Risk Of Oral Cancer Research Articles

Genetic association of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 gene polymorphisms (rs2227631 and rs6092) with susceptibility to oral premalignant disorders in a South Indian cohort.

Oral potentially malignant disorders impact the oral mucosa and elevate the risk of oral cancer. In India, the high prevalence of oral submucous fibrosis and leukoplakia is attributed to habits such as tobacco use and smoking. Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 plays a crucial role in cancer progression. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms are the most widespread genetic variations associated with various diseases, including cancers. This study aimed to investigate the association between PAI-1 promoter rs2227631 (- 844G > A) and missense variant rs6092 (+ 43G > A) polymorphisms and the susceptibility to OSMF and leukoplakia in a South Indian cohort of chewers and smokers. The rs2227631 and rs6092 of PAI-1 were analysed using PCR- RFLP in 285 subjects including OSMF, leukoplakia and healthy controls, along with their habitual factors. The allele frequencies and genotypic associations were examined. The impact of these SNPs on mRNA secondary structure, gene-gene and protein-protein interactions was also analysed using in silico tools. The habits of chewers and smokers were (79% and 72%) in OSMF and (62% and 75%) in leukoplakia and disease prevalent was (78% and 59%) males and (22% and 26%) females respectively. The G allele of rs2227631 and A allele of rs6092 were significantly associated with the diseases (P < 0.05). PAI-1 polymorphisms rs2227631 and rs6092 were associated with OSMF and leukoplakia of the south Indian cohort.

Exploring genes associated with metabolic dysfunction as therapeutic targets for head and neck cancers: a novel strategy.

Evidence suggests a potential link between metabolic dysfunction and head and neck cancer (HNC). This study investigates the potential causal relationships between metabolic dysfunction and HNC using genetic data. While no significant causal associations were identified between metabolic indicators and HNC risk, the research revealed that inhibition of certain genes could reduce cancer risk. Specifically, inhibiting SLC5A2 was associated with a decreased risk of HNC and oropharyngeal cancer (OPC), while KCNJ11 inhibition was linked to a reduced risk of oral cavity cancer (OCC). Additionally, inhibiting SLC5A1 and CACNB2 showed a connection to lower OPC risk. These findings suggest that targeting these genes could offer promising therapeutic strategies for preventing and treating HNC, as well as improving both preoperative and postoperative management in affected patients.

Significant risk factors for oral mucosa cancer in the Altai Krai population

Relevance. Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, including oral and oropharyngeal cancer, ranks as the seventh most common cancer worldwide, contributing to over 660,000 new cases and 325,000 deaths annually. Understanding the interplay of adverse factors, their association with disease development, and the creation of mathematical risk prediction models can play a crucial role in enhancing screening efforts and advancing primary prevention of malignant neoplasms.Objective. This study aimed to identify significant risk factors for oral mucosa cancer in the Altai Krai population and to develop a mathematical model for disease risk assessment.Material and methods. The study included 184 patients diagnosed with oral mucosa cancer, along with a control group of 416 healthy volunteers with no history or current diagnosis of oncological diseases. A total of 39 potential risk factors were analyzed across all participants. Statistical analyses were conducted to identify region-specific risk factors for Altai Krai. Binary logistic regression and ROC analysis were used to construct the risk prediction model.Results. Comparative analysis between the patient group and the control group revealed differences in 19 of the 39 evaluated factors. However, the final risk prediction model identified five key factors significantly influencing disease development. Advanced age, smoking status, the number of cigarettes smoked, and alcohol consumption were found to substantially increase the risk of oral mucosa cancer, while engagement in intellectual work-related activities was associated with a reduced risk. The resulting formula demonstrated high predictive accuracy, with an Area Under the ROC Curve (AUC) of 0.91, a standard error of 0.024, and a 95% confidence interval of 0.856–0.955 (z-statistic: 17.50; significance level: P (area = 0.5) &lt; 0.001). Both the sensitivity and specificity of the model were high.Conclusion. The developed risk assessment model shows great promise for helping screen and diagnose oral cancer in the Altai Krai population. This tool could give dentists and healthcare providers a simple, practical way to identify individuals at risk early by using well-established risk factors.

