Apoptosis identified by DNA fragmentation in epidermal neoplasms

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Oncology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, plays a role in the development and progression of neoplasms.
• Previous studies have utilized the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay to detect apoptotic cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence and distribution of apoptotic cells in various epidermal neoplasms using a modified TUNEL method.
• To correlate the level of apoptosis with tumor characteristics such as infiltration depth and differentiation grade.

Main Methods:

• Application of a modified terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay.
• Histopathological examination of basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, Bowen's disease, seborrheic keratosis, and verruca vulgaris.

Main Results:

• Apoptotic cells were detected in basal cell carcinomas, with increased numbers in cases of deep infiltration.
• Squamous cell carcinomas showed more apoptotic cells in poorly differentiated types compared to well-differentiated ones.
• Apoptotic cells were rare in Bowen's disease and absent in seborrheic keratosis and verruca vulgaris.
• A higher frequency of apoptotic cells was observed in rapidly growing neoplasms.

Conclusions:

• The modified TUNEL method effectively identifies apoptotic cells in epidermal neoplasms.
• Apoptosis is a significant feature in rapidly proliferating skin cancers, correlating with aggressive tumor characteristics.