Investigation of IL8 and ET1 biomarkers in saliva of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma compared to healthy individuals

Summary of the Rationale for Project Implementation

Oral cancer is a significant public health issue and is recognized in many countries as a leading cause of mortality from oral diseases. Recent global estimates indicate that in 2018, there were 354,864 new cases and 177,384 deaths due to this disease. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common cancers in the head and neck region, accounting for more than 90% of head and neck cancers, and its incidence has been increasing in many countries. Regarding the epidemiology of this disease, the prevalence of OSCC has been reported to range from 1.8 to 13.2 per 100,000 individuals. Patients with OSCC are typically in their fifth to sixth decades of life; however, in some Asian countries, the disease has also been reported in younger age groups. In Yemen, OSCC has been observed in individuals under the age of 45. OSCC tends to bleed easily and is frequently affected by superficial secondary infections. Distant metastasis may also occur in this cancer. Biomarkers are secreted by various types of cells under both pathological and normal conditions and are believed to be responsible for transferring systemic biomarkers to saliva. Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays an essential role in attracting and activating neutrophils in the early stages of host defense against bacterial infections. Components of the endothelin system contribute to tumor growth and progression. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) regulates tumor growth and progression by inducing cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastatic spread. It also plays a role in neovascularization. In Iran, the economic burden of oral cancer has been estimated at $64,245,173, most of which (50%) is attributed to lost productivity. Saliva analysis is a completely non-invasive, cost-effective method that requires minimal patient effort. Nowadays, due to its ease of collection, storage, and transport, saliva-based diagnostics have gained increasing attention in research. There is also a strong correlation between the molecules present in saliva and their blood levels in oral cancer. Therefore, the constant contact between saliva and the oral environment, particularly malignant lesions, provides an opportunity to develop highly sensitive and specific tools for screening, diagnosis, and monitoring. Given these considerations, the researcher aims to compare the levels of IL-8 and Endothelin-1 in patients with OSCC and healthy individuals.

Principal Investigator: Dr. Mohammad Bayat
Start Year: 2025