Oxidative stress-related biomarkers in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Aim: This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the serum and salivary levels of oxidative stress-related biomarkers in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients compared with controls. Methods: A search of relevant articles that were published between 1 January 2000 and 20 March 2022, was conducted on three electronic databases (Embase, PubMed and Cochrane Library). Results: A total of 15 articles were included in the meta-analysis. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in serum and MDA and GSH in saliva were significantly changed in the OSCC group compared with healthy controls. Conclusion: This study suggests that some oxidative stress biomarkers may be potential biomarkers in early OSCC diagnosis.