Comparison of salivary and serum homocysteine levels in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Background: No factor alone has been defined as the cause of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Identification of biochemical markers involved in SCC metabolic reactions is important in SCC diagnosis. Homocysteine is an amino acid whose altered levels have been observed in various malignancies. This study aimed to assess the serum and salivary levels of homocysteine in patients with SCC and compare these data with those of healthy individuals. Methods: In this case-control analytical study, 21 patients with oral SCC and 21 healthy subjects were studied. Salivary and serum samples were obtained, and homocysteine levels were evaluated with an HCY ELISA Kit. Independent t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient were used, and statistical analysis was done using SPSS 17. A P value<0. 05 was considered significant. Results: The level of serum homocysteine was 3.71±2.5 in the patient group and 2.01±2.11 in the control group (P=0.008). The salivary homocysteine levels were 3.12±1.66 in the case group and 2.93±1.71 in control group (P=0.782). Conclusion: Homocysteine levels in the serum might be a good marker for diagnosis of oral SCC; however, more research is needed on using salivary homocysteine levels as a diagnostic indicator.