respect to healthy controls and proven cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Materials and Method In this hospital-based study, 25 clinically diagnosed and histopathologically proven patients of oral squamous cell carcinoma and 15 healthy controls were compared with 15 patients each of OSMF, leukoplakia, and lichen planus. In these groups, serum lipids including: (i) total cholesterol, (ii) high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), and (iii) triglycérides were analyzed. Results A significant decrease in plasma total cholesterol, HDLC, and triglycerides was observed in the patients with the precancerous lesions and conditions as compared to the controls. Thus, an inverse relationship between plasma lipid levels and patients was found. However, they had higher levels of cholesterol and lower levels of HDLC and triglycérides as compared to the oral squamous cell carcinoma group. Conclusion The lower levels of plasma cholesterol and other lipid constituents in patients might be due to their increased utilization. The findings strongly warrant an in-depth study of alterations in plasma lipid profile in patients with oral precancerous lesions and conditions.