Title : Serum and salivary interleukin 1? level in oral precancer: An observational study
Abstract:
Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) such as oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) and oral leukoplakia (OL) are associated with a risk of malignant transformation into oral cancer. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, may serve as a biomarker for early detection and disease progression. Comparative evaluation of serum and salivary IL-1β levels may support non-invasive diagnostic approaches.
Aim: To evaluate and compare serum and salivary IL-1β levels in OSMF/OL patients and healthy controls, and to assess their potential as biomarkers for early detection of OPMD.
Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 40 subjects aged 18–65 years, divided into two groups: Group I (OSMF/OL, n=20) and Group II (healthy controls, n=20). Salivary and serum IL-1β levels were quantified using ELISA. Statistical analysis was performed using unpaired t-test and Chi-square test, with significance at P<0.05.
Results: 1.Serum IL-1β levels were significantly lower in Group I compared to Group II (P=0.001).2. Salivary IL-1β levels did not differ significantly between groups (P=0.807). 3. Within both groups, salivary IL-1β levels were significantly higher than serum levels (P=0.000 for Group I; P=0.045 for Group II).
Conclusion: Serum IL-1β levels may serve as a prospective biomarker for predicting malignant transformation in OPMD. Although salivary IL-1β levels were elevated compared to serum levels in both groups, their diagnostic significance remains inconclusive and requires further evaluation through larger multicentric studies.
