Background Group 2, potentially malignant disorders (n = 30); and Group 3, OSCC cases (n = 30). Saliva and serum samples were collected and subjected to biochemical analysis for carbohydrate level estimation. Descriptive statistics and the Mann-Whitney test were applied to assess differences between independent groups. Results: Mean salivary-bound total carbohydrate levels were 12.06 mg/dL, 37.67 mg/dL, and 65.45 mg/dL for Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Mean serum-bound total carbohydrate levels were 30.39 mg/dL, 68.28 mg/dL, and 88.33 mg/dL for Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Mean salivary-free total carbohydrate levels were 25.58 mg/dL (Group 1), 24.28 mg/dL (Group 2), and 53.13 mg/dL (Group 3), while mean serum-free total carbohydrate levels were 62.39 mg/dL, 74.01 mg/dL, and 193.68 mg/dL for Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. A highly significant increase was observed (P < 0.001). Conclusion: A substantial increase in serum and salivary total carbohydrate levels, particularly in bound forms, was observed across the three groups, highlighting the potential utility of carbohydrate levels as biomarkers for disease progression in oral cancer.
Mohtesham et al. (Thu,) studied this question.