Expression of S100A7 in oral potentially malignant disorders: An immunohistochemical study

CONTEXT: Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) are a group of heterogeneous lesions with an increased risk of malignancy. S100A7 expression serves as a biomarker to identify the dysplastic lesion. AIMS: To study the status of S100A7 antigen in healthy oral mucosa and OPMDs. SETTINGS: Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) Dental College and Hospital, Pune. DESIGN: S100A7 antigen in healthy oral mucosa and OPMDs. METHODS: Biopsies were collected of clinically diagnosed OPMDs as well as of healthy oral mucosa and analysed for the malignancy potential. MATERIAL: Polyclonal rabbit S100A7 25 μl, BioGenex detection system, hydrogen peroxide, non-streptavidin biotin-HRP, wash buffer, DAB chromogen, TRIS buffer, Harris haematoxylin and eosin. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 27.0. Qualitative data variables expressed were analysed using frequency and percentage. Quantitative data variables were expressed using mean and standard deviation. The Chi-square test was used to compare the grade of intensity, where P value <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Healthy oral mucosa did not reveal any immunopositivity. Oral leukoplakia showed some focal expression till middle middle third of epithelium. Oral erythroplakia was found with maximum expression while submucous fibrosis showed increased intense staining in six cases. CONCLUSIONS: S100A7 antigen showed significant immune expression in OPMDs and may be used as a marker for early diagnosis and precision therapy.