Serum protein, ascorbic acid & iron & tissue collagen in oral submucous fibrosis--a preliminary study

A study of 36 patients with oral submucous fibrosis, revealed that all patients had the habit of chewing betel nut, pan masala or the traditional mixture (betel nut, betel leaf and lime) suggesting a link between fibrosis and arecanut. There was an increase in the globulin fraction of protein and hence a decreased A/G ratio in these patients. There was a significant increase in total protein levels possibly due to the increase in globulin fractions and other serum proteins. Ascorbate and iron levels decreased perhaps because of their utilisation in collagen synthesis. The total tissue collagen content increased significantly in patients with advanced disease and, it increased with the progression of the disease leading to hypomobility of the tongue, lips, cheeks, soft palate and faucial pillars.