Estimation of Clinocopathological Correlation and Comparison of Salivary TNF-α among Normal and Post Radiotherapy Patients of Oral cancer-A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Tumour Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-alpha) is a member of the TNF receptor (TNF/TNFR) cytokine family. TNF-alpha is mainly involved in the maintenance of the source and homeostasis of the basic immune system, inflammation, and host defence. TNF-alpha is a multifunctional cytokine that plays an important role in diverse and a variety of cellular events such as cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, and death. As a major proinflammatory cytokine, TNF-alpha can act as an endogenous tumor promoter to bridge inflammation and carcinogenesis. Aim: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy of TNF-alpha as a salivary biomarker in oral cancer. Materials and Methods: An invivo cross-sectional study was conducted on saliva samples of Well differentiated and Moderately differentiated Squamous Cell Carcinoma (WDSCC and MDSCC) patients. Unstimulated saliva was collected from patients and ELISA was run on the samples to determine the TNF-alpha levels. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. The standard curve was plotted using SPSS software version 23. Independent t-test was done to compare the results. Results: The salivary TNF-alpha levels in Moderately Differentiated Squamous Cell Carcinoma (MDSCC) patients was found to be 12.31 +/- 2.5 and the level in Well Differentiated Squamous Cell Carcinoma (WDSCC) patients was found to be 8.023 +/- 1.642. The difference was found to be significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: Salivary TNF-alpha in Moderately Differentiated Squamous Cell Carcinoma (MDSCC) patients was considered higher when compared to Well Differentiated Squamous Cell Carcinoma (WDSCC). Hence salivary TNF-alpha can be used as a biomarker for oral cancer.