Abstract
Abstract Background: Saliva, rich in trace elements including zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu), is essential for oralhealth. These elements support oral mucosal integrity, immune function, and enzymatic reactions.Disruptions in trace element levels have been implicated in oral pathologies, including premalignantand malignant lesions. Aim of the Work: This study measured Zn and Cu concentrations in saliva from patients with OWLsand examined their correlation with histopathological features. Materials and methods: The study included 50 participants: 30 with histopathologically confirmedoral white lesions (OWLs) and 20 healthy controls. Salivary Zn and Cu levels were measured by induc-tively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry under uniform conditions. At the same time, westained lesion samples with H&E to confirm diagnostic categories. Salivary trace element levels variedsignificantly, as shown by SPSS 26 analysis. Result: Patients with non-dysplastic lesions had considerably higher mean salivary Cu (0.0420 mg/Lvs. 0.0047 mg/L in controls, p = 0.047) and marginally higher Zn (0.0885 mg/L vs. 0.0566 mg/L in con-trols, p = 0.0165). Compared with controls, premalignant and malignant lesions showed distinct traceelement profiles. Conclusion: These findings indicate that salivary Zn and Cu levels may serve as promising non-inva-sive biomarkers for the early diagnosis and prognostic assessment of OWLs.