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Comparative analysis of Ki-67, α-SMA, and MMP-9 expression in oral submucous fibrosis and oral leukoplakia with/without dysplasia: Insights into malignant transformation mechanisms

  • 0Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) Dental College and Hospital, Navi Mumbai, India.
Revista Española De Patología : Publicación Oficial De La Sociedad Española De Anatomía Patológica Y De La Sociedad Española De Citología +

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March 18, 2025

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March 18, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) shows higher expression of Ki-67, Alpha Smooth Muscle Actin (α-SMA), and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) compared to Oral Leukoplakia (OL). This indicates accelerated progression in OSMF, especially with dysplasia, suggesting potential for oral cancer development.

Area Of Science

  • Oral pathology
  • Biomarker research
  • Cancer prognostication

Background

  • Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) like Oral Leukoplakia (OL) and Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) require better diagnostic and prognostic tools.
  • Understanding the role of cell proliferation (Ki-67), myofibroblast (α-SMA), and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is crucial for OPMD management.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To comparatively analyze the immunoexpression of Ki-67, α-SMA, and MMP-9 in OL and OSMF.
  • To evaluate the potential of these biomarkers in diagnosing and predicting the prognosis of OPMDs.
  • To explore their utility as therapeutic targets.

Main Methods

  • Immunohistochemical staining was performed on 70 tissue samples (normal mucosa, OL, OSMF).
  • Expression levels of Ki-67, α-SMA, and MMP-9 were assessed in OL and OSMF with and without dysplasia.
  • Comparative analysis of marker expression between the groups was conducted.

Main Results

  • Significantly higher immunoexpression of Ki-67, α-SMA, and MMP-9 was observed in OSMF compared to OL (p<0.001).
  • OSMF with dysplasia showed significantly higher expression of these markers than OSMF without dysplasia (p<0.001).

Conclusions

  • Differences in cell proliferation, myofibroblast, and MMP-9 expression exist between OSMF and OL.
  • Elevated marker expression in dysplastic OSMF suggests faster disease progression and increased risk of transformation to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).
  • These biomarkers highlight variations in the OPMD microenvironment, impacting biological behavior and prognosis.

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