Artificial Intelligence in Oral Cancer: A Comprehensive Scoping Review of Diagnostic and Prognostic Applications

Background/Objectives: Oral cancer, the sixth most common cancer worldwide, is linked to smoke, alcohol, and HPV. This scoping analysis summarized early-onset oral cancer diagnosis applications to address a gap. Methods: A scoping review identified, selected, and synthesized AI-based oral cancer diagnosis, screening, and prognosis literature. The review verified study quality and relevance using frameworks and inclusion criteria. A full search included keywords, MeSH phrases, and Pubmed. Oral cancer AI applications were tested through data extraction and synthesis. Results: AI outperforms traditional oral cancer screening, analysis, and prediction approaches. Medical pictures can be used to diagnose oral cancer with convolutional neural networks. Smartphone and AI-enabled telemedicine make screening affordable and accessible in resource-constrained areas. AI methods predict oral cancer risk using patient data. AI can also arrange treatment using histopathology images and address data heterogeneity, restricted longitudinal research, clinical practice inclusion, and ethical and legal difficulties. Future potential includes uniform standards, long-term investigations, ethical and regulatory frameworks, and healthcare professional training. Conclusions: AI may transform oral cancer diagnosis and treatment. It can develop early detection, risk modelling, imaging phenotypic change, and prognosis. AI approaches should be standardized, tested longitudinally, and ethical and practical issues related to real-world deployment should be addressed.

Evaluation of knowledge and attitudes of dentists and dental students about oral cancer

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and negative attitudes of dentists and 4th-grade and 5th-grade students of dentistry towards oral cancer (OC). Methods: The study was conducted on 417 individuals consisting of 100 dentists, 186 5th-grade, and 131 4th-grade students. The questionnaire included questions on demographic characteristics, 10 questions measuring their knowledge about OC risk factors (knowledge-risk factors), 5 questions measuring their knowledge regarding the diagnosis of OC (knowledge-diagnostic procedures), and 11 questions assessing their attitudes towards OC (negative attitudes). Results: While there is no significant difference between dentists and 5th-grade students in knowledge-risk factors and knowledge-diagnostic procedures total scores, the total score of the 4th-grade students was statistically significantly different from these groups (P=.001). Looking at the negative attitudes total score, there is no significant difference between 5th and 4th-grade students, while total score of dentists was observed a statistically significant difference (P=.001). While knowledge-risk factors and knowledge-diagnostic procedures total scores were significantly and positively correlated (r=.287, P

Strong inorganic acid mists and respiratory tract cancers: a meta-analysis.

Exposure to strong inorganic acid mists (SIAMs) in the workplace has been linked to respiratory tract cancers. We conducted a meta-analysis of cohort and case-control studies examining the association between occupational SIAMs and respiratory tract cancers other than laryngeal cancer, which is already established. Studies mentioned in the 1992 IARC Monograph on carcinogenicity of SIAMs were combined with later studies identified from a systematic search of Scopus, PubMed and Embase. Forest plots of relative risks (RR) and odds ratios were constructed for the 34 identified studies. A random-effects model was used to address heterogeneity. An association between the roles associated with occupational SIAMs exposure and risk of lung (RR = 1.17; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05-1.32), and nasal cancers (RR = 3.30, 95% CI = 1.16-9.41) was found. The risk of oral and pharyngeal cancer was also associated with SIAMs exposure-related roles (RR = 1.59, 95% CI = 0.98-2.57). Results did not differ by study design, gender or outcome for all three cancers. A positive association for lung cancer was found with chemical (RR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.13-1.38), and metal and steel industries (RR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.04-1.37), as well as for oral and pharyngeal cancer with chemical industry (RR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.57-1.89). We checked publication bias for lung (p = 0.35), oral and pharyngeal (p = 0.02) and nasal cancer (p = 0.40). Our study showed an association between occupational SIAM exposure and risk of lung, nasal, and possibly oral and pharyngeal cancers. However, weaknesses in the recording of confounding and exposure data in the currently available literature were found.

