Distinct expression profiles of hsa-miR-31, hsa-miR-29c, hsa-miR-17, and hsa-miR-10a in oral epithelial dysplasia and squamous cell carcinoma.

Objective: This research aimed to evaluate the expression of microRNAs-31, 29c, 17, and 10a and the biomarkers signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 and interleukin-6 in oral epithelial dysplasia and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Study design: This research analyzed samples collected from patients with oral lesions and a control group consisting of individuals with no history of smoking or alcohol consumption. The tissues were histologically analyzed to classify oral epithelial dysplasia and OSCC and assessed by immunohistochemistry for signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 and interleukin-6 expression. In addition, molecular analysis involved total RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and microRNA quantification by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS to compare the expression of biomarkers and microRNAs between groups.

Results: miR-17 (P = .005) and miR-29c (P = .014) increased in OSCC and miR-17 (P = .024) increased in perilesional dysplasia. In dysplasia, only miR-31 and miR-17 (P = .030), miR-10a and miR-17 (P = .003), and miR-10a and mir-29c (P = .001) but in OSCC all miRs were directly correlated (P < .05) and miR-10a and IL-6 were also directly correlated (P = .046). In perilesional OSCC, miR-17 was directly correlated with miR-31 (P = .008) and miR-31 with miR-10a (P = .039). In perilesional dysplasia, only miR-10a and miR-29c were directly correlated (P = .023).

Conclusions: miR-17 is increased in perilesional oral dysplasia and OSCC, miR-29c is increased in OSCC and miR-10 appears to be the initiator of the tumor progression process. The increase in the interactions of microRNAs was a strong predictor of OSCC progression.