Expression of survivin in oral leukoplakia and oral lichen planus

BACKGROUND: Up to one third (3-33%) oral squamous cell carcinomas develop from potentially malignant lesions. Most common potentially malignant lesions (PML) are leukoplakia and lichen planus. It is very important to diagnose PML at early stage to prevent malignant transformation of lesion. Survivin is a smallest member of the inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) family of proteins. Survivin plays an important role in apoptosis regulation. High expression of survivin is an early event during oral carcinogenesis and it acts as a tool for the identification of precancerous lesions at higher risk of progression into invasive carcinoma. The aim of the study was to evaluate the expression of survivin in oral leukoplakia, oral lichen planus. METHODS: Fifteen patients with oral lichen planus and 15 patients with oral leukoplakia were selected as subjects for the present study and 15 patients with normal oral mucosa were selected as controls and were evaluated for expression of survivin. All sections were H&E stained and were studied immunohistochemically for the expression of survivin. RESULTS: Expression of survivin was evaluated based on the percentage of cells expressing surviving, as well as grading. Significant survivin expression was detected in oral leukoplakia and oral lichen planus (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Expression of survivin in potentially malignant lesions indicates the potential risk of malignant transformation.