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. 2019 Jul-Sep;9(3):226-231.
doi: 10.1016/j.jobcr.2019.05.004. Epub 2019 May 20.

Loricrin expression and its implication in oral submucous fibrosis, hyperkeratosis and normal mucosa with association to habits - An immunohistochemical study

Nithya S  1 , Elizabeth Joshua  1 , Ranganathan K  1 , Rooban Thavarajah  1 , Umadevi K Rao  1
Affiliations

Loricrin expression and its implication in oral submucous fibrosis, hyperkeratosis and normal mucosa with association to habits - An immunohistochemical study

Nithya S et al. J Oral Biol Craniofac Res. 2019 Jul-Sep.

Abstract

Objective: The coarse fibres of areca nut and the continuous friction from occluding teeth are major causes of mechanical stress to the oral mucosa in conditions like oral submucous fibrosis and frictional keratosis. The continuous micro trauma provided in areca nut chewers, creates an environment where the keratinocytes exhibit alteration. Loricrin, is expressed abundantly in keratinizing epithelium in response to mechanical stress. Their expression or absence could play a role in malignant transformation. This study attempts to assess the potential of Loricrin as an early diagnostic marker in patients with chewing habit.

Methods: 73 archival samples of formalin fixed, paraffin embedded tissue specimens histopathologically confirmed, were segregated as normal mucosa 11, hyperkeratotic 32 and oral submucous fibrosis 30 and stained with antibodies to Loricrin and graded as negative, mild, moderate and intense based on the staining intensity. Pearson's chi square test was done for statistical analysis.

Results: Loricrin expression was observed in all groups with staining in the stratum granulosum showing a significant association to habits (P = 0.000).

Conclusion: This prominent staining indicates a compensatory cytoskeletal rearrangement of surface epithelium during cell division in early oral submucous fibrosis showing potential as an early marker of the condition.

Keywords: Areca nut; Hyperkeratosis; Loricrin; Oral submucous fibrosis.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Chewing Habit induced HYPERKERATOSIS specimen (H & E) showing prominent granular cell layer and increased keratinization.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
ORAL SUBMUCOUS FIBROSIS specimen from patient with areca nut use showing positive loricrin staining in the granular layer and few cells of stratum spinosum.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
HYPERKERATOSIS WITHOUT EPITHELIAL DYSPLASIA showing positive loricrin staining in the stratum granulosum in patient with Gutka (Pan) Usage.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
HYPERKERATOSIS WITH EPITHELIAL DYSPLASIA showing positive loricrin staining in the stratum granulosum associated with chewing habit.
Fig. 5.1
Fig. 5.1
Gender and expression positivity.
Fig. 5.2
Fig. 5.2
Staining intensity.
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Loricrin Positivity and Staining intensity withinHR Grooup.
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
Staining and intensity aceoss Within HK group.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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