Evaluation of salivary alkaline phosphatase levels in tobacco users to determine its role as a biomarker in oral potentially malignant disorders

Abstract

The aim of this study evaluate the salivary alkaline phosphatase levels in tobacco users to determine its role as a biomarker in oral potentially malignant disorders. This prospective observational study comprised 60 individuals aged between 18 and 70 years who were categorized into four groups. For Group II, Group III and Group IV, individuals with the habit of smoking/tobacco chewing for a minimum period of 6 months were included in this study. The mean values for S‑ALP were found to be about 19.00 IU/L (SD 12.37) for Group I (range from 7 to 50 IU/L), 8.50 IU/L (SD 3.35) for Group II (range from 2 to 14 IU/L), 5.60 IU/L (SD 1.01) for Group III (range from 1 to 8 IU/L) and 65.90 IU/L (SD 50.70) for Group IV (range from 10 to 146 IU/L). Comparison of S‑ALP between the groups showed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) using Kruskal–Wallis’ ANOVA. To know if there is any difference in S‑ALP levels between tobacco users and nonusers (Groups I and II and Groups I and III) and among the different forms of tobacco users (Groups II and III), the mean S‑ALP levels were compared using Mann–Whitney U‑test.