Determination of P53 Protein, Ki67 Antigen and C-erb-B2 Expression and Their Correlation in Well-Differentiated Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) of Tongue

Tumor development is identified by an imbalance between proliferation and apoptosis. The mutation of suppressor genes such as P53 and overexpression of C-erb-B2 as an oncogene are important factors in carcinogenesis. The overexpression of ki67 has been demonstrated in different tumors. Our knowledge about C-erb-B2 and its correlation with cellular proliferation in oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) has not been elucidated.

The aim of study was the comparison of Ki67, P53 and C-erb-B2 immunoreactivity in well – differentiated SCC of tongue.

This study was a descriptive. Five sections of well differentiated SCC were prepared and stained by immunohistochemical (IHC) method. IHC slides were examined for Ki67, P53 and C-erb-B2 for positive staining by counting positive cells per 1000 epithelial cells labeling indexes (LI) were calculated and LI means were achieved. The correlation test was used to compare the results.

The mean numbers of Ki67, P53 and C-erb-B2 positive cells were 399.4±42.97, 221.4±330.32 and 26.8±27.22, respectively. The correlation test was shown the positive correlation between Ki67 and P53 (p<0.02, r=91.5%). There was not any positive correlation between Ki67 and C-erb-B2 (p<0.97, r= -1.7%) and also P53 and C-erb-B2 (p<0.8, r= -13%).

Immunoreactivities of P53, ki67 and C-erb-B2 were positive in tongue well-differentiated SCC. The positive correlation was seen between P53 and ki67 expression.