MMP-9 EXPRESSION IN ORAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA USING IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY, WESTERN BLOTTING, AND REVERSE TRANSCRIPTION POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION TECHNIQUES

Abstract

Research into matrix-metalloproteinases (MMP) and their inhibition in certain cancers has moved significantly, studies on MMP expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains scarce. MMP-9, a gelatinase-degrading enzyme, destroys matrix proteins in gingivitis and adult periodontitis. MMP-9 genetic (mRNA) and protein profiles were examined to determine MMP-9 expression in oral cancer in this study. Our gender findings indicate that the majority of patients were males and consumers of various tobacco forms.The buccal mucosa was involved in 52% of OSCCs, followed by the tongue (33%), and the gingivobuccal sulcus (9%).The levels of MMP-9 detected in OSCC grades were higher than controls in the order of well-, followed by moderately- and lastly poorly-differentiated grades.Immunohistochemistryseemed to be a reliable approach for measuring MMP-9 expression in OSCC samples when compared to RT-qPCR and western blotting. The association of high MMP-9 levels with well-differentiated OSCC grade implies its potential as a biomarker for early detection of OSCC which could lead to the development of early OSCC treatments. More studies with larger samples might aid in the evaluation of the techniques used.