Cyclic guanosine monophosphate phosphodiesterase activity in human gingival carcinoma

Background: Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) is an essential second messenger metabolized by phosphodiesterases (PDEs). Objectives: We looked for a possible correlation of PDE activities in human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) with and without lymph node metastases. Materials and methods: The analysis of phosphodiesterase activity and the cGMP assay were done by reverse-phase HPLC on samples of fresh or frozen gingival tissues. Analysis of cGMP was confirmed with the enzyme-linked immunoabsorption assay. Results and conclusions: cGMP PDE activity was 34.92+/-7.17 SD, 12.89+/-4.43 SD, and 35.88+/-8.76 SD (nmols/mg of protein), respectively, in controls, samples without lymph node involvement (N-), and specimens with lymph node metastases (N+). cGMP values were 1.97+/-0.63 SD, 3.30+/-1.47 SD, and 3.49+/-1.47 SD (nmols/mg of protein). Our data support the hypothesis of a role for cGMP and PDE in the progression of OSCC.