Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-21 in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Introduction Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common cancer with increasing morbidity and mortality due to regional invasion, metastasis, and secondary malignancy along with associated medical complications. The degradation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is essential for the progression of carcinoma, hence MMPs are implicated in cancer invasion and metastasis as a biomarker. Objective The primary objective of this study was to find the expression of MMP-21 between oral squamous cell carcinoma and healthy tissue. Materials and methods In this retrospective study, banked pathology was used to observe the expression of MMP-21 in oral squamous cell carcinoma. MMP-21 protein expression was assessed in 50 cases of OSCC by immunohistochemistry assay. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the relation of MMP-21 expression. Results There was increased expression of MMP-21 in OSCC, and this was statistically significant (p<0.0001). Conclusion This result suggests the potential role in tumor progression and as a potent marker in diagnosing OSCC. In the future, it might also be a novel tool in therapeutic intervention.