Comparative Evaluation of Salivary IL-1β and IL-6 As Non-Invasive Biomarkers for Detection of Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders

Abstract

Introduction: Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders (OPMDs) are heterogeneous oral mucosal lesions with an increased risk of transformation into oral cancers. Chronic inflammation is a critical contributor to oral carcinogenesis, with pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) playing key roles in epithelial dysplasia and tumor progression. The present study aimed to assess and compare salivary IL-1β and IL-6 levels among healthy individuals, tobacco users without oral lesions, and patients diagnosed with OPMDs.

Materials and Methods: A total of 189 participants were equally divided into three groups (n=63 each). Unstimulated whole saliva (2 mL) was collected using the passive drool method. Cytokine levels were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Statistical analysis was performed with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: Majority of tobacco users and OPMD patients were males, using smokeless form of tobacco. Salivary IL-6 levels were significantly elevated in OPMD patients compared with healthy controls (p < 0.05). IL-1β levels also showed a marked increase in the OPMD patients. Tobacco users without oral lesions demonstrated intermediate IL-1β and IL-6 levels.

Conclusion:
Salivary IL-1β and IL-6 may serve as reliable non-invasive biomarkers for early detection and risk assessment of OPMDs.