Estimation of L-fucose and sialic acid as prognostic markers in precancerous condition in Mangalore population

Oral pre cancer is a lesion found in the oral cavity and oropharynx. Sialic acid (N-acetyl neuraminic acid) and L-fucose (6 deoxy-L galactose) are the monosacharides present in the mammalian cells. Literature review has showed a clear link between these monosaccharides and various carcinomas. Objectives of the present study is to estimate and compare the status of Sialic acid and L-fucose in precancerous patients. Present study is conducted in compliance with the ethical committee guidelines of the institute. Sixty subjects with the age range 20-60 years were included in the current study. The study group included clinically diagnosed cases of oral sub mucous fibrosis, leukoplakia and erythroplakia. These were clinically confirmed cases of oral pre-cancer. L-fucose and sialic acid were measured by Winzlers method in serum sample. The levels of Sialic acid and L-fucose were found to be increased significantly increased in various stages of pre cancer in comparison with the normal subjects (p > 0.001). When pre-cancer develops, cell to cell adhesiveness is diminished among these cells and they easily enter into the blood stream. The level of serum Sialic acid and L-Fucose increases along with the severity and inflammation of the tissues.