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Study Protocol

Comparative evaluation of dose dependent efficacy of vitamin C, in relation to oxidative stress level in subjects  with Oral Submucus Fibrosis

[version 1; peer review: 1 approved, 1 approved with reservations]
PUBLISHED 10 Nov 2023
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This article is included in the Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research collection.

Abstract

Background

Oral submucus fibrosis (OSMF) has a 0.2-0.5 prevalence rate in India. The malignancy rate of OSMF was found to be 7.6%. The focus of pathogenesis is currently on reactive oxygen species levels which can rise to extremely high levels, exceeding the human body’s antioxidant defense system and causing oxidative stress that goes beyond physiological limitations. Since oxidative stress plays such a significant part in carcinogenesis and other degenerative diseases, it is fair to believe that antioxidants will help to reduce or even stop these processes. Vitamin C is known for its antioxidant properties which act as a lipid-soluble free radical scavenger in cell membranes. But in some of studies a paradoxical effect of antioxidant doses was found. Thus, the present study will be conducted to evaluate the dose dependent efficacy of Vitamin C level in relation to oxidative stress level in subjects of OSMF.

Methods

After informed consent, the patient’s examination will be conducted. For each individual, 5ml of the blood sample will be withdrawn under all the aseptic precautions and oxidative stress level will be assessed depending on MDA & SOD level in a central research laboratory. Depending on oxidative stress level patients will be divided into two groups.

Group I - Moderate oxidative stress in OSMF SI less than 240 but more than 192

Group II - High Oxidative Stress in OSMF SI more than 240

Single and double doses of Vitamin C will be given to patients accordingly and the MDA & SOD levels will be calculated on day 30,90 days and on 180th day

Conclusions

Positive results of the study will give direction for choosing the correct dose of the antioxidant Vitamin C for OSMF depending on oxidative stress level.

Keywords

oral submucous fibrosis, reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress, vitamin C

Introduction

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a common oral precancerous lesion in Asian countries, particularly in regions where betel nuts are chewed. OSMF is caused by abnormal collagen deposition in connective tissues and has an impact on mouth functions. OSMF impairs a patient’s quality of life due to discomforting symptoms such as ulceration, xerostomia, a burning sensation, and mouth-opening opening limitation.1

The pathogenesis is still believed to be multifactorial in origin. The focus of pathogenesis is currently on reactive oxygen species. During normal metabolism, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) are produced. ROS causes an increase in the production of enzymes such as Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD), which neutralizes reactive oxygen species at low and moderate quantities.2 So, in everyday life, oxidation and reduction processes are linked with each other. However, in stressful situations, ROS levels can rise to extremely high levels, exceeding the human body’s antioxidant defense system and causing oxidative stress that goes beyond physiological limitations. At this point, ROS begins to harm cells in biological systems, resulting in a vicious cycle.3 In addition, this may also encourage unmanageable lipid peroxidation, which may cause cell injuries through DNA damage and directly inhibit proteins.4,5

Since oxidative stress plays such a significant part in carcinogenesis and other degenerative diseases, it is fair to believe that antioxidants will help to reduce or even stop these processes. In some situations, by preventing free radical generation, detecting free radicals, aiding repair, and creating a favorable environment. Vitamin C is known for its antioxidant properties which act as a free radical scavenger in cell membranes.6,7 It also prevents the carcinogenic toxin nitrosamine from developing from nitrites in specific meals, as well as improves immune system activity.8

Rationale

In 2014 Potter et al., published their review article in which they presented the major problems with chemoprevention remarking that some substances like beta carotin fail to provide evidence of benefit and one trial suggested excess of large colorectal polyp.5 The author further remarked that supplemental high dose beta carotene not only reduces cancer incidence, it clearly increases risk in high risk groups. The author proposed that ROS might bring out beneficial effect through elimination of cancer cell via apoptosis and an active antioxidant may abrogate the beneficial effect of ROS.

One of the reason of these controversial observation could be paucity of knowledge regarding optimal doses of antioxidants to be used in relation to the level of oxidative stress.

