A study on serum levels of malondialdehyde, ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol in recurrent aphthous stomatitis

Introduction: Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS) is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory disorder of the oral mucosa. It is one of the commonest oral mucosal disorders affecting all races, age groups, geographical regions. The imbalance between production of oxidants and body's antioxidant defences is termed as oxidative stress. The role of systemic oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of RAS needs to be fully elucidated to understand its pathogenesis. Aim: This study aims to determine the role of oxidative stress and antioxidant status in RAS subjects by comparing the serum levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA), Ascorbic acid and α-Tocopherol between RAS patients and healthy controls. Materials and Methods: The study comprised of 30 RAS subjects along with 30, age and gender matched healthy volunteers. Estimation of MDA, Ascorbic acid and α-Tocopherol was undertaken in the serum samples collected from all the subjects. Results: Serum MDA levels were significantly higher in the RAS subjects (4.25 + 0.94nmol/ml) compared to controls (2.52 + 0.67nmol/ml, p<0.001). Mean ascorbic acid levels were significantly lower in RAS subjects (10.47 + 2.88mg/L) compared to controls (12.75 + 1.69mg/L, p = 0.002). α-Tocopherol levels were also significantly lower in RAS subjects (7.75 + 1.50mg/L) compared to controls (9.87 + 1.06mg/L, p<0.001). Conclusion: Elevated MDA levels and low antioxidant levels suggest increased oxidative stress in RAS subjects.