Immunohistochemical Expression of the Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition Proteins E-cadherin and ß-catenin in Grades of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Background E-Cadherin/β-Catenin protein complexes play a major role in epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and vice versa. Such types of EMT are implicated physiologically during embryonic development and pathologically in tissue fibrosis and tumorigenesis. Aims The aim was the evaluation of E-Cadherin and β-Catenin immunoreactivity in various grades of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and to correlate their pattern of expression. Materials and Methods Immunohistochemical expression of E-Cadherin/β-Catenin was evaluated in a total n = 30 tissue samples comprising of n = 10 well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (WDSCC), n = 10 moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (MDSCC), and n = 10 poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (PDSCC). Based on the intensity of staining, an immunoreactivity scoring was calculated. Statistical Analysis The scorings obtained were subjected to independent t-test, paired t-test, Chi-square test, and ANOVA test using SPSS version 20.0 statistical analysis software. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results A significant difference was observed in the expression of β-Catenin between normal mucosa and WDSCC; normal mucosa and MDSCC. A gradual decrease in the immunoreactivity score of E-Cadherin is seen in WDSCC, MDSCC, and PDSCC. Conclusion Therefore, dysregulation of these proteins can lead to tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis. Further studies are warranted to specify the role of these EMT proteins as prognostic/therapeutic markers in patients suffering from OSCC.