Expression of survivin in dysplasia and different grades of oral squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Background:Survivin is a protein that inhibits apoptosis and regulates cell division. Studies examining the expression of survivin in oral cancer are limited. Correlation between the expression of survivin in dysplasia and different grades of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) could help us to assess its use as a biomarker.Objectives:The objectives of this research were to evaluate the expression of survivin in dysplasia and in different grades of OSCC keeping in mind that when comparison is made between these two groups, it may highlight the use of this biomarker.Method:Forty samples divided into four groups; 10 each of dysplasia, well-differentiated OSCC, moderately differentiated OSCC and poorly differentiated OSCC were selected for the study. Immunohistochemical staining for the expression of survivin protein was performed.Results:Survivin showed increased expression in OSCC as compared to dysplasia, although the result was not statistically significant. The distribution of survivin showed significant differences between dysplasia and moderately differentiated OSCC.Conclusion:A higher expression of survivin was seen in OSCC as compared to dysplasia, hence it could be used as a marker for proliferation and invasion, but the immunohistochemical expression of survivin overall shows variable expression. To correlate the expression of survivin with the grade of the tumour, a bigger sample size is desirable.