A quantitative expression of KI-67 to assess the malignant transformation potential in oral leukoplakia and erosive lichen planus

Abstract

Introduction: The basic, living, structural and functional unit of the body is known as a 'Cell'.[1] In both embryonic and post-embryonic existence, cell proliferation plays an important role in the biological process of living organisms.[2] The loss of control in the biological process leads to cancer. Leukoplakia and erosive lichen planus (ELP) are potentially malignant disorders. Ki67 is a protein indicative of cell cycle progression and cell proliferation. Aim: To evaluate the quantitative expression of Ki-67 in oral leukoplakia (OL) and ELP. Materials and Methods: Samples were divided into three groups, namely, paraffin-embedded (PE) tissue blocks (10 each) of normal oral mucosa tissue obtained from individuals undergoing third molar surgical removals (Group I); OL (Group II) and ELP (Group III), all of which were confirmed histologically. All the sections were subjected to immunohistochemistry (IHC) using Ki-67, and the number of immunopositive cells was evaluated. Results: Ki-67 positivity in three groups was observed as 31% in controls, 40% in leukoplakia and 36% in ELP. Conclusion: Our study revealed more Ki-67 positivity in leukoplakia than ELP, which indicates more malignant transformation potential for Leukoplakia.