Co-expression of HIF-1 and TLR3 is associated with poor prognosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

This study investigates the prognostic impact of the expression of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α and Toll-like receptor (TLR) 3 detected by immunohistochemistry in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The study also evaluates the treatment outcome by inhibition of the HIF-1α and TLR 3 pathway (nuclear factor [NF]-κB) in an OSCC transplantation model in nude mice. Statistical analysis of immunohistochemical results with clinical findings that included overall survival outcomes was performed for 90 OSCC patients. Forty nude mice were divided into four groups (control; inhibition of HIF-1α; inhibition of NF-κB; and inhibition of HIF-1α and NF-κB). Tumor weight and immunohistochemical results of each group were compared. The results show that co-detection of low HIF-1α/TLR3 expression is significantly correlated with a better prognosis for OSCC patients. Use of an inhibitor of the HIF-1 and TLR3 pathway in an OSCC transplantation model shows a good treatment outcome.