Nitric Oxide Synthase 2 (NOS2) Expression in Histologically Normal Margins of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

MORELATTO, ROSANA; PICCINI, DANIEL; GUIÑAZÚ NATALIA; ITOIZ, MARIA ELINA; GEA SUSANA; LOPEZ-BLANC, SILVIA

MEDICINA ORAL PATOLOGIA ORAL Y CIRUGIA BUCAL

MEDICINA ORAL S L

Año: 2014 p. 242 - 247

1698-4447

Objective. The aim of this pilot study was to analyze Nitric Oxide Synthase 2 (NOS2) expression at the histologically normal margins of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Study Design: Eleven biopsy specimens of OSCC containing non-tumoral epithelial borders were analyzed. Ten biopsies of normal oral mucosa were used as controls. NOS2 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry. Salivary nitrate and nitrite content, as well as tobacco and alcohol consumption were also analyzed. Chi-squared test and Odds Ratio were applied. Results. NOS2 expression was found in OSCC margins, but not in normal mucosa. Also, molecular changes associated to early carcinogenesis have been found in mucosa near carcinomas. All cases of control group, were negative (p=0.005). No statistically significant association among enzyme expression, nitrate and nitrite levels and the risk factors tobacco and/or alcohol consumption was found. Conclusion. NOS2 may be an additional alteration marker occurring in a cancerized field before the appearance of potentially malignant morphological changes.