Volume 8 | Issue - 6
Volume 8 | Issue - 6
Volume 8 | Issue - 6
Volume 8 | Issue - 6
Volume 8 | Issue - 5
Salivary biomarkers have emerged as non-invasive tools for assessing oxidative stress, a pivotal factor in the pathogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This study evaluates salivary antioxidant levels in OSCC patients compared to healthy controls to elucidate their diagnostic and prognostic utility. A case control design was employed, enrolling 60 participants: 30 confirmed OSCC cases and 30 age- and gender-matched controls. Salivary samples were analyzed for total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) using standardized assays. Results revealed significantly reduced TAC and enzymatic antioxidant levels in OSCC patients (p<0.01). These findings suggest heightened oxidative stress in OSCC. Statistical analysis demonstrated a strong inverse correlation between antioxidant levels and disease severity (p<0.05). This novel exploration emphasizes the role of oxidative stress markers in OSCC and their potential as diagnostic adjuncts. Further, these markers may provide insight into disease progression, underscoring the necessity for larger cohort studies to confirm their utility in clinical practice.