To Determine the Expression of E-Cadherin and Vimentin in PreMalignant and Malignant Oral Lesion and Their Relationship with Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition Theory

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a significant global health concern, especially in regions like the Indian subcontinent. The process of EMT, characterized by the loss of E-cadherin and gain of Vimentin, plays a crucial role in cancer metastasis and progression. Understanding the expression patterns of these markers can provide insights into the mechanisms behind EMT and OSCC progression. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of Vimentin and E-cadherin in different grades of premalignant and malignant oral lesions also determine the relationship between the expression of these markers and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Material and Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Pathology at Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College, Jhansi, from April 2023 to March 2024. The study included 100 cases of biopsies and resected specimens from patients with clinically diagnosed premalignant or malignant lesions of the oral cavity. Samples were fixed, processed, sectioned, and stained using Hematoxylin and Eosin. The expression of E-cadherin and Vimentin was assessed through immunohistochemistry. Results: E-cadherin expression was found to be lower in older age groups and significantly associated with malignant lesions. High Vimentin expression was more common in older and middle-aged groups and was also significantly associated with malignant lesions. Statistical analysis revealed a significant relationship between marker expression and clinical characteristics such as age and diagnosis, with p-values <0.004 for age and <0.001 for malignant versus premalignant lesions. Conclusion: The study indicates a potential inverse relationship between marker E-cadherin and Vimentin expression and different grades of dysplagia and OSCC. Lower E-cadherin expression and high Vimentin expression correlates with advancing age and malignancy. These findings support the role of EMT in OSCC progression and highlight the importance of E-cadherin and Vimentin as biomarkers for evaluating the malignancy potential of oral lesions.