Considering SOD and miRNA analysis as potential prognostic markers in white lesion malignant transformation: A report of two cases.

RATIONALE

Predictive biomarkers can be effective in the identification of the oral leukoplakia with an increased probability of malignant transformation.

PATIENTS CONCERNS

A 63-year-old patient presents with persistent burning sensations throughout the oral cavity, accompanied by a white lesion on the tongue. Additionally, a 57-year-old patient with multiple white lesions in the oral cavity.

DIAGNOSIS

Histopathological analysis of the excised tissue.

INTERVENTIONS

Changes in the expression miRNAs (miR17, miR206, and miR23), the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione-S-transferase), and concentration of reduced glutathione were detected, followed by meta-analysis of previous studies.

OUTCOMES

In both patients (verrucous leukoplakia, oral squamous cell carcinoma) upregulated expression of miR-23a, miR-17, and downregulated expression of miR206 were detected when compared to healthy individuals. In the plasma of a patient diagnosed with carcinoma, higher activity of antioxidant enzymes connected to glutathione was measured in comparison to healthy individuals.

LESSONS

The connection between miRNA expression changes, the increase in glutathione-S-transferase and especially the decrease in superoxide dismutase activities in patients with white lesion potential malignant transformation using the provided statistical analysis was confirmed.