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Bcl-2 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma

B Popović1, B Jekić, I Novaković

  • 1Institute of Biology and Human Genetics, School of Dentistry, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 8, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro. brankapo@verat.net

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|April 4, 2007
PubMed

Insights

This study investigated bcl-2 protein expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Low bcl-2 levels were associated with a higher survival rate, suggesting its potential as a predictor for oral cancer outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Apoptosis is a regulated cellular process crucial for development and disease.
  • The bcl-2 gene family plays a key role in regulating apoptosis and has oncogenic potential in oral tumorigenesis.
  • bcl-2, an anti-apoptotic protein, is critical in controlling programmed cell death.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression level of bcl-2 protein in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).
  • To determine the association between bcl-2 expression and clinicopathological features and survival in OSCC patients.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemistry was used to assess bcl-2 protein overexpression in 26 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded OSCC samples.
  • Tumor samples were staged (II, III, IV) and originated from various oral cavity sites.
  • Immunoreactivity was quantified based on the percentage and intensity of cytoplasmic bcl-2 staining.

Main Results:

  • All analyzed OSCC tumors exhibited a low percentage of positively stained bcl-2 cells.
  • Mean bcl-2 expression intensity showed no significant variation across different tumor stages (II, III, IV).
  • A low level of bcl-2 expression was correlated with a higher 5-year survival rate (77%).

Conclusions:

  • The level of bcl-2 expression may serve as a valuable prognostic marker for oral squamous cell carcinoma.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the predictive role of bcl-2 in oral cancer behavior and patient outcomes.

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