Evaluation of CD44s, CD44v6, CXCR2, CXCL1, and IL-1ß in Benign and Malignant Tumors of Salivary Glands.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have reported an association between high expression of CD44 in different types of cancer. However, no study has reported a link among CD44 expression, other biomarkers, and the aggressiveness of salivary gland tumors. METHODS: A total of 38 specimens were obtained from non-tumorous salivary glands, benign and malignant tumors in salivary glands. Immunohistochemical analyses of CD44s, CD44v6, IL-1ß, CXCL1, and CXCR2 were performed, and the area of positive cells was assessed. RESULTS: We found that both CD44s and CXCR2 expression were increased in the benign and malignant groups. CD44v6 was also increased in both groups, but it had the highest level in the malignant group. IL-1ß was the only biomarker that increased significantly in the malignant group in comparison to the other two groups. CONCLUSIONS: CD44s, CD44v6, CXCR2, and IL-1ß expressions were found to be higher in salivary gland tumors. However, IL-1ß alone may play a crucial role in the aggressiveness of salivary gland tumors as this cytokine was expressed only in the malignant group with high expression associated with high-grade malignancy.

Association between hepatitis C infection in Thai patients with oral lichen planus: A case-control study.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and evaluate liver enzyme levels in patients from upper northern Thailand with oral lichen planus (OLP). METHODS: A case-control study of 101 patients with OLP and 101 patients without OLP was conducted. Peripheral blood was taken from each patient and screened for anti-HCV antibody using immunochromatography. Positive samples were further confirmed using chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. In addition, liver enzyme levels, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase were evaluated using spectrophotometry. RESULTS: Immunochromatography and CMIA revealed that nine patients with OLP (8.9%) were positive for anti-HCV antibodies, whereas only one patient without OLP was HCV positive (odds ratio = 9.78). All patients who were HCV positive had significantly higher liver enzyme levels than patients who were HCV negative. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study indicated that OLP in certain patients was significantly associated with HCV. This could warrant screening for HCV-infected patients with OLP in Thailand.