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In Situ Detection of Bacteria within Paraffin-embedded Tissues Using a Digoxin-labeled DNA Probe Targeting 16S rRNA
Published on: May 21, 2015
Detection of porphyromonas gingivalis in oral potentially malignant disorders and oral squamous cell carcinoma using
G Suganya1, N S Sahana1, P Akalya1
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Government Dental College and Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Background:
Recent researches has shown a significant association between microorganisms and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Porphyromonas gingivalis, the keystone pathogen in chronic periodontitis, is considered as an important potential etiologic agent of OSCC, but the underlying mechanisms by which P. gingivalis mediates OSCC progression remain poorly understood.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to compare the levels of P. gingivalis in oral potentially malignant disorders, oral squamous cell carcinoma and normal oral mucosa using qRT-PCR.
Method And Material:
Genomic DNA was extracted and quantified, and the expression of the P. gingivalis levels was done in 16 cases of oral potentially malignant disorders, 16 cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma and 16 cases of normal oral mucosa by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).
Results:
It was observed that there was an over expression of P. gingivalis in both oral potentially malignant disorders and oral squamous cell carcinoma with good mean cycle threshold (CT) value of 27.00 and 27.55, respectively. When comparing the levels of P. gingivalis in three groups, oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) showed higher expression than normal mucosa and in between two groups OSCC showed higher expression than OPMD and the difference is statistically significant with P value less than 0.001.
Conclusion:
Our findings suggest that there is an over expression of P. gingivalis in oral potentially malignant disorders and oral squamous cell carcinoma, compared to normal mucosa and highly expressed in OSCCs compared to OPMD. Increased levels of P. gingivalis in OPMDs and OSCCs may suggest the early event of tumorigenesis. Hence, it can be used as a valuable marker for early diagnosis, prognosis marker and in the identification of therapeutic targets.
Insights
Porphyromonas gingivalis, a key pathogen in periodontitis, is overexpressed in oral potentially malignant disorders and oral squamous cell carcinoma. Higher levels in oral squamous cell carcinoma suggest its role in early tumorigenesis, potentially serving as a diagnostic marker.
Area of Science:
- Oral microbiology
- Oncology
- Periodontology
Background:
- Microorganisms are significantly associated with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).
- Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), a keystone pathogen in chronic periodontitis, is implicated as a potential etiological agent of OSCC.
- Mechanisms of P. gingivalis in mediating OSCC progression are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare P. gingivalis levels in oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD), OSCC, and normal oral mucosa.
- To investigate the role of P. gingivalis in the progression of oral lesions.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to measure P. gingivalis levels.
- Genomic DNA was extracted and quantified from 16 cases each of OPMD, OSCC, and normal oral mucosa.
Main Results:
- P. gingivalis was overexpressed in both OPMD (mean CT 27.00) and OSCC (mean CT 27.55) compared to normal mucosa.
- OSCC exhibited significantly higher P. gingivalis expression than OPMD (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Overexpression of P. gingivalis in OPMD and OSCC suggests its involvement in early tumorigenesis.
- Elevated P. gingivalis levels may serve as a valuable marker for early diagnosis and prognosis of OSCC.
- P. gingivalis could be a target for therapeutic interventions in oral cancer.

