Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-10 at invasive front of squamous cell carcinoma and verrucous carcinoma in the oral cavity

Abstract

Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc metalloproteinases capable of degrading components of connective tissues. MMP-10 is frequently expressed in human cancers. The aim of this study was to immunohistochemically evaluate its expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and verrucous carcinoma (OVC). Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 73 samples (31 OSCC, 22 OVC and 20 non-neoplastic epithelium) was performed. All samples were immunohistochemically stained with monoclonal MMP-10 antibody and expression levels and staining intensity were evaluated with respect to microscopic features. Data were analyzed by SPSS (V.21), Mann-Whitney and Kruskal Wallis tests. Results: MMP-10 was detected in all OSCC and OVC cases. The expression of MMP-10 in OSCC was intensive (score 3) and in OVC was low and moderate (score 1 and score 2) more frequently. Non- neoplastic epithelium did not show MMP-10 expression. Differences between groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05). However, the expression of MMP-10 was not obviously different between various grades of OSCC. Conclusions: According to our study, MMP-10 protein can be important possible factor in the transformation of normal oral epithelium to OVC and OSCC, also the level of MMP-10 expression at invasion front of the lesions can be helpful in the differentiation of OVC and OSCC.