Cyclo-oxygenase-2 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) plays a key role in carcinogenesis by synthesizing prostaglandins.
• Experimental models show COX-2 inhibitors can suppress tumor formation, including tongue carcinoma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the immunohistochemical expression of COX-2 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).
• To compare COX-2 expression in OSCC, oral dysplasia, and normal oral mucosa.

Main Methods:

• Immunohistochemical staining for COX-2 expression was performed on 60 tissue samples (20 OSCC, 20 dysplasia, 20 normal mucosa).
• COX-2 immunoreactivity was assessed by quantifying stained cell percentage and intensity.
• Statistical analysis included Kruskal-Wallis, ANOVA, Mann-Whitney tests, with P<0.05 considered significant.

Main Results:

• Significantly higher COX-2 expression was observed in OSCC and oral dysplasia compared to normal oral mucosa.
• A positive correlation exists between COX-2 expression levels and the severity of oral dysplasia.
• No significant difference in COX-2 expression was found between low-grade and high-grade OSCC tumors.

Conclusions:

• The findings support the involvement of COX-2 in oral carcinogenesis.
• COX-2 expression is linked to the progression of premalignant oral lesions to malignancy.