Galectin-9 as an important marker in the differential diagnosis between oral squamous cell carcinoma, oral leukoplakia and oral lichen planus

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the expression of Galectins (Gal) 1, 3 and 9, Metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3) and mast cell density in oral lesions of patients with potentially malignant disorders (PMD) and oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) by comparison with the controls.

Study design: We selected 40 cases of PMD, 40 OSCC and 13 with normal histopathological profile. Immunohistochemistry was performed for Gal-1, Gal-3, Gal-9 and MMP-3.

Results: Gal-9 was significantly higher in patients with OSCC than in others groups (p < 0.001). Gal-1 expression was significantly lower in patients with leukoplakia than those with OSCC and controls (p = 0.0001). Gal-3 was significantly lower in patients with OSCC than those with leukoplakia (p = 0.03). MMP-3 was lower in patients with leukoplakia in comparison with the lichen planus group (p = 0.013).

Conclusion: The increased expression of Gal-9 may be helpful to differentiate of OSCC from other oral cavity lesions.

Keywords: Galectins; Mast cells; Metalloproteinases; Oral cancer; Potentially Malignant Disorders.