Estimation and Comparison of Copper Content in Raw Areca Nuts and Commercial Areca Nut Products: Implications in Increasing Prevalence of Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF)
Background: Oral Squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is often preceded by potentially malignant disorders (PMDs) like oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF). The rate of transformation of OSMF to OSCC ranges from 3 to 19%. OSMF is etiologically related to chewing of areca nut (betel nut), a habit prevalent a...
| Published in: | Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research |
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
JCDR Research and Publications Private Limited
2014-01-01
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://jcdr.net/articles/PDF/3932/80-8042_CE(Ra)_F(H)_PF1(RKH)_PFA(H)_PF2(NJH)_NEW.pdf |
| Summary: | Background: Oral Squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is often
preceded by potentially malignant disorders (PMDs) like oral
submucous fibrosis (OSMF). The rate of transformation of OSMF
to OSCC ranges from 3 to 19%. OSMF is etiologically related
to chewing of areca nut (betel nut), a habit prevalent among
the population groups in south-east Asia. Along with alkaloids,
the high copper content in areca nut plays an important role in
the pathogenesis of OSMF. The increased prevalence of OSMF
in the last two decades or so corresponds with the increased
processing and commercialization of areca nut products.
Aim: The aim of the study was to estimate and compare the
copper content of raw areca nuts in three different stages of
maturity, and commercial areca nut products.
Materials and Methods: Raw areca nut samples of three
different maturities were obtained from four plantations in
Sullia, Karnataka, India and commercial areca nut products
were obtained from local shops in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu,
India. The samples were grounded and subjected to Atomic
Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) for copper analysis.
Results: There was statistically significant difference in copper
content in raw areca nuts of all three maturities (p<0.05) and was
highest in the exfoliated mature nuts. Importantly copper level
was significantly higher in the commercial products compared
to raw areca nuts of different degrees of maturity (p<0.05).
Conclusions: The copper levels in commercial products are
significantly higher than that of raw areca nuts in all three stages
of maturity. The increase in copper content on processing
and post commercialization can be related to the increasing
prevalence of OSMF. |
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| ISSN: | 2249-782X 0973-709X |