Effects of digoxin and Na, K-ATPase immunoexpression on human oral squamous carcinomas

Abstract

Aim: The present study evaluated the expression of α1 and β1 Na,K-ATPase, as well as the effects of digoxin (DGX) on oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs).

Patients and methods: Immunohistochemical expression of α1 and β1 Na,K-ATPase were evaluated in 60 patients who underwent treatment at the São João de Deus Hospital. SCC-25 viability was assessed by the colorimetric assay. Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests were used to analyze the association of α1 and β1 Na,K-ATPase expression with the variables.

Results: Immunoexpression of α1 and β1 Na,K-ATPase were observed in 28% and 55% of the tumors, however these proteins were not significant prognostic factors. Tobacco was significantly associated with α1 expression. SCC-25 viability decreased significantly after treatment with 1 μM DGX at 24 h.

Conclusion: The smoking status of OSCC patients was significantly associated with α1 expression and DGX affected the SCC-25 viability in a dose- and duration-dependent manner.

Keywords: Na,K-ATPase; Oral squamous cell carcinoma; cell viability; digoxin; prognosis.