Expression of Mismatch Repair Protein Mlh1 in  Primary Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in An Indian  Population � An Immunohistochemical Study

Dr. Ankur Singh; Dr. Monica C Solomon; Dr. Raghu A R; Dr. Vasudev G; Dr. Gurshinder Pal

Volume : III, Issue : X, October - 2013

Expression of Mismatch Repair Protein Mlh1 in Primary Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in An Indian Population � An Immunohistochemical Study

Dr. Ankur Singh, Dr. Monica C Solomon, Dr. Raghu A R, Dr. Vasudev G, Dr. Gurshinder Pal

Abstract :

Background: MutL homolog 1, colon cancer, nonpolyposis type 2 (E. coli), also known as MLH1 is an integral DNA mismatch repair (MMR) gene whose role in tumorigenesis has been implicated in an extensive group of human cancers. Our study attempted to correlate MLH1 immunoexpression with different clinicopathological parameters in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) by immunohistochemical staining. Materials and method: A retrospective cross–sectional study was carried out to detect MLH1 in formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) specimens of OSCC (n=60) by immunohistochemistry. Results: Positive nuclear expression of MLH1 in tumor cells was recorded and scored. An over expressed MLH1 in well differentiated OSCC cases with a significant reduction in its expression with deteriorating histologic grade was observed (P<0.001). Also, the MLH1 immunoexpression was directly proportional to the tumor stage (P<0.05). Conclusion: The over expression of MLH1 thus reflects an attempt to amend the DNA lesions through the MMR system and restore genomic stability. Analysis of MLH1 expression may assist in prognostication and aid in designing superior treatment protocols.