Alteration in plasma lipid profile in oral submucous fibrosis patients: A case control study

BACKGROUND: Lipids are major cell membrane components essential for various biological functions including cell growth and division of normal and malignant tissue. They are also required for maintenance of structural and functional integrity of all biological membranes. Alteration in the plasma lipid profile has been associated with a variety of cancers and precancerous conditions including those of the head and neck region. AIM: The present study aimed to evaluate the alteration in plasma lipid profile in oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 patients were included in the study, 20 with oral submucous fibrosis and 10 healthy controls. Fasting plasma lipid profile including Total Cholesterol (TC), Very Low Density Lipoproteins (VLDL), Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL), High Density Lipoproteins (HDL) and Tri-Glycerides (TG) were measured using semiautomatic analyser. The data obtained were analysed using independent sample ‘t’ test. RESULTS: A statistically significant decrease in plasma total cholesterol, LDL and HDL was observed in patients with OSMF as compared to the controls, but it was not statistically significant for VLDL and TG values. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study show that there is an inverse relationship between lipid profile and the presence of oral submucous fibrosis. Hence, alteration in plasma lipid profile may have a diagnostic role in the future and can be used as a biochemical indicator to detect the initial changes seen in the neoplastic process.