Does Mouthwash Use Affect Oral Cancer Risk? A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Does Mouthwash Use Affect Oral Cancer Risk? A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Clinical predictors of disease severity in oral lichen planus

Abstract Background The limited understanding of factors influencing the disease progression of oral lichen planus (OLP) poses challenges in delivering effective and personalised treatment for this condition, known to increase the risk of oral cancer and adversely impact patient quality of life. Objective This study aimed to systematically identify clinical predictors of disease severity in OLP patients. Methods This cross-sectional and single-site prospective study was conducted between December 2021 and February 2024 in the Departments of Oral Medicine and Oral &amp; Maxillofacial Surgery, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. Patients presenting with OLP aged 18 years or older diagnosed using Van der Meij and Van der Waal criteria were eligible to the study. Out of a total of 270 eligible OLP patients presenting consecutively to the outpatient clinics during the study period, 89 patients agreed to participate and were enrolled into the study. Participants demographic and relevant clinical data, namely medical history, smoking status, alcohol consumption, perceived stress levels, oral hygiene status and haematologic and biochemical parameters, including full blood count, haematinics, vitamin D were recorded. The outcome measure was OLP disease severity measured as the Oral Disease Severity Score (ODSS), Gingival ODSS and Reticular/hyperkeratotic, Erosive/erythematous, Ulcerative (REU scoring system). Results A total of 89 participants were recruited into the study. The median [IQRs] age of the study population was 66 [58 to 73] years, and 65 (73%) patients were females. The median total ODSS score was 10 (range: 0-44). After adjustment for confounding factors, patients with lichen planus affecting skin or other mucosal sites had a 5.76-unit higher OLP severity score (B=5.76, 95% CI=.74-10.78, P=.025) than those without extraoral involvement as measured by ODSS. Patients with insufficient vitamin D exhibited 5.49-unit increase in disease severity (B = 5.49, 95% CI = 1.13-9.84, P= 0.014) compared to those with adequate vitamin D levels. Conclusions This study identified the importance of cutaneous and/or genital lichen planus in phenotyping OLP disease severity. We also highlight the role of vitamin D as a significant predictor of disease severity of OLP, suggesting the importance of adequate vitamin D levels in lichen planus.

Associations of lifestyle factors with oral cancer risk: An umbrella review.

Oral cancer is a common head and neck cancer malignancy that seriously affects patients' quality of life and increases the health care burden. Moreover, there is a lack of comprehensive reviews of previous research on factors associated with oral cancer. The aim of the current umbrella review was to provide a comprehensive and systematic summary of relevant studies, to grade the quality of evidence of relevant studies, and to provide guidance for the prevention of oral cancer. The PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, Cochrane Library, Embase and CNKI databases were searched for relevant meta-analyses and systematic reviews. Two authors extracted the data separately and assessed the quality of the studies using the AMSTAR-2(A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews-2) scale. A total of 28 meta-analyses were included in this review:13 meta-analyses of dietary factors and 8 meta-analyses of behavioural habits and 7 meta-analyses of factors that were difficult to categorise as dietary and behavioural. Alcohol, tobacco (chewing tobacco/secondhand smoke exposure), betel quid , processed meat, periodontal disease, HPV (especially HPV16 and HR-HPV) infection, and chronic mechanical irritation were positively correlated with the risk of oral cancer. Vitamin C-rich citrus fruits were negatively associated with the risk of oral cancer . Fish, milk and dairy products except butter, coffee and tea intake may be negatively associated with the risk of oral cancer, but subgroup analyses of studies of fish and milk revealed significant effects only for European populations. Additionally, green tea showed the strongest protective effect among teas. High and moderate coffee intake was negatively associated with the risk of oral cancer. Oral hygiene maintenance was also negatively associated with the risk of oral cancer. Reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption, refraining from direct or indirect exposure to tobacco products, and reducing betel quid chewing may lead to a reduced risk of oral cancer. Reducing the intake of processed meat, moderate intake of coffee, the consumption of green tea of appropriate temperature and strength, fish and citrus fruit intake, and oral hygiene, preventing periodontal diseases and HPV infections, and reducing mechanical stimulation of the oral mucosa caused by various reasons can exert protective effects against oral cancer.

U-shaped relationship between serum uric acid and gastric cancer risk: a large prospective cohort study

