Malignant transformation of oral leukoplakia is associated with macrophage polarization.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Most oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) occur on the basis of oral leukoplakias (OLP). The histologic degree of dysplasia is insufficient for the prediction of OLP malignant transformation. Immunologic parameters are gaining importance for prognostic assessment and therapy of cancer. M2 polarized macrophages were shown to be associated with OSCC progression and inferior prognosis. The current study aims to answer the question if OLP with malignant transformation into OSCC within 5 years differ from OLP without transformation regarding macrophage infiltration and polarization. METHODS:201 specimens (50 transforming OLP, 53 non-transforming OLP, 49 corresponding OSCC and 49 healthy oral mucosa controls) were processed for immunohistochemistry. Samples were stained for CD68, CD163 and CD11c expression, completely digitalized and computer-assisted cell counting was performed. Epithelial and subepithelial compartments were differentially assessed. Groups were statistically compared using the Mann-Whitney U-test. A cut-off point for the discrimination of transforming and non-transforming OLP was determined and the association between macrophage infiltration and malignant transformation was calculated using the Chi-square test (?2 test). RESULTS:Macrophage infiltration and M2 polarization in OLP with malignant transformation within 5 years was significantly increased compared to OLP without malignant transformation (p?

SUBMITTER: Weber M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6945578 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature