Serum phosphodiesterase levels in oral cancer

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common malignancies recognized nowadays. Its early detection is the better alternative to provide a good quality of life for the patients. During the last years, several studies have identified potential biomarkers of OSCC progression and prognosis. The phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are responsible for the hydrolysis of the second messengers with a fundamental role in the transduction of the intracellular signals. Variations in PDE activity have been correlated to different pathological mechanisms, such as cellular differentiation, apoptosis, and tumor invasivity. PDEs are also known to play a role in tumor growth by influencing angiogenesis. Aim: To estimate and compare serum PDE levels in healthy controls and biopsy-proven oral cancer patients before definitive therapy. Materials and Methods: Institutional Ethics Committee gave us the permission to conduct this study. After obtaining consent from biopsy-proven oral cancer patients (n = 39) (before onset of any definitive treatment) and age- and sex-matched healthy controls (n = 20), 2 ml of blood was collected in plain vacutainers. After clot formation, samples were centrifuged and serum was collected for estimation of PDE. Statistical Analysis: Kruskal-Wallis test; Mann-Whitney Test Results and Discussion: Pretreatment PDE levels were significantly elevated in oral cancer patients (P<0.0001) as compared with the controls and also there was a significant increase in PDE levels (P<0.001) with advancing stage in oral cancer patients. This may implicate a role for serum PDE in pathophysiology of oral cancer.