Immunohistochemical Expression of the Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition Proteins E-cadherin and ß-catenin in Grades of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
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Background: E-Cadherin/β-Catenin protein complexes play a major role in epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and vice versa. Such types of EMT are implicated physiologically during embryonic development and pathologically in tissue fibrosis and tumorigenesis.
Aims: The aim was the evaluation of E-Cadherin and β-Catenin immunoreactivity in various grades of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and to correlate their pattern of expression.
Materials And Methods: Immunohistochemical expression of E-Cadherin/β-Catenin was evaluated in a total = 30 tissue samples comprising of = 10 well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (WDSCC), = 10 moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (MDSCC), and = 10 poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (PDSCC). Based on the intensity of staining, an immunoreactivity scoring was calculated.
Statistical Analysis: The scorings obtained were subjected to independent -test, paired -test, Chi-square test, and ANOVA test using SPSS version 20.0 statistical analysis software. < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: A significant difference was observed in the expression of β-Catenin between normal mucosa and WDSCC; normal mucosa and MDSCC. A gradual decrease in the immunoreactivity score of E-Cadherin is seen in WDSCC, MDSCC, and PDSCC.
Conclusion: Therefore, dysregulation of these proteins can lead to tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis. Further studies are warranted to specify the role of these EMT proteins as prognostic/therapeutic markers in patients suffering from OSCC.
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