p53 Protein and Skin Sulfhydryl Oxidase Expression in Squamous Cell Carcinoma and precancerosis of Skin

Yoon, Jung Ho; Kim, Ki Ho; Joh, Gwang Yeol

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Extensive study of the p53 gene has established its role as a tumor-suppressor gene, and the mutant p53 gene is expressed in a wide spectrum of human malignancy. The conversion of sulfhydryl groups to disulfide bonds in epidermis is carried out by skin sulfhydryl oxidase(SSO) at the junction of the granular layer and horny layers. So it is of interest to investigate the localization and properties of SSO in epidermal keratinocytic neoplasms.
OBJECTIVE
Our purpose is to investigate the expression pattern of the p53 protein and SSO and to gain a better understanding of biologic behavior in epidermal keratinocytic neoplasms.
METHODS
We investigated the expression pattern of p53 protein and SSO by immunohistochemical method on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue specimens in 8 cases of squamous cell carcinomas, several cases of recancerosis(1 Bowen's disease, 1 actinic keratosis, 1 arsenic keratosis) and benign keratinizing disorders(1 verruca vulgaris, 1 condyloma accuminatum and 2 cases of lichen planus).
RESULTS
1. Seven out of 8 cases of squamous cell carcinama(88%) and 1 case of 1 Bowen's disease showed p53 protein expression 2. SSO was weakly present in squamous cell carcinoma and precancerosis compared to the normal skin. In the well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma and Bowen's disease, the presence of SSO was rather diffuse than poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma and concentrated in dyskeratotic cells and horn pearls. 3. p53-stained cells or areas were seldom stained with SSO antibody, especially in invading borders of squamous cell carcinomas.
CONCLUSION
Our results suggest that p53 mutation is a common genetic change in epidermal tumorigenesis and it can be useful marker of tumor invasion in the squamous cell carcinoma and precacerosis of skin.