[Expressions of FHIT and cyclin D1/CDK4 in oral cancer and oral precancerous lesions].

OBJECTIVE: To detect the expressions of fragile histidine triad (FHIT) and cyclin D1/CDK4 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and oral precancerous lesions and investigate the relationship between the expressions and the histopathological changes. METHODS: Immunohistochemical staining by SP methods was utilized to detect the expression of FHIT and cyclin D1/CDK4 in 64 cases of OSCC, 39 oral precancerous lesions and 12 normal oral mucosa specimens. RESULTS: The rate of the negative or low FHIT expression in OSCC was 17% (11/64), which was remarkably lower than that in normal oral membrane and oral precancerous lesions (P<0.01). Significantly higher levels of cyclin D1/CDK4 expressed in OSCC than in normal oral membrane and precancerous lesions (P<0.01). There was no significant correlation between FHIT and cyclin D1/CDK4, and positive correlation between cyclin D1 and CDK4 was observed. CONCLUSION: FHIT, cyclin D1 and CDK4 may play a role in the pathogenesis of OSCC, and FHIT can down-regulate the expression of cyclin D1.