Immunohistochemistry Analysis of Ki-67 and P53 Proteins in Oral Lichen Planus Compared to Other Oral Epithelial Lesions

Abstract

Aim: The goal of this project was to determine if selected biomarkers of oral cancer are expressed in lichen planus and to identify the relationship, if any, of these biomarkers to malignant transformation. Methods: Six each of archived specimens with confirmed histopathological diagnosis of oral benign fibroma, oral reticular lichen planus, oral erosive lichen planus, oral mild to moderate dysplasia, oral severe dysplasia, and oral squamous cell carcinoma were selected. A total of 35 acceptable specimens were stained using an immunohistochemistry method for Ki67 and P53 proteins. Specimens were scanned with Aperio Scanscope CS and slides were analyzed visually, for expression patterns, and also using Aperio software. Results: The results of the present study demonstrated that the expression of P53 in oral lichen planus was 40.3 %, compared to 31.6% in oral benign fibroma, 46.3% in oral erosive lichen planus, 43.9% in oral mild to moderate dysplasia, 46.4% in oral severe dysplasia, and 47.2% in oral squamous cell carcinoma. On the other hand, Ki67 expression for oral lichen planus was 32.3% compared to 19.1% in oral benign fibroma, 40.3% in oral erosive lichen planus, 36% in oral mild to moderate dysplasia, 44.3% in oral severe dysplasia, and 48.9% in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Conclusion: Expression of the P53 and Ki67 biomarkers do not consistently correlate with malignant transformation of oral lichen planus appear to be associated with premalignant lesions of dysplasia. P53 and Ki67 are not a definitive diagnostic tool and further investigation to other biomarkers is needed.