Salivary Lactate Dehydrogenase: A Potential Biomarker for Early Detection and Prognosis of Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders

Salivary Lactate Dehydrogenase (sLDH) is of great importance specifically in the identification of patients with Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders(OPMD). Lactate dehydrogenase is present in the cytoplasm of almost every cell in the human body which becomes extracellular upon cell death. Hence, its elevated levels might indicate underlying tissue damage and cellular necrosis. Early detection and timely intervention of OPMDs are essential for preventing malignant transformation and improving clinical outcomes, underscoring the importance of effective screening strategies. Salivary diagnostics have received attention for their potential to revolutionize early detection by identifying biomarkers associated with OPMDs. Saliva offers several advantages, including ease of collection, non-invasive sampling, and relatively convenient storage and transportation, making it a promising diagnostic medium. Therefore, an increased sLDH concentration may serve as a potential indicator of cellular damage and altered mucosal integrity associated with OPMDs, highlighting its possible utility as a biomarker for their early detection and prognostication.