Oncostatin M [OSM] protein immuno-expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma – A prospective study

Abstract

BackgroundAn important factor in the progression of tumours is the formation of blood vessels in the tumour stroma. When there is an upregulation of angiogenesis stimulators or a downregulation of angiogenesis inhibitors, the tumour may manifest its capacity for angiogenesis. Immune cells secrete a substance called Oncostatin M (OSM), which has been linked to cancer angiogenesis and subsequent pathogenesis. This study is aimed to assess OSM expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma. ObjectiveTo compare the intensity of expression of Oncostatin M [OSM] in normal oral mucosa and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and to analyse their role in the disease progression by enhancing angiogenesis and metastasis. Materials and methodsThe study analysed the expression of OSM with the immunohistochemical aid. The samples were treated with Anti-OSM polyclonal antibody and immunohistochemical staining was done using NovoLinkTM NovocastraTM Polymer Detection System (Leica Microsystems). Stained samples were categorized based on the staining percentage and staining intensity. ResultsThe comparison of staining percentage between the epithelium of control group and the OSCC group revealed that it was statistically significant [p value = 0.002685]. Similarly, the comparison of staining intensity [p value = 0.001202] and staining index [p value = 0.001817] between the control group and the OSCC group revealed that it was statistically significant. ConclusionThe expression of oncostatin M in normal epithelium and OSCC group with the given immunohistochemical staining percentage, intensity and staining index suggests strong diagnostic potential of oncostatin M which can also be used for further therapeutic.