Expression of caspase-8, receptor interacting protein and nuclear factor-kappaBp65 in oral lichen planus / 中华口腔医学杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the expressions of caspase-8, receptor interacting protein (RIP) and nuclear factor (NF)-kappaBp65 in oral lichen planus (OLP) and their relationship with cell apoptosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Immunohistochemical technique with SP method was used to detect the expressions of caspase-8, RIP and NF-kappaBp65 in 30 OLP cases and 15 normal oral mucosa specimens. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nucleotide shift enzyme (TdT) mediated d-UTP end labeling (TUNEL) was used for detecting the cell apoptotic index (AI) in 15 OLP cases and 5 nomal oral mucosa specimens.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the control group, the AI of epithelial cells (6.76 +/- 2.32) increased and the AI of lymphocytes (1.75 +/- 0.74)decreased in OLP (P < 0.01). The positive rate of caspase-8, RIP and NF-kappaBp65 of epithelial cells were 97% (29/30), 87% (26/30) and 93% (28/30) respectively, significantly higher in OLP than in normal control (P < 0.05). The positive rate of caspase-8, RIP and NF-kappaBp65 of lymphocytes were 100% (30/30, 90% (27/30) and 80% (24/30) respectively, significantly higher in OLP than in normal control (P < 0.01). A positive correlation was also observed between NF-kappaBp65 expression of lymphocytes and AI of epithelial cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Accelerated apoptosis of the keratinocytes and inhibition of lymphocyte apoptosis may coexist and contribute to the formation and progression of OLP. The over expression of caspase-8, RIP and NF-kappaBp65 in OLP may play a role in the pathogenesis of OLP.</p>