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Published on: April 22, 2019
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
Summary
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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