Serum beta 2 microglobulin in oral malignancy and premalignancy

Overview of immunology of oral squamous cell carcinoma

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the sixth most common malignancy and is a major cause of cancer morbidity and mortality worldwide. Every year, approximately 500,000 new cases of oral and pharyngeal cancers are diagnosed worldwide, and a majority of these cases are seen in developing countries. OSCC arises as a result of multiple molecular events that develop from the combined influences of an individual's genetic predisposition and exposure to environmental carcinogens. Here, we discuss the course of immunological development involving OSCC. We have reviewed a literature available in Medline and Google databases. We draw attention to possible shortcomings and issues requiring clarification. Emphasis is given to precise immunology involving the OSCC. In this article, we try to approach the immunology of OSCC through a practical approach consideration of common difficulties and dilemmas faced by the oral pathologist, and where possible, we offer guidance and practical tips. The article concludes with a brief consideration of the prognostic value of immunology involving the OSCC.

Estimation of Serum Beta 2-Microglobulin Levels in Individuals Exposed to Carcinogens: Clinical Study in Indian Population

AIM

The aim of the study is to evaluate the prognostic value of β2-m as a biochemical parameter for the diagnosis and prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 60 patients (15 oral SCC, 15 leukoplakia, 15 individuals exposed to various carcinogens and without oral cancerous or precancerous lesions, 15 healthy individuals). The levels of β2-m were estimated using chemi-luminescent immunometric assay on Immulite fully automated machine. Statistical analysis of the data was done using Tuckey's test, ANOVA and independent sample t test.

RESULTS

Results showed that β2-m was increased in individuals exposed to carcinogens without precancerous and cancerous lesion.

CONCLUSION

Serum β2-m can be used as a better indicator and can give an early indication of malignant change and therefore malignancy can be detected at an early and treatable stage.

Alteration of serum beta 2-microglobulin in oral carcinoma

Serum β(2)-microglubin (β(2)-m) levels were measured in oral carcinoma patients and compared with normal healthy controls. It was observed that there was a significant rise in serum β(2)-microglobulin in oral carcinoma patients. Progressively higher values were obtained as the cancer advanced clinically. Therefore the estimation of serum β(2)-microglobulin may be useful as one of a battery of tests in the assessment of oral carcinoma patients.

Evaluation of serum beta 2-microglobulin in premalignant and malignant lesions of the oral cavity

Serum beta-2-microglobulin was estimated in patients with oral leukoplakia, oral submucous fibrosis, and oral cancer. The results were compared with that of an equal number of age- and sex-matched healthy controls. A definite increase in the level of beta 2-microglobulin was observed in patients with oral submucous fibrosis and oral cancer. Though the level of beta 2-microglobulin was found to be high in oral leukoplakia, it was not statistically significant. Further studies will validate the role of beta 2-microglobulin estimation to predict the malignant potential of oral submucous fibrosis.

Evaluation of serum beta 2-microglobulin in oral cancer

Beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-m) low molecular mass protein was measured in serum of normal subjects and in patients with oral cancer. There was a significant increase in beta 2-m levels in oral cancer patients. The possible role of beta 2-m as a biochemical parameter and its significance in oral cancer is discussed.

Gingival beta 2-microglobulin in juvenile and chronic periodontitis

The beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-m) pattern in gingival biopsy specimen from 24 patients with chronic severe periodontitis (P), from 11 patients with juvenile periodontitis (JP), and from 24 periodontally healthy subjects (CO) was studied with an indirect immunoperoxidase method. No reactivity for beta 2-m was found in 71% of specimens in the P and CO groups, whereas 82% of the JP specimens showed positive beta 2-m staining in the epithelium. The reactivity was detected mostly in the upper layers of the epithelium. In all the three groups the beta 2-m reactivity was less frequent in the subepithelial connective tissue than in the epithelium proper, and it seemed to be confined to the inflammatory cells. In the JP group, prominent reactivity for beta 2-m was also located in intercellular bridges of the squamous cells. The significance of the results is discussed in terms of the cell differentiation in these diseases, including the function of beta 2-m related to the function of the classical HLA antigens (HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C).

Immunology and oral cancer

This paper summarises the evidence for the involvement of the immune response in the development of neoplasia, discusses the immunological abnormalities found in patients with head and neck carcinoma, and outlines recent attempts at treatment of patients with head and neck carcinoma by modulation of the immune response (immunotherapy).

Immunological abnormalities in oral carcinoma and oral keratosis

Examination of serum concentrations of IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE, and IgD in oral carcinoma and oral keratosis confirmed a rise in serum IgA concentration in oral carcinoma and revealed a rise in IgE. In oral carcinoma, other serum immunoglobulins were present in normal concentrations. Serum IgA and IgE were not increased in oral keratosis but IgM was reduced, with normal levels of other immunoglobulins. The results may reflect changes in cell-mediated immunity rather than simply changes in humoral immunity.