Oxidative Stress & Markers in Oral Submucous Fibrosis

Oxidative stress is implicated in the causation and progression of different diseases including atherosclerosis, carcinogenesis, neuro degenerative diseases, chronic inflammatory diseases, radiation damage ageing and various other patho-biological effects. Tobacco and areca nut chewing elicit immunosuppression by generating high free radical levels. The free radicals mediate phenotypic and gene alterations leading to mutations (neoplastic effect). OSMF, being a premalignant condition and associated with carcinogens like tobacco was thought to have some relation with ROS. The involvement of oxidative stress in disease etiology and pathogenesis is increasingly recognized. . Strengthening the antioxidant system with supplements improves the signs and symptoms of OSMF.