Role of Myofibroblasts in the Primary Lesions and Lymph Node Metastasis of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:Myofibroblasts are modified fibroblasts that express features of smooth muscle differentiation. These cells play a key role in physiologic and pathologic processes such as wound healing and tumorigenesis, respectively. Tumor cells work in close coordination with stromal elements from its stage of emergence to metastasis. Myofibroblasts are important stromal cells that play a crucial role in carcinogenesis due to its ability to modify the extracellular matrix. Alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) is regarded as the most widely used biomarker for identifying myofibroblasts. The presence of myofibroblasts has been demonstrated in various malignant lesions. However, the number of studies evaluating their role in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains limited. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to assess the presence and distribution patterns of myofibroblasts in OSCC primary tissues according to histological grade, as well as to determine its correlation with metastasis in regional lymph nodes (LNs). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Immunohistochemical study using the α-SMA antibody was done on 30 OSCC cases (15 cases with LN metastasis and 15 cases without LN metastasis) and 15 normal oral mucosal tissues. RESULTS: Most of OSCC tissues showed positive immunoreactivity to α-SMA, while normal tissues were immune-negative. The expression of α-SMA was significantly higher in the OSCC with LN metastasis than OSCC without LN metastasis (P < 0.05). Conversely, there was no significant correlation with the histological grades of OSCC. CONCLUSION: α-SMA could be used as a monitory marker in OSCC.

The Dynamic Role Of Myofibroblasts In Oral Tissue Homeostasis And Disease

“…Studies have shown that myofibroblasts are significantly expressed in OSCC tissues compared to normal controls, indicating their involvement in creating a permissive environment for cancer invasion 14 . Additionally, the presence of myofibroblasts has been linked to the progression and metastasis of OSCC, making them a potential marker for monitoring the disease's severity and development 15 . These activated myofibroblasts within the tumor microenvironment promote growth, invasion, and resistance to various therapies, ultimately impacting the prognosis of OSCC patients 16 .…”