The prognostic role of claudins -1 and -4 in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Claudin dysregulation has been described in various tumor types; however, its clinical relevance is poorly understood. We present a study in which we assessed the expression of claudin 1 (CLDN1) and CLDN4 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), as well as their prognostic relevance. Immunohistochemical analysis of CLDN1 and CLDN4 expression was carried out on tissue sections from 65 OSCCs. The presence of CLDN1 in the invasive front of tumor islands was associated with neck node metastasis, and the expression of CLDN4 was associated with higher histological grade, and tumor recurrence. Membranous staining for CLDN4 in tumor cells, and weak intensity of CLDN4 immunoexpression were predictive for poorer survival. In a multivariate analysis for disease recurrence, CLDN1 immunostaining was statistically significant. Specifically, CDLN1 expression in the tumor invasive front was associated with tumor recurrence. Our results indicate that CLDN4 expression is correlated with poor prognosis, and CLDN1 expression may be an indicator of recurrence of OSCC.