Background: Tobacco use is the most important risk factor linked to oral cancer. Tobacco influences the DNA repair, cell cycle control, proliferation and apoptosis. The present study observed bcl-2 expression to verify its value as prognostic markers in cigarette smokers.
Methods: The study sample comprised 40 smoking males; 20 with hyperplasia and 20 with dysplasia. The duration of smoking and the number of cigarettes were recorded. Hematoxylene and Eosin stained sections were used for histopathologic examination and immunostained sections for evaluation of the expression of bcl-2. The resulting data were analyzed statistically.
Results: The dysplasia group had a higher mean duration of smoking, number of cigarettes per day and total number of cigarettes as well as higher mean area % and stronger bcl-2 immunoreactions compared to that of the hyperplasia group.
Conclusions: Bcl-2 may be a valuable prognostic marker in evaluating the malignant potential of hyperplastic and dysplastic lesions in cigarette smokers.