p53 and MDM2 protein expression in actinic cheilitis

Abstract

Actinic cheilitis is a potentially malignant lip lesion caused by excessive and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation, which can lead to histomorphological alterations indicative of abnormal cell differentiation. In this pathology, varying degrees of epithelial dysplasia may be found. There are few published studies regarding the p53 and MDM2 proteins in actinic cheilitis. Fifty-eight cases diagnosed with actinic cheilitis were histologically evaluated using Banóczy and Csiba (1976) parameters, and were subjected to immunohistochemical analysis using the streptavidin-biotin method in order to assess p53 and MDM2 protein expression. All studied cases expressed p53 proteins in basal and suprabasal layers. In the basal layer, the nuclei testing positive for p53 were stained intensely, while in the suprabasal layer, cells with slightly stained nuclei were predominant. All cases also tested positive for the MDM2 protein, but with varying degrees of nuclear expression and a predominance of slightly stained cells. A statistically significant correlation between the percentage of p53 and MDM2-positive cells was established, regardless of the degree of epithelial dysplasia. The expression of p53 and MDM2 proteins in actinic cheilitis can be an important indicator in lip carcinogenesis, regardless of the degree of epithelial dysplasia.

Immunohistochemical expression of pericytes and myofibroblasts in the extracellular matrix of oral actinic cheilitis and squamous cell carcinoma: a comparative study

“…However, other authors reported loss of basal cell polarity and nuclear hyperchromatism as the most frequently described atypia in dysplastic lesions in their studies, followed by nuclear polymorphism, and drop-shaped rete ridges [21]. Most cases of lip squamous cell carcinoma were well differentiated.…”

Actinic cheilitis: a case report and a review of the literature

“…There may also be varying degrees of epithelial atypia consisting of dysplasias 4 . Inflammation and solar elastosis are observed in the connective tissue [2,9]. The same lesion may show different histopathological types in different regions [10] and the degree of epithelial atypia may not reflect the biological potential of the lesion [4,11].…”

Actinic Cheilitis: Clinical Characteristics Observed in 75 Patients and a Summary of the Literature of This Often Neglected Premalignant Disorder

“…However, a predictive prognostic marker for these malignant transformations in AC has yet to be identified. Research has been focused thus far on the evaluation of the immunohistochemical expression of the p53 protein [10]- [13]. Other immunohistochemical markers have also been used, including Bax, Bcl-2, the cell proliferation marker Ki-67 [12], MDM2 [10], p21 [11], p63 proteins [14], hMLH1 and hMSH2 [15].…”

“…Research has been focused thus far on the evaluation of the immunohistochemical expression of the p53 protein [10]- [13]. Other immunohistochemical markers have also been used, including Bax, Bcl-2, the cell proliferation marker Ki-67 [12], MDM2 [10], p21 [11], p63 proteins [14], hMLH1 and hMSH2 [15]. Fibroblast and mast cell densities have also been studied, suggesting that these cells may contribute to the tumour progression in its invasion front [16] [17].…”

“…Histopathological results will determine the type of approach, and treatment modalities are numerous, each with its own advantages and disadvantages [19]. One of the most common treatments is vermilionectomy, and other modalities include CO 2 or erbium lasers, electrodessication, topical application of 5-fluorouracil tretinoin, topical imiquimod, trichloroacetic acid chemical peel, photodynamic therapy using 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) and thulium laser [10] [19]- [22]. After concluding treatment, the patient must undergo rigorous follow-up and periodic exams with clinical control consultations because remaining lesions may change their appearance [22].…”