Association between decreased p53 expression, elevated serum CagA levels, and oral squamous cell carcinoma

p53 is a key tumor suppressor, aCnd loss of p53 function promotes the progression of many cancers. Helicobacter Pylori (HP) is mainly involved in the progression of gastric carcinoma, but its role in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is controversial. The primary objectives of this study were to investigate the expression levels of p53 in OSCC tissues and to examine the serum levels of CagA in OSCC patients. Additionally, the authors aimed to explore the potential association between p53 expression and CagA levels in OSCC.

A total of 65 patients diagnosed with OSCC and 42 healthy volunteers were recruited in this study. The clinical pathological parameters of all patients were collected. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect the expression of p53 in tissues. Receiver Operating Characteristics Curve (ROC) analysis was used to assess the sensitivity of p53 for the diagnosis of OSCC. The concentration of Cytotoxin-Associated gene A (CagA) in serum was assessed by enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay.

The results indicated that the p53 expression in oral mucosal tissues was downregulated while the concentration of CagA in serum was increased in OSCC patients. Besides, p53 expression was correlated with tumor stage. OSCC patients showed a higher HP positive rate than in healthy people.

In conclusion, this study demonstrated that decreased p53 expression and elevated serum CagA levels might be correlated with OSCC progression and diagnosis.