Background/aim: Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) holds clinical relevance in several pathological states, including lung, breast, and prostate cancer. In this study, we examined PDE5 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC)-derived cell lines and tissues, and the anti-tumour effect of PDE5 inhibitor, sildenafil citrate (SC).
Materials and methods: Cell proliferation, cell invasion, and gap closure assays were performed in six OSCC-derived cell lines upon treatment with varying concentrations of SC. PDE5 expression was determined in primary OSCC tissues by western blotting and immunohistochemistry.
Results: Elevated PDE5 expression was observed in all cell lines. A concentration-dependent decrease in cell viability, invasion rate, and migration was observed after SC treatment. A significant correlation (p=0.05) was observed between elevated PDE5 expression and lymphatic infiltration in OSCC tissues.
Conclusion: PDE5 plays an important role in carcinogenesis of OSCC, and the specific inhibition of PDE5 may be an effective chemotherapeutic strategy.
Keywords: PDE5 inhibitor; Phosphodiesterase 5; oral squamous cell carcinoma; sildenafil citrate.
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