Abstract
ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to determine and compare the expression pattern and localization of nestin, in an attempt to explore its role in oral carcinogenesis.MethodsWestern blot and immunohistochemistry analysis were performed to study the expression pattern of nestin in normal mucosa, leukoplakia, and oral squamous cell carcinoma samples. Nestin expression was evaluated in the keratinocytes and blood vessels of all the samples and compared with various clinico-pathological parameters.ResultsNestin expression was increased in samples of leukoplakia and oral squamous cell carcinoma when compared with normal mucosa. Among leukoplakia samples, the expression was increased in cases without dysplasia compared to cases with dysplastic features. In cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma, the expression of nestin was found to be decreased with the loss of differentiation. Neoangiogenesis status determined by nestin expression showed an increasing expression from normal mucosa through leukoplakia, to oral squamous cell carcinoma.ConclusionThis study has two major findings: (1) identification of nestin as an effective indicator of neoangiogenesis, and (2) nestin may be used as a marker in predicting the early changes in oral carcinogenesis.
Highlights
The incidence of oral cancer worldwide is around 500,000 new cases every year, accounting for approximately 3% of all malignancies, creating a significant health problem.[1]
Immunoblot Analysis The protein band observed in the molecular weight range of 190–200 kDa identified by the primary anti-human nestin antibody was confirmed to be nestin protein
The mean expression of oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) samples was found to be six times higher than the normal oral mucosa (NOM) samples, and statistical significance was reached. These results showed that nestin is commonly expressed at low levels in normal mucosa but is elevated in the oral cancer tissues
Summary
The incidence of oral cancer worldwide is around 500,000 new cases every year, accounting for approximately 3% of all malignancies, creating a significant health problem.[1]. Oral leukoplakia is the most common PMD, and studies have shown that 17%–25% of oral leukoplakia lesions contain oral epithelial dysplasia, and about 8% progress to OSCC.[5,6] Presently, there are no molecular markers available which enable us to distinguish lesions that may progress to OSCC from those that do not
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