Abstract :
Oral sub mucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic, debilitating, potentially malignant disorder caused primarily due to areca nut chewing. Burning sensation of oral cavity and reduced mouth opening are the hallmark of this disease. The etiopathogenesis of this disorder remains unclear. Several trace elements have been implicated in the pathogenesis of OSMF. In this review, the role of copper in OSMF has been summarized emphasizing various molecular pathways affected by this trace element. Available literature regarding serum, salivary, cytological and tissue levels of copper in OSMF has been updated. Including serum copper levels as an outcome in clinical trials assessing medicinal interventions may prove an attractive concept.
Keyword :
Copper, Serum copper, Oral submucous fibrosis, OSMF, OSF