Micro Rna-Based Markers Of Oral Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma And Buccal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent and aggressive form of head and neck cancer, encompassing various subtypes based on anatomical location, including oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) and buccal squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC). Objective: To find the microRNA-based markers of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma and buccal squamous cell carcinoma. Methodology of the study: This cross-sectional design study was conducted at Oral Pathology Department, LUMHS Jamshoro from June 2022 to June 2023. A total of 340 patients were enrolled in the study. The study population consisted of patients diagnosed with OTSCC and BSCC. Data were collected through a systematically designed questionnaire. Demographic data were collected from medical records, including clinical features, and tumor characteristics. Blood samples were obtained and stored in appropriate conditions for subsequent molecular analysis. Results: Data were collected from 340 patients in two groups according to inclusion and exclusion criteria of the study. The mean age of the patients was 58.2 ± 10.4 years. Males constituted 65% (221/340) of the study population, while females comprised 35% (1[1]19/340). miR-21 showed a fold change of +8.5 in OTSCC and +7.2 in BSCC, indicating substantial upregulation in both cancer types. Similarly, miR-31 demonstrated notable upregulation with fold changes of +6.9 in OTSCC and +5.8 in BSCC. Conversely, miR-99a and miR-125b exhibited downregulation in both OTSCC and BSCC, with fold changes of -4.7 and -6.3, and -3.9 and -5.4, respectively. Conclusion: It is concluded that miRNA dysregulation plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis and progression of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) and buccal squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC), with distinct expression profiles associated with clinical parameters and patient outcomes.