Estimation of salivary matrix metalloproteinases- 12 (MMP- 12) levels among patients presenting with oral submucous fibrosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Background Oral squamous cell carcinoma is a global threat and accounts for approximately 90% of malignant oral lesions. The emergence of oral carcinoma is linked to precancerous lesions, which act as precursors of the disease. Matrix metalloproteinases appear to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of both precancerous conditions and oral malignancies due to their participation in remodeling of the extracellular matrix. Methodology This is an analytical study conducted at Dow University of Health Sciences, Pakistan. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected from healthy, oral submucous fibrosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma patients. The level of MMP-12 was estimated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. One-way Analysis of variance was run to determine if MMP-12 levels differ between the three groups, which was preceded by post hoc Tuckey test. MMP-12 cut off values were determined using Receiver operating characteristic curve. Results A significant difference in salivary MMP-12 expression was observed in OSF and OSCC (p < 0.001). The expression of salivary MMP-12 was higher in OSF and OSCC patients as compared to the healthy group (p < 0.001). The mean MMP-12 expression in OSCC appeared higher than in OSF cases (p < 0.05). MMP-12 value of $$\ge$$ ≥ 4.05 ng/ml and $$\ge$$ ≥ 4.20 ng/ml is predictive of OSF and OSCC respectively, with 100% sensitivity and specificity (p < 0.001). Conclusion Increased expression of MMP-12 appears as the healthy patient advances to OSF and OSCC. The study results also demonstrate higher MMP-12 expression in OSCC patients as compared to OSF. Therefore, the estimation of salivary MMP-12 serves as a valuable non-invasive early diagnostic tool in diagnosing oral submucous fibrosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Relation of salivary MMP-8 with oral submucous fibrosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma: a cross sectional analytical study

“…In addition, it is considered a community health concern in Pakistan as oral malignancies are one of the commonly reported malignancies. 2 Its detection via levels of salivary MMP-8 may aid to cease its progression to OSCC. In our study, lower concentration of MMP-8 was reported in OSF group in comparison with healthy individuals.…”

“…13 Enhanced values of MMP-12 were also observed in OSF and OSCC, demonstrating that it may play a significant role in early detection of the disease. 2 MMP-8 has been originally recognised as neutrophil collagenase. In addition to its expression in neutrophils, MMP-8 is also expressed in endothelial cells, epithelial cells, macrophages and fibroblasts.…”

“… 1 Among the malignancies of the head and neck region, oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) accounts for 90% of all oral malignancies. 2 The highest prevalence of oral cancers is witnessed in South Asian region including countries like Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. 3 OSCC is considered risky due to its potential for metastasis and the probability of it being discovered at an advanced stage as it progresses to the cervical lymph nodes without pain.…”

“…Among these oral potentially malignant disorders, oral submucous fibrous (OSF) has a higher tendency (2.3%–7.6%) of transforming to OSCC as compared with other premalignant disorders. 2 Therefore, detection of premalignant lesions or OSCC at an initial stage may prove to be significant in a lot of aspects, including early treatment, which may help cease the progress of disease to advanced stage. Therefore, early detection may subsequently contribute to better prognosis and increase in survival rate.…”

“… 13 Enhanced values of MMP-12 were also observed in OSF and OSCC, demonstrating that it may play a significant role in early detection of the disease. 2 …”