Background and aim: In normal stratified squamous epithelia, syndecan-1 works as cell adhesion molecule, and exhibits an important role in the regulation of cell growth and differentiation during the development. It is recognized as tumor marker with diagnostic and prognostic role in different cancer types. This study was planned to explore the role of syndecan-1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Materials and Methods: Twenty two cases were histologically diagnosed as Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) that simultaneously contained dysplastic epithelium and carcinoma in situ (CIS) foci. Immunohistochemical staining for syndecan‑1, alpha smooth muscle actin and Ki-67 were done.
Results: Decreased expression of syndecan-1 from normal epithelia to CIS. In OSCC parenchyma, transition from cell membrane localization into cytoplasm was detected. In addition, strong expression of syndecan-1 in stromal fibroblasts was observed.
Conclusion: Decreased expression of syndecan-1 in parenchymal cells together with its appearance in stromal fibroblasts might be used as a reliable tool in oral squamous cell carcinoma early diagnosis.