Apoptosis resistance-related ABCB5 and DNaseX (Apo10) expression in oral carcinogenesis

Abstract

Background. Apoptosis resistance is a crucial factor for the carcinogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Methods. Expression of apoptosis resistance-related ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter ABCB5 [subfamily B (MDR/TAP) member 5] and DNaseX (Apo10) were analyzed in normal oral mucosa (n = 5), oral precursor lesions (simple hyperplasia, n = 11; squamous intraepithelial neoplasia, SIN I–III, n = 35), and OSCC specimen (n = 42) by immunohistochemistry. Results. Expression of ABCB5 and Apo10 were significantly increased in the carcinogenesis of OSCC compared with normal tissue. Compared with SIN I–III, ABCB5 expression was significantly decreased in OSCC. Apo10 expression did not significantly differ from OSCC compared with SIN I–III. Conclusions. This study provides the first evidence of the expression of ABCB5 and Apo10 in the multi-step carcinogenesis of OSCC. Overcoming drug resistance of ABCB5+ and Apo10+ cells in precursor lesions and tumors by natural compounds may act as sensitizers for apoptosis or could be useful for chemoprevention.

Key Words:

• oral squamous cell carcinoma
• apoptosis resistance
• ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter
• DNaseX
• early detection and diagnosis

Acknowledgment

We thank Julia Grimm for her technical assistance.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.