Expression of p27, p21(WAF/Cip1) and pl6(INK4a) in Normal Oral Epithelium, Oral Squamous Papilloma, and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Aim: To characterize the immunohistochemical expression of p27, p21(WAF/CiP1) and p16(INK4a) in normal oral epithelium, oral squamous pcipilloma and oral squamous cell carcinoma. Materials and Methods: hnmunohistochemical staining for p27, p21(WAF/Cip1) and p16(INK4a) was evaluated in 32 samples of normal oral squamous epithelium, 30 samples of oral squamous papilloma, and 34 samples of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Results: Statistically significant differences (p<0.05) were found in p27 expression when comparing ordinary mucosa and oral squamous papilloma with the oral squamous cell carcinoma samples. Regarding p21(WAF/Cip1) expression, no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) were noticed. In the same way, no significant statistically differences (p>0.05) were observed for p16(INK4a) among groups. Conclusion: Taken together, these findings indicate that p27 is closely involved in malignant transformation of oral mucosa cells, and may be a reliable biomarker for this purpose.