Biochemical Analysis of Inflammatory Markers and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) represents a significant global health burden with complex pathophysiology involving chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Systemic inflammatory markers, including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), have emerged as potential prognostic indicators, while oxidative stress biomarkers such as 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) reflect DNA damage associated with carcinogenesis. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic potential of NLR, PLR, and oxidative stress biomarkers in OSCC patients, investigating the relationship between systemic inflammation, oxidative DNA damage, and antioxidant status in the context of oral carcinogenesis. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted involving 138 participants (82 OSCC patients and 56 healthy controls) aged 28-48 years. Comprehensive hematological analysis was performed using automated analyzers, while serum concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), 8-OHdG, and vitamin C were quantified using enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques. Statistical analysis included independent t-tests and Pearson correlation analysis. RESULTS: /L), NLR (6.84±0.88 vs. 1.91±0.34), PLR (185.02±40.10 vs. 91.88±17.77), and inflammatory biomarkers, including IL-6 (142.31±5.24 vs. 38.32±6.32 pg/mL) and CRP (43.30±3.42 vs. 8.11±2.21 mg/L), compared to controls (all p