Abstract
Oral submucous fibrosis is a chronic disease of obscure etiology affecting the oral cavity. Several histologic and epidemiologic studies on this condition have been conducted, but the biochemical aspects have not yet been thoroughly explored. Hence the present study was undertaken to study the hematological status and trace elements in this condition. There was no change in the cell count, whereas increases in platelet count, eosinophil number, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were observed. There was a significant decrease in the levels of hemoglobin, iron, ceruloplasmin, copper and zinc; and they correlated well with the progression of the disease. Consideration of these findings should open new avenues for exploration of the disease from new perspectives.
