Laliytha Bijai Kumar1, Philips Mathew1, Nirmal Madhavan1, Sabin Siddique2, Nandita Kshetrimayum3, Kiran Iyer4. 1. Rajah Muthiah Dental College and Hospital, Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram, 608002, India. 2. Department of Public Health Dentistry, MES Dental College and Hospital, Malappuram, Perinthalamanna, Kerala, 679321, India. 3. Department of Public Health Dentistry, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Lamphelpat, Imphal West, Manipur, 795004, India. 4. Department of Public Health Dentistry, Ragas Dental College and Hospital, 2/102 SH49, Uthandi, Chennai, 600119, India.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) is a potentially malignant disorder and burning sensation is the initial complaint among these patients. Scientific literature has established that mast cells play a major role in various inflammatory disorders. However, OSMF being an inflammatory disorder, the role of mast cells is yet to be established. Hence the aim of this study was to evaluate mast cells and burning sensation in various stages of Oral Submucous Fibrosis. METHODS: The study population comprised of forty subjects, thirty were clinically confirmed cases of OSMF and ten healthy individuals served as control. A complete history and clinical examination followed by an incisional biopsy was performed. Samples obtained were subjected to routine histopathological examination and mast cells evaluation. RESULTS: Mean number of total mast cells in Stage I, II and III OSMF were 8.5 ± 0.7, 11.31 ± 8.8 and 24.7 ± 21.2 respectively. There was a significant difference in total mast cell count between cases and controls. Degranulated mast cells was a significant predictor (p = 0.028), indicating role in clinical staging of OSMF. Degranulated mast cells had a significant role and was a positive predictor (B = 0.763, OR 2.145[95%CI 1.055-4.630]) at moderate levels of burning sensation. A significant difference (p = 0.029) in burning sensation across histopathological grades was also observed in the study. CONCLUSION: Degranulated mast cells were found to have a significant influence in mild to moderate levels of burning sensation among OSMF patients. Role of degranulated mast cells were also found to be significant in various clinical stages of OSMF.
BACKGROUND: Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) is a potentially malignant disorder and burning sensation is the initial complaint among these patients. Scientific literature has established that mast cells play a major role in various inflammatory disorders. However, OSMF being an inflammatory disorder, the role of mast cells is yet to be established. Hence the aim of this study was to evaluate mast cells and burning sensation in various stages of Oral Submucous Fibrosis. METHODS: The study population comprised of forty subjects, thirty were clinically confirmed cases of OSMF and ten healthy individuals served as control. A complete history and clinical examination followed by an incisional biopsy was performed. Samples obtained were subjected to routine histopathological examination and mast cells evaluation. RESULTS: Mean number of total mast cells in Stage I, II and III OSMF were 8.5 ± 0.7, 11.31 ± 8.8 and 24.7 ± 21.2 respectively. There was a significant difference in total mast cell count between cases and controls. Degranulated mast cells was a significant predictor (p = 0.028), indicating role in clinical staging of OSMF. Degranulated mast cells had a significant role and was a positive predictor (B = 0.763, OR 2.145[95%CI 1.055-4.630]) at moderate levels of burning sensation. A significant difference (p = 0.029) in burning sensation across histopathological grades was also observed in the study. CONCLUSION: Degranulated mast cells were found to have a significant influence in mild to moderate levels of burning sensation among OSMF patients. Role of degranulated mast cells were also found to be significant in various clinical stages of OSMF.