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Published on: July 25, 2011
Effects of digoxin and Na, K-ATPase immunoexpression on human oral squamous carcinomas
Aline Lauda Freitas Chaves1, Priscila Oliveira De Lima2, João Marcos Arantes Soares3
1Laboratório de Bioquímica Celular, Faculdade de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São João Del Rei, Campus Centro-Oeste Dona Lindu, Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil Hospital São João de Deus, Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Aim:
The present study evaluated the expression of α1 and β1 Na,K-ATPase, as well as the effects of digoxin (DGX) on oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs).
Patients And Methods:
Immunohistochemical expression of α1 and β1 Na,K-ATPase were evaluated in 60 patients who underwent treatment at the São João de Deus Hospital. SCC-25 viability was assessed by the colorimetric assay. Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests were used to analyze the association of α1 and β1 Na,K-ATPase expression with the variables.
Results:
Immunoexpression of α1 and β1 Na,K-ATPase were observed in 28% and 55% of the tumors, however these proteins were not significant prognostic factors. Tobacco was significantly associated with α1 expression. SCC-25 viability decreased significantly after treatment with 1 μM DGX at 24 h.
Conclusion:
The smoking status of OSCC patients was significantly associated with α1 expression and DGX affected the SCC-25 viability in a dose- and duration-dependent manner.
Insights
This study found that smoking status is linked to α1 Na,K-ATPase expression in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs). Digoxin (DGX) also impacted cancer cell viability, suggesting potential therapeutic avenues.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Na,K-ATPase is crucial for cell function.
- Its role in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is not fully understood.
- Digoxin (DGX) is a cardiac glycoside with potential anticancer effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate α1 and β1 Na,K-ATPase expression in OSCC.
- To investigate the effects of digoxin (DGX) on OSCC cell viability.
- To determine the prognostic significance of Na,K-ATPase expression in OSCC.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to assess α1 and β1 Na,K-ATPase expression in 60 OSCC patients.
- SCC-25 cell viability was measured using a colorimetric assay.
- Statistical analyses (Chi-square, Fisher's exact tests) were employed to correlate protein expression with clinical variables.
Main Results:
- α1 and β1 Na,K-ATPase were expressed in 28% and 55% of tumors, respectively.
- Neither protein was a significant prognostic factor for OSCC.
- A significant association was found between tobacco use and α1 Na,K-ATPase expression.
- Digoxin (DGX) significantly reduced SCC-25 cell viability at 1 μM concentration after 24 hours.
Conclusions:
- Smoking status in OSCC patients is significantly associated with α1 Na,K-ATPase expression.
- Digoxin (DGX) demonstrates a dose- and duration-dependent effect on SCC-25 cell viability.
- These findings suggest a potential role for Na,K-ATPase and DGX in OSCC management.
