Mustafa Gheni Taher, Ph.D
Assist Prof, College of Medicine, Diyala University Baquba, Diyala, Iraq
Fatimah Kadhim Ibrahim AL- Mahdawi, Ph.D
Assist Prof, College of Medicine, Diyala University Baquba, Diyala, Iraq
ABSTRACT
Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), a prevalent malignancy in the head and neck region, is significantly influenced by its tumour microenvironment. Cytokines such as Interleukin-1 (IL-1) and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) play critical roles in regulating inflammatory responses, impacting tumour progression and patient outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the levels of TNF and IL-1 in saliva and their association with OSCC progression, tumour differentiation, and TNM staging, using salivary biomarkers to provide insights into disease monitoring. Methods: A case-control study was conducted involving 40 OSCC patients and 40 healthy controls. Salivary cytokine levels were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The relationship between cytokine levels, tumour differentiation, and TNM staging was statistically analyzed. Results: TNF and IL-1 levels were significantly elevated in OSCC patients compared to controls (p < 0.05). Higher IL-1 levels were observed in poorly differentiated tumours, while both TNF and IL-1 showed increased levels in advanced TNM stages, correlating with a more robust inflammatory response as the disease progressed. Conclusion: Salivary levels of TNF and IL-1 are closely associated with OSCC progression, tumour differentiation, and staging, highlighting their potential as non-invasive biomarkers for monitoring disease progression and response to therapy. These findings support the utility of cytokine profiling in saliva for improving diagnostic accuracy, developing targeted therapies, and enhancing patient management strategies in OSCC.
Keywords: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas, TNF, IL-1.
