MMP-9 EXPRESSION IN ORAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA USING IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY, WESTERN BLOTTING, AND REVERSE TRANSCRIPTION POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION TECHNIQUES

Research into matrix-metalloproteinases (MMP) and their inhibition in certain cancers has moved significantly, studies on MMP expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains scarce. MMP-9, a gelatinase-degrading enzyme, destroys matrix proteins in gingivitis and adult periodontitis. MMP-9 genetic (mRNA) and protein profiles were examined to determine MMP-9 expression in oral cancer in this study. Our gender findings indicate that the majority of patients were males and consumers of various tobacco forms. The buccal mucosa was involved in 52% of OSCCs, followed by the tongue (33%), and the gingivobuccal sulcus (9%).The levels of MMP-9 detected in OSCC grades were higher than controls in the order of well-, followed by moderately- and lastly poorly-differentiated grades.Research into matrix-metalloproteinases (MMP) and their inhibition in certain cancers has moved significantly, studies on MMP expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains scarce. MMP-9, a gelatinase-degrading enzyme, destroys matrix proteins in gingivitis and adult periodontitis. MMP-9 genetic (mRNA) and protein profiles were examined to determine MMP-9 expression in oral cancer in this study. Our gender findings indicate that the majority of patients were males and consumers of various tobacco forms. The buccal mucosa was involved in 52% of OSCCs, followed by the tongue (33%), and the gingivobuccal sulcus (9%).The levels of MMP-9 detected in OSCC grades were higher than controls in the order of well-, followed by moderately- and lastly poorly-differentiated grades. Immunohistochemistry seemed to be a reliable approach for measuring MMP-9 expression in OSCC samples when compared to RT-qPCR and western blotting. The association of high MMP-9 levels with welldifferentiated OSCC grade implies its potential as a biomarker for early detection of OSCC which could lead to the development of early OSCC treatments. More studies with larger samples might aid in the evaluation of the techniques used.Immunohistochemistry seemed to be a reliable approach for measuring MMP-9 expression in OSCC samples when compared to RT-qPCR and western blotting. The association of high MMP-9 levels with well differentiated OSCC grade implies its potential as a biomarker for early detection of OSCC which could lead to the development of early OSCC treatments. More studies with larger samples might aid in the

evaluation of the techniques used.