[Expression and significance of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, C-X-C motif 9 and keratin 19 in oral submucosal fibrosis].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression and localization of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), C-X-C motif 9 (CXCL9) and keratin 19 (KRT19) in oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) and to evaluate their roles in the pathopoiesis of OSF.

METHODS

The expression and localization of COMP, CXCL9 and KRT19 were investigated in the specimens of 66 patients with oral submucous fibrosis and 14 normal controls by immunohistochemistry, and their protein and mRNA expressions were detected by Western blotting and RT-PCR.

RESULTS

COMP was overexpressed in 36 (55%) cases of OSF, and 43 (65%) cases showed positive immunoreactivity for CXCL9 protein in the cytoplasm of inflammatory cells and endothelial cells in OSF. All normal buccal mucosa tissues were stained continuously and strongly for KRT19 in the cytoplasm of basal cells, only 7 (11%) of 66 OSF samples showed faint and fragmented KRT19 staining in the cytoplasm of basal cells. RT-PCR and Western blotting results were fully consistent with the immunohistochemical data.

CONCLUSIONS

COMP, CXCL9 and KRT19 play an important role in the pathopoiesis of OSF.