Iraqi Postgraduate Medical Journal

Abstract

ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND:
Nuclear factor – kappa B is an important transcription factor that plays a pivotal role in cell biology and the control of apoptosis. The vast majority of studies focused on the regulatory roles of this factor on apoptosis suggest that it is acting on the upstream pathways of apoptosis, either negatively or positively.
It has got an important role in the development of oral squamous cell carcinomas.
OBJECTIVE:
To detect mRNA of nuclear factor- kappa B in oral squamous cell carcinoma by in situ hybridization compared to its presence in foci of dysplasia in premalignant lesions and to link it to tumor grade and degree of dysplasia.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Forty two cases, including 30 cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma and 12 cases of oral premalignant lesions containing foci of dysplasia were included in this study. Sections on positively charged slides were made from their paraffin blocks and were used for the detection of nuclear factor-kappa B mRNA using in-situ hybridization technique.
RESULTS:
Nuclear factor-kappa B mRNA was detected in 10(83.33%) cases of oral dysplasia and 24(80%) cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma. A significant orrelations was found between the marker and the degree of dysplasia, but it was not significant regarding tumor grade.
CONCLUSION:
The highly significant increased intensity of nuclear factor kappa B m RNA may indicate a role in increasing the degree of dysplasia in oral squamous epithelium. In keeping with the malignant phenotype, the functions of other genes are needed besides nuclear factor –kappa B.