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Author Spotlight: Unlocking the Mysteries of Oral Potential Malignancies
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Author Spotlight: Unlocking the Mysteries of Oral Potential Malignancies

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Analysis of oral lichen planus severity on micro-RNA linked with malignant transformation risks

Alessandro Polizzi1, Simona Santonocito1, Alfio Distefano2

  • 1Department of General Surgery and Surgical-Medical Specialties, Unit of Periodontology, School of Dentistry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.

Oral Diseases
|October 14, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Oral lichen planus (OLP) patients show altered micro-RNA (miRNA) expression linked to malignant transformation risk. These miRNA levels correlate with OLP severity and predict clinical outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oral pathology
  • Molecular biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory condition with a potential for malignant transformation.
  • Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and are implicated in various diseases, including cancer.
  • Understanding miRNA expression in OLP may provide insights into its pathogenesis and malignant progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate oral tissue expression of specific micro-RNAs (miRNAs) in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP).
  • To assess the correlation between OLP severity and miRNA expression levels.
  • To identify potential predictors of miRNA expression in OLP patients.

Main Methods:

  • The study included 41 OLP patients and 42 healthy controls.
  • miRNA levels (miR-7a-3p, -7a-2-3p, -7a-5p, -21-3p, -21-5p, -100-3p, -100-5p, -125b-2-3p, -125b-5p, -200b-3p, -200b-5p) were quantified using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.
  • Clinical parameters, symptoms, signs, and disease severity scores were collected via an anamnestic questionnaire.

Main Results:

  • OLP patients exhibited significantly higher levels of miR-7a-3p, -7a-2-3p, -21-3p, miR-21-5p, and miR-100-5p compared to controls.
  • Conversely, OLP patients showed significantly lower levels of miR-125b-2-3p, -125b-5p, -200b-3p, and -200b-5p.
  • OLP symptoms, signs, and disease severity scores were significantly correlated with and predicted all analyzed miRNAs.

Conclusions:

  • Oral miRNA expression is unbalanced in OLP patients, suggesting a link to the risk of malignant evolution.
  • Specific miRNAs are correlated with the extent of OLP and serve as significant predictors of OLP symptoms, signs, and disease severity.
Keywords:
biomarkerdisease severitymalignant disordersmicroRNAoral lichen planusprognosis

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