Correlation of Salivary Lactate Dehydrogenase Levels with Histopathological Grades of Oral Cancer

Authors

  • Ruba Odeh Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Dentistry, Ajman University, Ajman, UAE
  • Ahmed Azhari Salih Mohamedeissa Center of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research. Ajman University, Ajman, UAE.
  • Jad Moriss Kazma Center of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research. Ajman University, Ajman, UAE
  • Maher Al Shayeb Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Dentistry, Ajman University, Ajman, UAE

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v25i10.86626

Keywords:

Oral cancer, Salivary biomarkers, Lactate dehydrogenase, Histopathological grading, Non-invasive diagnosis, Squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Background Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains a significant global health challenge with high morbidity and mortality rates. Early detection is crucial for improving prognosis, and noninvasive biomarkers like salivary lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) offer promising diagnostic potential. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 90 participants divided into three groups: 30 patients with well-differentiated OSCC, 30 with moderately/poorly differentiated OSCC, and 30 healthy controls. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected from all participants, and LDH levels were measured using a standardized enzymatic assay. Histopathological grading was performed according to WHO classification. Statistical analysis included ANOVA, post-hoc tests, and Pearson correlation. Results: Salivary LDH levels were significantly elevated in OSCC patients compared to controls (825.4 ± 142.3 U/L vs. 215.7 ± 58.6 U/L, p < 0.001). Furthermore, moderately/poorly differentiated OSCC showed higher LDH levels (986.3 ± 127.8 U/L) compared to well-differentiated OSCC (664.5 ± 98.7 U/L) (p < 0.001). A strong positive correlation was observed between LDH levels and histopathological grades (r = 0.78, p < 0.001). At a cutoff value of 620 U/L, salivary LDH demonstrated 86.7% sensitivity and 93.3% specificity for differentiating OSCC from controls. Conclusion Salivary LDH levels correlate significantly with histopathological grades of OSCC, suggesting its potential as a non-invasive biomarker for assessing tumor aggressiveness and prognosis. This simple, cost-effective biomarker could complement existing diagnostic methods and aid in early detection and management of oral cancer.

Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 25. Supplementary Issue 2026, Page : S96-S101

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Published

2026-01-06

How to Cite

Odeh, R., Salih Mohamedeissa, A. A., Kazma, J. M., & Shayeb, M. A. (2026). Correlation of Salivary Lactate Dehydrogenase Levels with Histopathological Grades of Oral Cancer. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science, 25(10), S96-S101. https://doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v25i10.86626

Issue

Vol: 25. Supplementary issue 2026

Section

Original Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Ruba Odeh, Ahmed Azhari Salih Mohamedeissa, Jad Moriss Kazma, Maher Al Shayeb

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