Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that an intact DNA damage response (DDR) serves as a potent barrier to malignant transformation. Using immunohistochemistry and patient-derived biopsy samples, we investigated whether the same may hold true during oral carcinogenesis. DNA damage accumulates early in the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) as evidenced by the detection of surrogate DDR biomarkers γ-H2A.X and phosphorylated CHK2-threonine-68 (phospho-CHK2(Thr68)) in epithelial hyperplasias. However, whereas γ-H2A.X expression peaked in dysplastic epithelium, its levels were significantly reduced in OSCCs (χ(2) = 7.655; P = .02). In contrast, there was a trend toward increased phospho-CHK2(Thr68) expression with increasing severity of the pathology. Nonetheless, combined expression of the biomarkers was significantly greater in the nontransformed tissues relative to OSCCs (χ(2) = 6.42; P = .04). Thus, our findings suggest that early therapeutic exploitation of the DDR may be worthy of investigation as a means by which to limit OSCC development.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontology
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