ObjectiveWe conducted this study to investigate the relationship between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and the risk of upper gastrointestinal cancer.MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study with 475659 cancer-free participants from the UK Biobank. All subjects were grouped into quartiles, and we used a Cox proportional hazards model to analyze the association between SUA levels and the risk of upper gastrointestinal cancer and explore the potential sex-specific relationship.ResultsOf the 475659 participants, 883 eventually developed upper gastrointestinal cancers over a median follow-up period of 6.7 years. We observed that SUA level was positively correlated with the risk of female oral cancer (hazard ratio Quartile 4 vs Quartile 1 (95% CI): 2.05(1.03,4.06)) and negatively associated with the risk of esophageal cancer in the general population (hazard ratio Quartile 3 vs Quartile 1 (95% CI): 0.65(0.45,0.93)). The risk of gastric cancer in males showed a U-shaped trend, decreasing and then increasing as SUA levels increased (hazard ratio Quartile 3 vs Quartile 1 (95% CI): 0.51(0.32,0.81)). The risk of small intestine cancer in females showed a trend of increasing and then decreasing with increasing SUA levels (hazard ratio Quartile 3 vs Quartile 1 (95% CI): 3.34(1.10,10.13)). Interaction analysis indicated that various factors, such as age, sex, smoking and drinking status, family history of cancer and BMI might play an important role in the relationship between SUA and cancer.ConclusionSUA levels are positively associated with the risk of oral cancer risk in females and negatively associated with the risk of esophageal cancer in the general population. Both low and high SUA levels were associated with increased risk of gastric cancer, supporting a U-shaped association.

Preventive Examinations for Early Detection of Oral Cancer Conducted among Alcohol Addicts

Aim: This study evaluated oral cancer (OC) awareness, risk factors, preventive measures, and early detection in high-risk populations. Materials and methods: Participants included an experimental group (EG) of patients treated for alcohol-related mental disorders at University Hospital Center Sestre milosrdnice (June 2022-March 2023) and a control group (CG) screened during the Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week (April 2023) at the University of Zagreb’s School of Dental Medicine. Both groups were surveyed to evaluate their understanding of OC, their opinions, smoking and alcohol consumption habits. Results: In a study of 282 participants, 68.1 % were in the EG and 31.9 % in the CG, with a gender distribution of 34.4 % female and 65.2 % male, and a median age of 52. Smoking was more prevalent in the EG (72.5 %) than in the CG (24.4 %). The EG also had significantly lower education levels (p &lt; 0.009). Awareness of OC was high in both groups (73.2 % EG, 85.4 % CG), but only a small fraction had previously attended screening examinations (SE) (6.9 % EG, 18.7 % CG). A large majority believed that alcohol and smoking together increased OC risk (95.7 % EG, 98.7 % CG), and many expressed interest in learning more about OC (83.2 % EG, 75.3 % CG). Higher education was linked to more frequent SE attendance (p = 0.041) and lower smoking rates (p = 0.042). Conclusion: The study highlights the need for enhanced OC education and screening, especially among high-risk groups, to improve prevention and early detection efforts.

Impact of oral flora in tongue coating and saliva on oral cancer risk and the regulatory role of Interleukin-8

BackgroundOral flora and inflammatory factors play a crucial role in oral cancer, but the relationship between them and oral cancer has not been clearly established. MethodsOral flora served as exposure factor, oral cancer as outcome factor, and inflammatory factors as mediating factor. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was used to analyze the relationship between oral flora and oral cancer, and the potential mediating effect of inflammatory factors was explored through mediation analysis. Results29 kinds of oral flora in tongue coating and 22 kinds of oral flora in saliva were associated with increased risk of oral cancer. 18 species of oral flora in tongue coating and 25 species in saliva were associated with a reduced risk of oral cancer. Interleukin-8 (IL8) played a mediating role in the relationship between oral flora and oral cancer, and it was associated with an increased risk of oral cancer. Granulicatella, Streptococcus mitis, Saccharimonadaceae and Haemophilus in oral flora caused oral cancer indirectly through IL8. IL8 expression increased in oral cancer, which has good diagnostic value. IL8-related genes in oral cancer are closely associated with immune cell infiltration. What's more, IL8 has potential medicinal properties. ConclusionOral flora of tongue coating and saliva is closely related to oral cancer, and IL8 plays a mediating role in the causal relationship between oral flora and oral cancer.

Impact of Smokeless Oral Nicotine Products on Cardiovascular Disease: Implications for Policy, Prevention, and Treatment: A Policy Statement From the American Heart Association.

