Serum and Salivary Estimation of Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV, as a Prognostic Indicator in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma before and during Radiotherapy

Abstract

Increase in serum and salivary levels of Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV) was reported earlier in the patients of oral squamous cell carcinoma. A study was conducted in the department to assess, the serum and salivary levels of Dipeptidyl peptidase IV in patients of oral squamous cell carcinoma before and after radiotherapy. The study was performed on 50 patients with different stages of oral squamous cell carcinoma as a study group and 50 control healthy group. The mean DPP IV activity in study group before radiotherapy in serum and saliva was significantly lower than control group. Amongst the study group, well differentiated carcinoma had the highest mean serum DPP IV activity than moderately and poorly differentiated carcinoma. There was an increase in mean DPP IV levels in study group after radiotherapy. We hence conclude that DPP IV activity in serum and saliva can be used as a prognostic indicator in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients.

Keywords

• Oral squamous cell carcinoma. Serum and salivary dipeptidyl peptidase IV levels.