Objective: To evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of MMP-1, -2, -7, -9 and -26 in oral squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) according to tumour site and histological grade of malignancy.
Study Design: Fifteen cases of SCC of the lower lip and 15 cases of tongue SCC were selected and divided into low grade malignancy (n = 17) and high grade malignancy (n = 13).
Results: Higher immunohistochemical expression of MMPs by neoplastic cells was observed in tongue SCCs, with a statistically significant difference for MMP-9 (P < 0.05). High-grade SCCs showed a higher expression of MMPs, except for MMP-2, with a statistically significant difference for MMP-7 (P < 0.05) and MMP-26 (P < 0.05). In addition, a direct association was observed between morphological scores of malignancy and MMP immunoreactivity, with the association being significant for MMP-7 and MMP-26.
Conclusion: The present results demonstrate the important role of MMPs in the development of SCCs of the lower lip and tongue.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.archoralbio.2010.11.022 | DOI Listing |
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