Smokeless oral nicotine products are addictive, and their use has potential adverse effects on some but not all biomarkers of cardiovascular risk. The use of some types of these products, for instance, is associated with an increased mortality risk in those with ischemic heart or cerebrovascular disease. Similarly, smokeless tobacco has the potential to increase the risk of oral cancer, but the risks depend on the chemical composition of the product. The market of smokeless oral nicotine products has transformed since the last American Heart Association smokeless tobacco policy statement. Several varieties of tobacco-free oral nicotine products-including oral nicotine pouches; nontherapeutic nicotine gums, lozenges, and tablets; and nicotine gummies-have rapidly proliferated. The sales of oral nicotine pouches, in particular, have increased substantially; however, no data are available on their cardiovascular or health risks. In addition, synthetic (compared with tobacco-derived) nicotine has been used in some brands of oral nicotine products, but its cardiovascular and health effects have been inadequately studied. Robust public policy levers are identified to support ending addiction to all commercial tobacco products. Critical components and policy initiatives include clinicians emphasizing the prevention of tobacco product initiation and supporting cessation with established pharmacological and behavioral tobacco dependence treatment therapies as primary goals for achieving an end to commercial tobacco and nicotine addiction.

Refusal of Surgical Treatment for Advanced Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Long-Term Naswar Consumer: A Case Report

Introduction: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a significant global health concern, primarily associated with tobacco use, including naswar—a smokeless tobacco mixture widely used in South Asia. Naswar is composed of ground tobacco leaves, slaked lime, and occasionally flavoring agents. When mixed with saliva, it releases carcinogenic nitrosamines, nicotine, and other harmful toxins. Despite the well-documented risks, including oral cancer, naswar continues to be used by many. Its harmful effects extend beyond oral health, contributing to heart disease, gastrointestinal issues, and reproductive health problems. It is also associated with mouth lesions, gum disease, and an elevated risk of oral cancers. This study emphasizes the urgent need for targeted global strategies to address naswar-related oral cancers. Case Presentation: This article details the case of a 62-year-old woman with a 40-year history of naswar consumption, who was diagnosed with advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) affecting the right side of her face. She was referred to the Maxillofacial Surgery Department of Zahedan University of Medical Sciences. Despite recommendations for surgical intervention, the patient declined treatment following comprehensive consultations with medical professionals. This case highlights the complexities of managing advanced oral SCC in chronic naswar users and underscores the role of patient autonomy in treatment decisions. Conclusions: This case illustrates the challenges in treating advanced oral SCC in long-term naswar users and emphasizes the critical importance of respecting patient autonomy in treatment decision-making.

The Crucial Role of Smoking Cessation in Preventing Oral Cancer

ABSTRACT Oral cancer remains a significant public health concern globally, with smoking being a primary risk factor. Smoking cessation has been identified as a crucial intervention in reducing the incidence of oral cancer. This abstract reviews the impact of smoking cessation on oral cancer prevention, emphasizing the benefits of quitting smoking in decreasing the risk of developing oral malignancies. Evidence suggests that smoking cessation not only reduces the immediate risk of oral cancer but also contributes to long-term health improvements. The mechanisms through which smoking cessation exerts its protective effects, including the reduction of carcinogenic exposure and enhancement of oral mucosal health, are discussed. Public health strategies and interventions aimed at promoting smoking cessation are also highlighted as essential components in oral cancer prevention efforts.

Smoking and its Role in Oral Cancer

ABSTRACT Oral cancer remains a significant public health concern globally, with smoking identified as a primary risk factor. This abstract reviews the role of smoking in the etiology of oral cancer, emphasizing its contribution to carcinogenesis through the induction of genetic mutations, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Tobacco smoke contains carcinogenic compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, nitrosamines, and heavy metals, which are implicated in the transformation of oral mucosal cells. Epidemiological studies consistently demonstrate a dose–response relationship between smoking intensity and oral cancer risk. Despite advances in prevention and treatment, smoking cessation remains a critical component in reducing oral cancer incidence. This review underscores the importance of public health initiatives and targeted interventions aimed at mitigating smoking-related oral cancer risk.

Impact of Tobacco Use on Oral Cancer Incidence among Women in Urban Slums: A Case-Control Study

