Expression of Stathmin and P53 in oral potentially malignant disorders and oral squamous cell carcinoma - An immunohistochemical study

Abstract Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) arises from genetic alterations triggered by carcinogens, often associated with oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) like leukoplakia and oral lichen planus (OLP). Tumor markers, including intracellular phosphoprotein called Stathmin (STMN1) that are vital for chromosomal alignment, show abnormal expression leading to mutations, increasing chromosomal instability. The mutant form of the tumor suppressor gene P53 up-regulates STMN1. Aim: Compare STMN1 and P53 expression via immunohistochemistry in oral lichen planus, oral epithelial dysplasia, and oral squamous cell carcinoma. Materials and methods: 40 Formalin fixed paraffin embedded sections, diagnosed histopathologically as OSCC, oral epithelial dysplasia (OED), OLP, and normal tissue were categorized into four groups. Immunohistochemical assessment of STMN1 and p53 expression was carried out in these groups, and the results were statistically analyzed. Results: Significant STMN1 expression variations were observed: 0% in normal mucosa, 50% in OLP, 80% in OED, and 100% in OSCC (p<0.001). Positive predictive values were 100% for lichen planus and dysplasia, with negative predictive values of 66.7% and 83.3%, respectively. P53 levels also significantly differed (p<0.001): 60% in normal mucosa, 90% in OLP and OED, and 100% in OSCC. Positive predictive values for p53 were 100% across all groups, with variable negative predictive values. Conclusion: STMN1 and P53 showed significant expression variations among the four groups, highlighting their diagnostic potential and emphasizing their valuable role in oral malignancy prognosis and potential clinical applications.