DNA Methylation Patterns in Saliva of Tobacco users with High-Risk Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders

Background: “Oral Potentially Malignant Disorder (OPMD)” is a well-known symptom that, if untreated, can be carcinogenic. It includes leukoplakia, erythroplakia or erythroleukoplakia. One of the typical premalignant lesions of the oral cavity is “oral leukoplakias (OLs),” which frequently precedes “OSCCs.”OLs with dysplastic characteristics are considered to be at a higher risk of “malignant transformation.” So, early diagnosis of "oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs)" is desperately required to enhance patient prognosis and quality of life (QOL).As a result, we examined the distinctive promoter methylation presence in high-risk OLs.

Objectives: To detect, compare & correlate “DNA methylation” patterns in normal individuals, tobacco users without disease and tobacco users with the disease.

Methodology: With the participants' full consent, 48 saliva samples were obtained and prepared. DNA isolation, restriction digestion of genomic DNA, extraction of restriction enzyme digested genomic DNA, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and Agarose Gel Electrophoresis (AGE) were all carried out.

Expected results: This study will help us to assess the use of Saliva as an aid to identifying both high and low risk “Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders.”

Conclusion: Peculiar promoter methylation of various genes was related to a high possibility of malignant transformation in OLs.