Detection of human papilloma virus (HPV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in oral squamous cell carcinoma: A polymerized chain reaction (PCR) study

Aims and Objectives: Certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) have been shown to be etiologically related to the development of uterine, cervical, and other genital cancers, but their role in the development of malignancies at other sites is less well established. Previous studies have shown HPV in tumors of the head and neck, but its prevalence has varied depending on the detection methods and the types of tumor and/or tissue examined. This study was undertaken for the detection of high-risk HPV types 16 and 18 and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five patients histologically diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma and 10 apparently normal persons as controls were selected for the present study. Two biopsy specimens were removed surgically by incision biopsy for histopathological examination and polymerized chain reaction (PCR) study. Results: Out of 25 oral squamous cell carcinoma subjects, 8 were found to be HPV positive in PCR. Out of these eight subjects, four had HPV 16 and the other four had other genotypes, and one subject was HIV positive. Conclusion: The conclusion drawn from the present study was that well-defined risk factors like HPV may play a prominent role in the development of oral squamous cell carcinomas, in addition to other risk factors. Further studies with a larger sample size are necessary to arrive at conclusions and to explore the relationship of HPV and HIV in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Salivary Glucose and Oral Mucosal Alterations in Type II Diabetic Mellitus Patients

Aim: The study was undertaken: 1) To assess salivary glucose (SaG) levels in diabetic and nondiabetic subjects and to determine if saliva could be used as a noninvasive tool to diagnose and monitor Type II diabetes mellitus. 2) Correlation of SaG levels with serum glucose (SeG) levels in nondiabetic and diabetic patients. 3) To correlate the oral manifestations of diabetes mellitus with serum and SaG levels. Material and Methods: Both fasting and postprandial serum and SaG levels were analyzed from 70 Type II diabetic and 70 nondiabetic subjects. The detailed examination of oral cavity in relation to periodontal and dental status and subjective oral complaints were recorded. The obtained values were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: The mean fasting salivary glucose (FSaG) was 5.469 + 2.347 mg/dL and 7.634 + 4.468 mg/dL in nondiabetic and diabetics, respectively (P = 0.000) and postprandial salivary glucose (PSaG) was 6.434 + 2.111 mg/dL and 8.736 + 4.962 mg/dL in nondiabetic and diabetics, respectively (P = 0.000). The positive correlation was found between SeG levels and SaG in diabetics (P = 0.000). Strong positive correlation was observed between SeG and SaG with oral manifestations in Type II diabetic patients (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Saliva can be a useful tool in regular monitoring of “already diagnosed Type II diabetics” (by their SeG levels) rather than diagnosing subjects with “unknown status of diabetes mellitus.” Strong positive correlation exists between SeG level and SaG level with oral manifestations in Type II diabetic patients