Expression analysis of SPARC/osteonectin in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients: from saliva to surgical specimen.

Abstract

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, with approximately 540,000 new cases annually worldwide. The molecular mechanisms related to the pathogenesis of this disease are still poorly understood. The discovery of a molecular marker that allows the early detection of this cancer, which can be easily identified in biological samples, such as saliva, without intervening in advanced stages, is a challenge. Numerous studies have identified a panel of molecular markers differently expressed in OSCC and normal oral mucosa. In particular, it was found an aberrant expression of matricellular glycoprotein SPARC. SPARC is involved in normal tissue remodeling, regulating the deposition of extracellular matrix, but also in neoplastic transformation. In fact, aberrant SPARC expression was detected both in stromal cells associated with cancer and in tumor cells. The aim of our study was the evaluation of SPARC on a retrospective series of 119 OSCC cases and the validation of the obtained data on a prospective series of 27 patients with OSCC, of whom we have previously collected saliva, and smeared material. The obtained results were correlated with each other and with clinical pathological parameters at our disposal. The study demonstrated a prognostic value of SPARC, especially with regard to its expression in the stroma surrounding OSCC (P < 0.05).

• Authors: Gabriella Aquino, Rocco Sabatino, Monica Cantile, Corrado Aversa, Franco Ionna, Gerardo Botti, Elvira La Mantia, Francesca Collina, Gabriella Malzone, Giuseppe Pannone, Nunzia Simona Losito, Renato Franco, Francesco Longo
• Journal: BioMed research international (Biomed Res Int) Vol. 2013 Pg. 736438 ( 2013) ISSN: 2314-6141 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 24396828 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Neoplasm Proteins
• Osteonectin
• SPARC protein, human
• Salivary Proteins and Peptides

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Carcinoma, Squamous Cell (metabolism, pathology, surgery)
• Female
• Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Mouth Neoplasms (metabolism, pathology, surgery)
• Neoplasm Proteins (biosynthesis)
• Osteonectin (biosynthesis)
• Retrospective Studies
• Saliva (metabolism)
• Salivary Proteins and Peptides (biosynthesis)