Dose Related Paradoxical Effect

In 1997 Carney, in 2007 Chemilos G and in 2011 Borkar et al. have studied the efficacy of low and high dose of antioxidant in patients and found that low doses of antioxidants were found to be more efficacious whereas with the higher dose statistically significant reduction in oxidative stress was not observed.810

From the literature search, we gathered some observations as follows

  • i) Benefits of antioxidants in case of OSMF are still not clear. Observations and conclusions of different studies differ.

  • ii) For dose dependent actions of antioxidants correlating to oxidative stress levels, literature search through leading search engine the scholar could not find any study regarding efficacy of antioxidant of low and high dose of Vit. C is related to oxidative stress level in subjects of OSMF.

  • iii) In view of above point it is worthwhile to conduct a clinical study to answer the to Identify knowledge gaps about the importance of a dose related efficacy of antioxidant vitamin C is related to lower and higher oxidative stress levels in subjects of Oral submucous Fibrosis?

Aim

To determine oxidative stress level and compare the dose dependent efficacy of Vitamin C in relation to oxidative stress level in subjects with Oral Submucous Fibrosis.

Objective

  • 1. To assess the efficacy of low dose Vit. C on mean SOD & MDA level in subject with low oxidative stress.

  • 2. To assess the efficacy of high dose Vit. C on mean SOD & MDA level in subject with low oxidative stress.

  • 3. To assess the efficacy of low dose Vit. C on mean SOD & MDA level in subject with high oxidative stress.

  • 4. To assess the efficacy of high dose Vit. C on mean SOD & MDA level in subject with high oxidative stress.

  • 5. To compare the efficacy of low & high dose Vit. C in low & high oxidative stress level.

  • 6. To correlate the effect of low & high dose Vit. C with low & high oxidative stress level.

Methods

Study design

The study will be a randomized single blind four arm Interventional Comparative Clinical Study. See Figure 1 for a plan of the study.

808110f8-77b5-4ada-9b04-b443095fb327_figure1.gif

Figure 1. Plan of study.

The study will be carried out in Sharad Pawar Dental College, Sawangi MegheWardha. All the biochemical procedures will be carried out in Central Research Lab, DMIMS, Sawangi(M) Wardha.

Patients attending OPD of Oral Medicine & Radiology department of Sharad Pawar Dental College –Sawangi Meghe, Wardha will be recruited into the study.

Random allocation of participants through computer generated random number.

The study will be conducted in two phases:

  • Phase 1 Pilot study

A pilot study will be carried out for the purpose of calculating the sample size.

  • Phase II Conduction of detailed study

Patients attending OPD shall be assessed for eligibility criteria.

IEC clearance

The Institutional Ethics Committee at Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to be University), Nagpur, approved the study. Written informed consent will be requested from all patients with OSMF. All patients will be subjected to a thorough history check regarding dietary habits and addiction. They will be clinically examined to determine various stages of oral submucous fibrosis and shall be assessed for eligibility criteria.

Inclusion criteria

Patients who are above the age of 18 years and are clinically diagnosed with Oral Submucous Fibrosis, diagnosed on the basis of the following clinical parameters. Stomatitis, burning sensation, inter incisal distance, tongue protrusion.

Exclusion criteria

  • Subjects with previous radio/chemotherapy or any other treatment modalities for oral submucous fibrosis.

  • Subjects with systemic disorders, temporomandibular disorder, or pericoronitis.

  • Pregnant or lactating mothers.

Protocol

The patients will be instructed to discontinue consuming betel nut, tobacco, and pan masala. They will need to quit smoking, and practice good dental hygiene. The study’s goal and purpose will be clearly described to each patient, and a formal agreement will be taken. The patient’s examination will be conducted by using the diagnostic instrument and natural light. For each individual, 5 ml of the blood sample will be withdrawn under all the aseptic precautions and oxidative stress level will be assessed depending on MDA & SOD level in central research laboratory DMIMS (DU). Method for calculating MDA & SOD The median cubital vein will be used to collect five millilitres of venous blood: For 1 to 2 hours, the blood will be allowed to coagulate at room temperature. To obtain a clear serum sample, the serum will be separated using a centrifuge machine at 3000 rpm for 10 minutes. SOD level will be assessed by Marklund S & Marklund:197411 method MDA level will be carried out by the Thiobarbituric acid method. From the collected blood sample using spectrophotometer on day 1, day 30 day 90 days, and on 180th day MDA & SOD will be measured.

