Assessment of Promoter Hypermethylation in Tumor Suppressor Genes in Oral Leukoplakia and Oral Submucous Fibrosis.

Background: Promoter hypermethylation of tumor suppressor genes is a hallmark of early carcinogenesis in oral lesions. Aim: To assess the methylation status of p16, DAPK, and MGMT in oral leukoplakia and OSMF. Methods: DNA extracted from tissue samples of 30 leukoplakia, 30 OSMF, and 20 healthy controls was analyzed using methylation-specific PCR. Results: Promoter hypermethylation was significantly higher in both patient groups compared to controls (P < 0.05), with p16 most frequently affected. Conclusion: Aberrant promoter methylation may serve as an early molecular marker in oral precancerous conditions, aiding early intervention and risk stratification.