Potential role of fibroblast senescence in malignant transformation of oral submucous fibrosis

Abstract

Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) is a disorder that occurs primarily due to the usage of betel nut and paan masala. The rate of malignant transformation from OSMF is 26 %. There are several markers to predict this malignant transformation such as inflammatory mediators, hypoxia, Cell cycle alteration, alteration in oncosuppressor genes, angiogenesis-related molecules, genetic susceptibility, and senescence. In carcinogenesis, multiple mutations occur leading to genetic damage. This affects the normal cell cycle and DNA repair. One of the reasons for the genetic damage and mutation to result is because of the release of by-products of oxidative metabolism called -reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can induce irreparable damage to cell structures. Free radicals produced in OSMF can cause DNA damage. An online search was performed on PubMed, Medline, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases. The keywords used were "oral Submucous fibrosis", "senescence-associated secretory phenotype molecule", "senescent fibroblast" and "oral squamous cell carcinoma". This review aims to narrate the role of senescence fibroblast cells in pathogenesis and malignant transformation of OSMF.

Keywords: Fibroblast senescence; Malignant transformation; Oral submucous fibrosis.