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Immunohistochemical expression of M1 and M2 macrophages in oral lichen planus and oral squamous cell carcinoma using
Maanyam Hema Lakshmi Supraja1, Alapati Naga Supriya1, Ravikanth Manyam1
1Department of Oral Pathology, Vishnu Dental College, Kovvada, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Background:
Macrophages are essential cellular elements of innate and adaptive immunity and one of the most common cell types in chronic inflammatory conditions such as oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, the roles of M1 and M2 macrophages in the pathogenesis of erosive OLP (E-OLP) which has the highest malignant potential remain unclear.
Objective:
To evaluate and compare the immunohistochemical expression of M1 and M2 macrophages in OLP and OSCC.
Materials And Methods:
Paraffin-embedded tissue sections of 20 OLP (9 erosive, 11 non-erosive) and 30 OSCC (16 well, 8 moderate, and 6 poorly differentiated) cases were subjected to immunohistochemical staining for CD68 (M1) and CD163 (M2). The slides were examined for distribution, intensity, and localisation of CD68 and CD163 expression. Quantitative assessment of the staining was done with the help of Image Pro Plus software. Statistical analysis using Fisher exact test for qualitative assessment and Student t-test and one-way ANOVA for quantitative analysis were done.
Results:
Although there was an increase in the density of CD68+ and CD163+ macrophages in E-OLP, a statistically significant difference was not observed between the subgroups of OLP. However, the density of CD68 and CD163-positive macrophages was relatively higher in moderately differentiated OSCC with no statistically significant difference. However, the staining pattern, intensity, and localisation between CD68 and CD163 in OLP and OSCC showed significant difference.
Conclusion:
An increase in the density of CD68+ and CD163+ macrophages in E-OLP may be associated with the pathogenesis of OLP into malignant transformation.
Insights
Increased M1 (CD68) and M2 (CD163) macrophages in erosive oral lichen planus (E-OLP) may drive malignant transformation. This study compared macrophage expression in OLP and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Oral Pathology
Background:
- Macrophages, crucial for immunity, are prevalent in chronic inflammation like oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).
- The specific roles of M1 and M2 macrophages in erosive OLP (E-OLP), a high-risk precancerous lesion, are not well understood.
- Understanding macrophage subtypes is vital for elucidating the pathogenesis of OLP and its malignant potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively and qualitatively compare the immunohistochemical expression of M1 (CD68) and M2 (CD163) macrophages in OLP and OSCC.
- To investigate the differential distribution and intensity of M1 and M2 macrophages in various subtypes of OLP and OSCC.
- To correlate macrophage expression patterns with the malignant potential of OLP.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical staining for CD68 (M1) and CD163 (M2) was performed on paraffin-embedded tissue sections from 20 OLP and 30 OSCC cases.
- Quantitative analysis of macrophage density, intensity, and localization was conducted using Image Pro Plus software.
- Statistical analysis included Fisher exact test, Student t-test, and one-way ANOVA to compare macrophage expression between groups.
Main Results:
- While CD68+ and CD163+ macrophage density increased in E-OLP, no significant difference was found between OLP subgroups.
- Moderately differentiated OSCC showed a higher density of CD68+ and CD163+ macrophages compared to other OSCC subtypes, though not statistically significant.
- Significant differences in the staining pattern, intensity, and localization of CD68 and CD163 were observed between OLP and OSCC.
Conclusions:
- Elevated M1 and M2 macrophage density in E-OLP suggests a potential role in OLP's progression towards malignant transformation.
- The distinct expression patterns of M1 and M2 macrophages in OLP and OSCC highlight their differential involvement in these oral conditions.
- Further research into macrophage-mediated pathways could offer therapeutic targets for preventing OLP malignant transformation.
