Expression of Heat Shock Protein 70 in Oral Epithelial Dysplasia and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An Immunohistochemical Study

INTRODUCTION: Heat shock proteins are biomarkers regulating the degree of differention and aggressiveness in oral carcinogenesis. The study was carried out to evaluate the expression of HSP 70 in histological grades of epithelial dysplasia and oral squamous cell carcinoma using immunohistochemistry. METHODOLOGY: A sample of 40, which included 10 (Normal), 15 (epithelial dysplasia) and 15 (oral squamous cell carcinoma) were selected. The biopsy samples were stained using H and E staining and HSP 70 IHC. RESULTS: There was a statistical significant difference in expression of HSP 70 between normal oral mucosal tissue, leukoplakia and OSCC. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study concludes the critical role of HSP70 as an oncogene in the development of oral cancer. HSP70 inhibition is, therefore a promising therapeutic approach for cancer treatment.