BACKGROUND: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is etiologically linked to tobacco and alcohol consumption. A higher frequency of p53 gene mutations was reported in snuff (toombak)-associated OSCC from the Sudan versus those from non-users (Ibrahim et al., 1999, 10). MATERIALS AND METHODS: OSCC from Sudanese toombak users (n = 13) and non-users from the Sudan (n = 6) and Norway (n = 24) were analysed for bax, bcl-2 and Ki-67 immunohistochemically. Apoptosis was evaluated by the TUNEL method. The OSCC from the Sudan had previously been studied for p53 gene mutations. RESULTS: We found a higher apoptotic rate and a higher bax expression in OSCC from Norway compared with those from the Sudan (p < 0.05) irrespective of toombak use. No significant differences were detected in apoptosis, bax, bcl-2 and Ki-67 in OSCC from the Sudan in relation to toombak use or p53 gene status. CONCLUSION: In OSCC, apoptosis was associated with bax expression and was unaffected by p53 gene status or toombak use in OSCC from the Sudan.
BACKGROUND: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is etiologically linked to tobacco and alcohol consumption. A higher frequency of p53 gene mutations was reported in snuff (toombak)-associated OSCC from the Sudan versus those from non-users (Ibrahim et al., 1999, 10). MATERIALS AND METHODS: OSCC from Sudanese toombak users (n = 13) and non-users from the Sudan (n = 6) and Norway (n = 24) were analysed for bax, bcl-2 and Ki-67 immunohistochemically. Apoptosis was evaluated by the TUNEL method. The OSCC from the Sudan had previously been studied for p53 gene mutations. RESULTS: We found a higher apoptotic rate and a higher bax expression in OSCC from Norway compared with those from the Sudan (p < 0.05) irrespective of toombak use. No significant differences were detected in apoptosis, bax, bcl-2 and Ki-67 in OSCC from the Sudan in relation to toombak use or p53 gene status. CONCLUSION: In OSCC, apoptosis was associated with bax expression and was unaffected by p53 gene status or toombak use in OSCC from the Sudan.
Authors: Ali Yousif Babiker; Faris Margani Eltom; Mohamed S Abdalaziz; Arshad Rahmani; Saadalnour Abusail; Hussain Gadelkareem Ahmed Journal: Int J Clin Exp Med Date: 2013-04-12