Role of immunoglobulins in oral submucous fibrosis

Abstract

The publishing of the article, ‘Estimation of major immunoglobulin (IgG, IgA, IgM) levels in patients with oral submucous fibrosis,’ explains the role of immunoglobulins as biochemical markers and their variations in the pathogenesis of oral submucous fibrosis. [1] Oral submucous fibrosis is a premalignant condition, which is more commonly found in patients in the Asian subcontinent. It is usually characterized by a progressive increase in the constriction of the bands of collagen in the cheeks and adjacent structures of the oral cavity, which results in restricted mouth opening, dysphagia, and causes problems in speech. [2] The exact etiology is unknown, but chewing betel quid as well as other areca nut–containing products, excessive use of spices; vitamin and iron deficiency, and poor nutrition are some of the contributing factors. Serum immunoglobulin levels, which are used as biochemical markers to assess humoral immunity, continue to be an area of investigative research for their role in the pathophysiology of oral submucous fibrosis. [3] The changes in serum immunoglobulin levels may appear much before the actual clinical symptoms. IgA is one of the main components of the adaptive immune system present in the saliva. Secretory IgA antibodies inhibit microbial adherence, metabolic pathways, colonization and penetration of the mucosal surfaces; neutralize enzymes, viruses, and toxins; mediate expulsion of plasmids and agglutination of microbes; and inhibit the growth of certain organisms. Plasma cells that are in close proximity to the secretory epithelial cells secrete IgA. The principal immunoglobulin in