Myeloid cell leukemia-1 is a molecular indicator for malignant transformation of oral lichen planus

Abstract

Abstract. Oral lichen planus (OLP), characterized by a chronic mucocutaneous inflammatory condition, is a common disease of the oral cavity. Retrospective and prospective epidemiological data suggest that OLP is considered to have malignant potential. However, it is unclear as to which types of molecules may cause malignant transformation of OLP. In the present study, the presence of myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) was studied by western blot analysis in 11 OLP and three normal oral mucosa (NOM) samples and in two human oral cancer cell lines. The functional role of Mcl-1 in oral cancer cells was analyzed using a trypan blue exclusion assay and soft agar assay. Mcl-1 was strongly expressed in the OLP and the two oral cancer cell lines compared with NOM, whereas Bcl-2 was not. Sorafenib and mithramycin A decreased cell viability in MC-3 and HSC-3 oral cancer cells and at same concentration they reduced the expression level of Mcl-1 in the two cell lines. The two chemicals affected Mcl-1 protein and significantly inhibited neoplastic cell transformation in the two cell lines. We suggest that the malignant potential of OLP may be associated with the expression of Mcl-1, and that downregulation of Mcl-1 may prevent malignant transformation of OLP to oral cancer.

Markers of Oral Lichen Planus Malignant Transformation

“…Expression of MCL-1 was increased in OLP lesions and in the 2 tested cell lines, compared to that in the normal mucosa. The study highlighted the decrease of MCL-1 expression in cancer lines after treatment with sorafenib and mithramycin A, along with a decrease in cell replication, suggesting that the decline of MCL-1 expression could influence the process of malignant transformation [ 67 ].…”

Salivary tissue factor concentration and activity in patients with oral lichen planus

“…Various tissues, cells and saliva have TF activity [12,13]. Recently, Shin et al reported that OLP is considered to have malignant potential, and it is unclear regarding which types of molecules may cause malignant transformation of OLP [14]. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate whether salivary oxidative stress-based TF level and activity changes could be a link between OLP and its pathogenesis.…”

Podophyllotoxin reduces the aggressiveness of human oral squamous cell carcinoma through myeloid cell leukemia‑1

“…OSCC cell lines exhibit significantly high expression of Mcl-1, which occurs through genetic amplification ( 21 , 46 ). As a commonly amplified and upregulated protein in OSCC malignant lesions, Mcl-1 promotes the development of cancer and reduces the survival of patients with cancer ( 21 , 47 ). As targeting Mcl-1 may be an important step in inducing programmed cell death, the use of natural compounds to attenuate Mcl-1 expression is considered a promising strategy for developing preventative and therapeutic regimens in OSCC ( 22 , 48 ).…”