Serum levels of iron and proteins in oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF).

Serum proteins, serum iron and total iron binding capacity were estimated in 50 patients with oral submucous fibrosis and 50 patients with oral leukoplakia. The values were compared with that of 50 age- and sex-matched controls. A significant depression in hemoglobin and serum iron was observed in both groups of patients, whereas total iron binding capacity showed significant change only in the oral submucous fibrosis patients. Serum protein values were significantly lower in all the patients. The role of iron deficiency anemia in the causation of this premalignant lesion is discussed.