ABSTRACT Background: Oral cancer represents a significant global health burden, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations in developing countries like India. Urban slums, characterized by socioeconomic challenges and limited access to healthcare, are particularly susceptible. This study aimed to examine the association between tobacco use, a well-established risk factor, and the incidence of oral cancer among women residing in these underserved communities. Methods: A case-control study was conducted, involving 300 women from urban slums: 150 cases diagnosed with oral cancer within the past year and 150 controls without a history of the disease. Data were collected through structured interviews, encompassing tobacco use habits (type, frequency, and duration), sociodemographic factors, and oral hygiene practices. Statistical analyses, including Chi-square tests and logistic regression, were employed to assess the association between tobacco use and oral cancer risk. Results: The study revealed a strong association between tobacco use and oral cancer among women in urban slums. The prevalence of tobacco use, particularly smokeless tobacco, was significantly higher in cases compared to controls. Smokeless tobacco use and smoking emerged as independent risk factors for oral cancer. Lower educational attainment was also identified as an independent risk factor, underscoring the influence of socioeconomic disadvantages on disease susceptibility. Conclusion: This study provides compelling evidence linking tobacco use to a heightened risk of oral cancer among women in urban slums. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions, including health education, access to cessation programs, and addressing socioeconomic disparities, to mitigate the burden of oral cancer in this vulnerable population. The study highlights the importance of culturally sensitive and effective preventive measures to combat oral cancer in underserved communities.

Incidence of oral cancer due to tobacco and alcohol use

This study aims to evaluate the trends in oral cancer incidence in relation to tobacco and alcohol use, analyzing clinical data from the past three years to uncover patterns and potential correlations. A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from 200 patients diagnosed with oral cancer within the last three years. Information regarding their tobacco and alcohol consumption was gathered and analyzed to identify trends and correlations with oral cancer incidence. The findings highlight the urgent need for public health strategies focused on reducing tobacco and alcohol use to lower the risk of oral cancer.

Immunohistochemical Expression of SOX 2 in Oral Epithelial Dysplasia and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most prevalent malignancy of the oral cavity. Premalignant lesions frequently precede OSCC. Over the last three decades, the overall survival rate after 5 years of the patients remains unchanged. Early detection is best in preventing malignant transformation. Sex-determining region Y-box 2 (SOX 2) is an embryonic transcription factor that is, crucial for sustaining the pluripotency of stem cells and also promotes the maintenance of squamous epithelium. Aim: This study aimed to estimate the immunohistochemical expression levels of SOX 2 in normal mucosa (NOM), oral epithelial dysplasia (OED), and OSCC, to compare and correlate those three groups and also to assess the prognostic value in OSCC. Materials and Methods: A total of 70 cases of paraffin tissue blocks were obtained from the archives of our department, which were previously diagnosed as OED, OSCC, and NOM. Selected cases were screened immunohistochemically for SOX 2 expression. Statistical Analysis Used: Dunn’s test was utilized to find out the association among the categorical variables. Kruskal–Wallis test was to compare the continuous parameters between three groups. Results: SOX 2 expressions were found to be 80% positive in the OED group, 65% in the OSCC group, and negative in the NOM group. Conclusion: SOX 2 expression acts as a biomarker for oral cancer risk assessment. Higher SOX 2 expression in well-differentiated cases compared with poorly differentiated, which might indicate decreased lymph node metastasis and improved prognosis. As a result, SOX 2 expression might play an important role in the pathogenesis of OSCC.

Association between the variations in metabolic pathways and oral cancer risk: results from a Pakistani case-control study.

Oral cancer (OC) is a significant global health concern, with Pakistan ranking 5th worldwide in OC incidence. Given the poor prognosis, early detection of at-risk individuals is crucial. Genetic factors, particularly single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in metabolic genes, may influence OC susceptibility. This study investigated the association between SNPs in CYP1A1, COX2, SOD2, and HIF1a genes and OC risk in the Pakistani population. A prospective study was conducted from October 2019 to March 2022, enrolling 215 newly diagnosed OC patients and 410 controls. Genetic variations were analyzed using High-Resolution Melting (HRM)analysis and Sanger sequencing, with protein expression evaluated by ELISA. No significant associations were found between the studied SNPs and OC risk. However, a non-significant trend was observed for the SOD2 variant (rs4880), where the G allele was associated with a higher OC risk than the A allele (p = 0.20). Elevated COX2 and HIF1α levels (p-values of 0.014 and <0.001, respectively) and reduced SOD2 levels (p < 0.0001) were observed in OC patients, while CYP1A1 levels remained similar in both controls and cases. Although SNPs in CYP1A1, COX2, SOD2, and HIF1α were not significantly associated with OC risk in the Pakistani population, altered protein expression levels of COX2, HIF1α and SOD2 suggest additional regulatory mechanisms. Further investigation into post-transcriptional modifications and epigenetic factors could lead to novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for OC in Pakistan.