The present study identified changes in levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-6 and IL-17, and the pro- and anti-inflammatory adipokines, leptin and adiponectin, in patients with premalignant oral lesions or in patients that have developed HNSCC that were either untreated or treated with 1,25(OH)2D3 to modulate immune reactivity. The gene discussed is LEP; the disease is dysplastic oral keratinocyte.