Areca quid chewing enhances the expression of salivary matrix metalloproteinase-9.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

The effects of areca quid (AQ) consumption on salivary matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) which may participate in tumor invasion and metastasis remains unclear. This study assessed the change in salivary MMP-9 protein levels 2 hours after 5-minute AQ chewing stimulation (AQCS) in non-AQ users and the expression profile of this proteinase in saliva and tumor specimens of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients with a history of AQ use.

METHODS:

MMP-9 transcript was analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. MMP-9 protein level was measured by both Western blot and gelatin zymography.

RESULTS:

The protein level of salivary MMP-9 was 3.1- to 8.9-fold enhanced 2 h after AQCS in 3 healthy volunteers as revealed by Western blot and zymography. As a control, gum chewing did not significantly change salivary MMP-9 protein level. Expression of MMP-9 transcript was found in 25 of 28 OSCC specimens and significantly correlated with cervical lymph node metastasis (p = 0.037). All of the 8 tested OSCC tissue homogenate samples available and all 12 saliva samples from 12 oral tumor outpatients were positive for MMP-9 protein.

CONCLUSIONS:

Elevation of MMP-9 may be one of the net effects of AQCS in vivo, which may play a role in the pathogenesis of oral mucosal lesions. Furthermore, the association of MMP-9 expression with neck-lymph-node metastasis may imply a significant role of MMP-9 in the progression of OSCC among patients with a history of AQ use in Taiwan.

• Authors: Shyun-Yeu Liu, Mei-Huei Lin, Shun-Chun Yang, Guan-Cheng Huang, Lisa Chang, Sam Chang, Ching-Yu Yen, Wei-Fan Chiang, Chin-Hai Lee, Yung-Yen Kuo, Young-Chau Liu
• Journal: Journal of the Formosan Medical Association = Taiwan yi zhi (J Formos Med Assoc) Vol. 104 Issue 2 Pg. 113-9 (Feb 2005) ISSN: 0929-6646 [Print] Singapore
• PMID: 15765166 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Matrix Metalloproteinase 9

Topics

• Areca (adverse effects)
• Carcinoma, Squamous Cell (enzymology)
• Humans
• Mastication
• Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 (metabolism)
• Mouth Neoplasms (enzymology)
• Salivary Glands (enzymology)
• Time Factors