Estimation of Serum Folate and Homocysteine Levels in Oral Submucous Fibrosis-A Prospective Study

The aim of the study was to evaluate the levels of serum folate and homocysteine in clinical stages of Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) patients.

The study sample comprised of 40 clinically and histopathologically diagnosed OSF patients those who are not undergoing treatment and 10 healthy controls. OSF was categorised by clinical staging. Serum foliate and homocysteine levels estimation was done by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography analysis unit and chemiluminescence immuno assay, respectively. Results were statistically analysed using one-way ANOVA [Analysis of variance].

Irrespective of age and gender, serum folate deficiency and high levels of homocysteine were noted in OSF patients when compared with healthy controls.

Serum hyper homocysteinemia and folate deficiency were noted with the progression of the disease. Folate supplements can be given to decrease the levels of homocysteine, to arrest the progression of the disease. However, further longitudinal studies are needed to establish an association between serum homocysteine and serum folate.