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Published on: September 14, 2010
Ki-67 expression in oral lichen planus.
M Hadzi-Mihailovic1, S Cakic, S Jankovic
1Clinic of Periodontology and Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Belgrade, Serbia. hadzi04@yahoo.com
Summary
Ki-67 protein expression is elevated in oral lichen planus (OLP) patients compared to healthy individuals, but lower than in oral cancer patients. This marker may help identify OLP patients needing closer monitoring for malignancy prevention.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunohistochemistry
- Oral Pathology
Background:
- The Ki-67 protein is a nuclear antigen exclusively found in proliferating cells.
- Assessing proliferation rates is crucial for analyzing malignant tumors.
- Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a potentially precancerous condition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the malignant potential of OLP by examining Ki-67 expression.
- To compare Ki-67 levels in healthy individuals (HI), OLP patients, and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) patients.
- To explore the relationship between Ki-67 expression and clinical/histopathological parameters in OLP.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry technique was employed to detect Ki-67.
- Avidin-biotin peroxidase complex method was utilized for Ki-67 detection.
Main Results:
- Ki-67 expression was higher in keratinocytes and lymphocytes of OLP patients than in HI, but lower than in SCC patients.
- Elevated Ki-67 expression in OLP patients was observed in males.
- OLP specimens with higher Ki-67 showed less developed Civatte bodies (CB) and thickened basal membranes (TBM).
Conclusions:
- Ki-67 may not be a definitive prognostic biomarker for oral cancer development from OLP.
- Ki-67 can aid in identifying OLP patients who require increased follow-up for malignancy prevention.
