Evaluation of magnesium levels in blood and saliva of oral squamous cell carcinoma and potentially malignant disorders by xylidyl blue method

Background: Cancer is Latinized from Greek word 'karkinos' meaning crab, denoting how carcinoma extends its claws like a crab into adjacent tissues. It has been well established by researchers that virtually all oral cancer are preceded by visible clinical changes in the oral mucosa usually in the form of white or red patch (two-step process of cancer development). Mg is an essential mineral that is needed for a broad variety of physiological functions. Imbalances in Mg metabolism are common and are associated with different pathological conditions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the magnesium concentration in blood serum and saliva of oral squamous cell carcinoma, potentially malignant disorders and healthy subjects to serve as a positive marker or indicator in the process of carcinogenesis. Materials and Methods: The study includes 17 precancerous (OSMF + Leukoplakia) patients, 17 OSCC and 17 control group. Blood and saliva was collected; serum and saliva was extracted from both the groups and was biochemically evaluated for magnesium levels. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA. Results: The Salivary magnesium Mean ± SD of Healthy group is higher 1.6681 ± 0.0207 mmol mg/l followed by Potentially Malignant Disorder group 1.5532 ± 0.0283 and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma 0.5979 ± 0.0659. The mean values differ significantly between 3 groups (P < 0.001) The Serum magnesium Mean ± SD of Healthy group is higher 1.9188 ± 0.0550 mmol mg/l followed by Potentially Malignant Disorder group 1.6951 ± 0.0949 and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma 0.7329 ± 0.1561. The mean values differ significantly between 3 groups (P < 0.001) The study revealed decreased serum and salivary magnesium in oral precancerous patients and an Oral Squamous cell carcinoma patients compared to healthy individuals. Conclusion: The magnesium concentration was low in both blood plasma and saliva of oral squamous cell carcinoma as compared to potentially malignant disorders and healthy subjects. Thus the magnesium ion concentration in blood plasma and saliva could be considerd as tumor marker, playing an important role in carcinogenesis.