In serum, higher parathyroid hormone but not lower vitamin d is associated with oral squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Introduction Vitamin D and calcium are known to regulate differentiation and proliferation of keratinocytes; they might potentially have a role in suppressing carcinogenesis in squamous epithelium. Serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a sensitive indicator of calcium and vitamin D deficiency, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] is an established marker of vitamin D status. Methods To determine whether levels of 25(OH)D, calcium, or pth in serum are associated with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), we examined those parameters in serum collected from 70 patients with OSCC and from an equal number of matched control subjects. Results The results showed that intact PTH was significantly higher in serum from oscc patients than in serum from control subjects. However, we observed no significant differences in 25(OH)D or calcium in serum from OSCC patients and from control subjects. Conclusions We conclude that higher serum pth, but not lower serum vitamin D or calcium, is associated with OSCC.