Analysis of the Epithelium-Mesenchymal Transition Process on Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin and Bmi-1, and their association with clinical parameters and with the degree of histopathological differentiation in oral squamous cell carcinomas. 65 squamous cell carcinoma samples were used for constructing a tissue microarray block, and then immunohistochemistry was performed for different markers. A semi-quantitative analysis of the amount of positive tumor cells was performed by two blind and calibrated observers (Kappa>0.75). The statistical Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to evaluate the data. The correlation between variables was investigated by the Spearman test, and the significance level set at p<0.05. We observed higher expression of Bmi-1 in tumors located in the palate (p<0.0001). In addition, poorly differentiated tumors had a greater amount of Bmi-1 positive cells (p=0.0011). Regarding the other correlations between variables, no significant associations were detected. In conclusion, poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinomas located in the palate have higher immunostaining of Bmi-1, which can characterize activation of the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition process in these tumors.

Carcinoma epidermoide de palato mole: uma revisão narrativa com ênfase nos critérios diagnósticos

“…Existem também outros fatores de risco que podem facilitar a iniciação de câncer na cavidade bucal, como o papiloma vírus, hábitos alimentares e a exposição solar que tem grande influência em câncer de lábio inferior, podem atuar como agentes carcinógenos (Agra et al, 2016). Research, Society and Development, v. 9, n. 11, e36191110012, 2020 (CC BY 4. (Lima et al, 2017). A característica clássica da lesão é constituída por úlcera persistente endurecida e infiltração periférica, apresentando manchas avermelhadas ou esbranquiçadas (Budach et al, 2006).…”