Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Oral leukoplakia is defined as a predominantly white lesion or plaque of questionable behavior having excluded, clinically and histopathologically, any other definable white disease or disorderBeta-2 microglobulin is synthesized in all nucleated cells and forms the light chain subunit of the major histocompatibility complex class I antigen. Despite its potential role as a convenient and non-invasive prognostic indicator in malignant lymphomas, the influence of serum â2 microglobulin is currently underestimated, and therapeutic decision making is rarely affected by this marker. Aim of the study: To evaluate serum beta 2 microglobulin levels in oral leukoplakia patients. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Oral medicine of the dental institution. The ethical clearance for study protocol was obtained from ethical committee of the institution. For the study, patients who were histopathologically diagnosed as oral leukoplakia wer included. Patients suffering from any allergic, inflammatory, or systemic disease were excluded from the study. A total of 30 patients with confirmed diagnosis of oral leukoplakia were included in the study. For the lab work, 5 ml of venous blood was collected from antecubital vein of all the participating subjects under aseptic conditions. Results: The level of serum beta-2 microglobulin level in patients with hyperkeratosis with mild dysplasia was at 1791.21, in Hyperkeratosis with moderate dysplaisa was at 2093.32, and in Hyperkeratosis with sever dysplasia was at 2269.74. The number of patients with hyperkeratosis with mild dysplaisa was 11, with hyperkeratosis with moderate dysplasia was 13 and with hyperkeratosis with severe dysplasia was 6. Conclusion: From the results of current study, this can be concluded that serum beta-2 microglobulin level can be used as a better indicator and can give an early indication of oral leukoplakia. Key words: Oral leukoplakia, premalignancy, beta-2 microglobulin.