Comparative evaluation of serum alpha-1antitrypsin levels in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma and in subjects with tobacco habit without carcinoma

AIM/OBJECTIVES: To evaluate serum levels of Alpha-1 antitrypsin in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma and compare them with that of healthy subjects with and without tobacco habits. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The sample of 83 subjects was divided into three groups: 30 subjects with oral squamous cell carcinoma formed Group A. The age, sex, habit matched 23 healthy subjects with tobacco habit formed Group B and 30 healthy without history of consumption of tobacco formed Group C. Analysis of the samples was done using Alpha 1 antitrypsin kit and spectrophotometer. RESULTS: There was a 2.33-fold rise in serum levels of Alpha 1 antitrypsin in Group A compared to Group B, 3.71-fold rise in Group A compared to Group C and 1.59-fold rise in Group B compared to Group C (P < 0.001). A definite rise in serum Alpha 1 antitrypsin levels in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma as compared with healthy subjects with and without tobacco habits was observed. CONCLUSION: Alpha1-antitrypsin can be used as an adjunct to various diagnostic procedures implied for the evaluation of oral squamous cell carcinoma.