Assessment of the association of myofibroblasts and structural components of the extracellular matrix with...

Area of Science:

• Oral pathology and oncology
• Dermatopathology
• Cancer biology

Background:

• Actinic cheilitis (ACs) and lower lip squamous cell carcinomas (LLSCCs) are common lip lesions.
• Myofibroblasts (MFs) are key players in tissue remodeling and fibrosis.
• The role of MFs and extracellular matrix changes in lip carcinogenesis requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence and role of myofibroblasts (MFs) in lip carcinogenesis.
• To correlate clinical, histomorphometric, and immunohistochemical parameters in ACs and LLSCCs.
• To assess the relationship between MFs, collagen, and elastic fibers in the development of lip cancer.

Main Methods:

• Tissue microarray (TMA) analysis of ACs, LLSCCs, and control groups.
• Immunohistochemical staining for TGF-β, α-SMA, and Ki-67.
• Histochemical reactions for collagen and elastic fibers, coupled with statistical analysis.

Main Results:

• Increased α-SMA+ MFs were observed in ACs and LLSCCs compared to controls.
• MFs correlated with solar elastosis (SE) expansion and high-risk epithelial dysplasia.
• Reduced collagen deposition and altered elastic fiber density were noted in LLSCCs and larger tumors with nodal invasion.

Conclusions:

• Myofibroblasts (MFs) are significantly present in lip carcinogenesis.
• Alterations in collagen and elastic fibers, alongside MFs, are crucial in lip cancer development.
• These findings highlight potential therapeutic targets in lip carcinogenesis.