Assessment of p53 and Bcl-2 Protein Expressions in Oral Lichen Planus and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

ObjectiveMalignant transformation is suggested to be a consequence of alterations in cell cycle control, and this potential of oral lichen planus (OLP) is still controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the malignant transformation of OLP comparing with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) by immunohistochemistry.Study DesignBcl-2 and p53 expressions were determined by immunohistochemistry in 100 oral mucosal biopsies including normal oral mucosa (n=20), OLP (n=40) and OSCC (n=40).ResultsThere were no significant differences in p53 and bcl-2 expressions between OLP and OSCC cases. However p53 expression was higher in OLP and OSCC compared to normal epithelium (p<0.05).ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that the expression of these proteins might be an evidence of the potential of malignant transformation process in OLP. Therefore, there is a need for long term follow-up of patients with OLP to detect any malignant alteration.Keywordslichen planus, bcl-2, p53, oral squamous cell carcinom