Immunohistochemical analysis of syndecan-1 in leukoplakia and oral submucous fibrosis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Syndecan-1 is abundant in normal tissues and reduced in squamous cell carcinomas. Leukoplakia and oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) are oral pre-cancerous disorders that have potential for malignant transformation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of syndecan-1 in leukoplakia and OSF and to identify its role as a reliable marker for predicting malignant changes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Expression of syndecan-1 was examined immunohistochemically in 42 cases of oral leukoplakia with or without epithelial dysplasia, 28 cases of OSF and 10 cases of normal oral epithelia as control. Mann-Whiteny 'U' test was used for statistical analysis and the level of significance was fixed at P < 0.05.

RESULTS:

Intense syndecan-1 expression was observed in nine cases with normal epithelium. Immunopositivity was lost gradually as the extent of epithelial dysplasia increased. The significant reduction in syndecan-1 expression was observed in leukoplakia as epithelial dysplasia progressed from moderate or severe. Similarly, significant reduction was observed in staining intensities in OSF with dysplasia.

CONCLUSION:

The results reveal that down-regulation of syndecan-1 expression is associated with dysplastic changes in leukoplakia and OSF. Thus syndecan-1 can be considered as marker for predicting malignant changes.

• Authors: Sushant S Kamat, G S Kumar, Ajit V Koshy
• Journal: Dental research journal (Dent Res J (Isfahan)) Vol. 10 Issue 3 Pg. 321-7 (May 2013) ISSN: 1735-3327 [Print] Iran
• PMID: 24019799 (Publication Type: Journal Article)