Statistical analysis

It will be done by using descriptive & inferential statistics using one way ANOVA, Dunnet D test, Multiple comparison Tukeytest. Software to be used in the analysis will be SPSS latest version.

Implication

Positive results of study will give direction for choosing best suitable dose of antioxidant Vitamin C for OSMF depending on oxidative stress level.

Dissemination: The study will be published in an indexed journal.

Study status: Study is yet to commence.

Limitation

The research might be subjected to response bias as we have taken only two doses of antioxidants which could be considered a crucial factor of limitation.

Discussion

Antioxidants are supposed to maintain the health of cells. This presumption encouraged people worldwide to consume a lot of phytochemical supplements bearing antioxidant properties. In few of articles on antioxidant therapeutics it was observed that antioxidants can work as a double-edged sword if inappropriately used. It has been opined recently that excessive antioxidant therapy can act as a potential immunosuppressant and increase the likelihood of developing malignancies by compromising the natural immune protection system and direct cell and DNA damage. Hence, the best suitable dose of antioxidant must be dependent upon oxidative stress level. Further great care should be taken in selection of antioxidant agents, selection of dosage of antioxidants not to produce harmful effects.

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CITE
how to cite this article
Patel S, Patel A, Lohe V et al. Comparative evaluation of dose dependent efficacy of vitamin C, in relation to oxidative stress level in subjects  with Oral Submucus Fibrosis [version 1; peer review: 1 approved, 1 approved with reservations]. F1000Research 2023, 12:1455 (https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.142449.1)
NOTE: If applicable, it is important to ensure the information in square brackets after the title is included in all citations of this article.
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Open Peer Review

Current Reviewer Status: ?
Key to Reviewer Statuses VIEW
ApprovedThe paper is scientifically sound in its current form and only minor, if any, improvements are suggested
Approved with reservations A number of small changes, sometimes more significant revisions are required to address specific details and improve the papers academic merit.
Not approvedFundamental flaws in the paper seriously undermine the findings and conclusions
Version 1
VERSION 1
PUBLISHED 10 Nov 2023
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Reviewer Report 28 Aug 2025
Fatma Yasmin Mahdani, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia 
Approved
VIEWS 2

Background and Objectives
The background and objectives are clearly presented; however, the rationale could be strengthened by more explicitly highlighting the research gap and the significance of the study. In the abstract, the statement “Vitamin C is ... Continue reading
CITE
CITE
HOW TO CITE THIS REPORT
Mahdani FY. Reviewer Report For: Comparative evaluation of dose dependent efficacy of vitamin C, in relation to oxidative stress level in subjects  with Oral Submucus Fibrosis [version 1; peer review: 1 approved, 1 approved with reservations]. F1000Research 2023, 12:1455 (https://doi.org/10.5256/f1000research.156003.r401186)
NOTE: it is important to ensure the information in square brackets after the title is included in all citations of this article.
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3
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Reviewer Report 27 Aug 2025
Suwisit Manmuan, Burapha University, Mueang Chonburi District, Chon Buri, Thailand 
Approved with Reservations
VIEWS 3
- The introduction describes in detail the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in OSMF pathophysiology, as well as the potential advantages and hazards of antioxidant supplements.
- The authors accurately identify a gap in the literature about the ... Continue reading
CITE
CITE
HOW TO CITE THIS REPORT
Manmuan S. Reviewer Report For: Comparative evaluation of dose dependent efficacy of vitamin C, in relation to oxidative stress level in subjects  with Oral Submucus Fibrosis [version 1; peer review: 1 approved, 1 approved with reservations]. F1000Research 2023, 12:1455 (https://doi.org/10.5256/f1000research.156003.r401182)
NOTE: it is important to ensure the information in square brackets after the title is included in all citations of this article.

Comments on this article Comments (0)

Version 1
VERSION 1 PUBLISHED 10 Nov 2023
Comment
Alongside their report, reviewers assign a status to the article:
Approved - the paper is scientifically sound in its current form and only minor, if any, improvements are suggested
Approved with reservations - A number of small changes, sometimes more significant revisions are required to address specific details and improve the papers academic merit.
Not approved - fundamental flaws in the paper seriously undermine the findings and conclusions
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