Comparative study of laminin332-γ2 chain expression in oral lichen planus and squamous cell carcinoma by immunohistochemistry

BACKGROUND: Classification of oral lichen planus (OLP) as a condition with malignant potential is still controversial. One of the major properties of malignancy is invasion. Ln332-gamma 2 chain plays a critical role in invasive activity of cancer cells. This study aims to compare Ln332-gamma 2 chain expression in OLP, oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). METHODS: Ln332-gamma 2 expression was evaluated in 16 epithelial hyperplasia with no dysplasia (group A), 16 OLP (group B), 18 OED (group C) and 18 OSCC (group D) by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Except in A group, Ln332-gamma 2 expression was detected in other groups. There was a significant difference in Ln332-gamma 2 expression among B, C and D groups as well as between B and D. C and D groups (P<0.001). However, there was no significant difference between B and C groups (P=0.999). CONCLUSIONS: According to the findings of this study, the likelihood of similarity of OLP with premalignant dysplastic lesion can be suggested. This is not corroborating OLP definitive transformation to an OSCC. But it might be advisable that OLPs with >10% Ln332-gamma 2 expression may have a higher risk of cellular invasion occurrence and malignant transformation.