Introduction: Cancer is a serious public health problem in many parts of the world; oral squamous cell carcinoma was the 11th most common malignant neoplasm in human papulation. The hamster cheek pouch carcinogenesis model is a well-known animal system that closely mimics the development of premalignant and malignant lesions in human oral cancer. The expressions of cancerization process in this model using DNA ploidy and S-phase fraction is the point of interest.
Aim of the study: This research was carried out to study the analysis of DNA ploidy and S-phase fraction in relation to development of oral squamous cell carcinoma during hamster cheek pouches carcinogenesis process induced by DMBA.
Material and methods: A total of 50 young gold Syrian hamsters distributed into groups as follows: 2 normal animals examined for the normal histology of the cheek pouch mucosa and 48 animals divided into; group I, as a control group (n= 12), in which pouches were painted with a heavy mineral oil only; group II, were painted with DMBA mixed in a heavy mineral oil (n=36). The examined animal tissue utilized for flow cytometry analysis to obtain DNA ploidy and S-phase fraction development during carcinogenesis process.
Results: The flow cytometric analysis of DNA content demonstrated a significant role in carcinogenesis process in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Moreover, they provided a significant analysis in the proliferation and activity of the cancer cells as measured by the S-phase fraction activity.
Conclusions: The combinatorial DNA content analysis involving general ploidy and S-phase fraction have potential for support in the early diagnosis; during the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma.