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Summary: Gelsolin has important cellular functions, including cell motility, proliferation and apoptosis. Altered gelsolin expression has been reported in several types of human malignancies, but has not been evaluated in oral carcinogenesis. In this study, all normal oral mucosa (n =12) had high gelsolin expression, whereas only 7.7% of oral precancerous lesions (n =26) had positive gelsolin expression. A significant increased positive staining was found in primary (n =51; 37.3%) and metastatic (n =26; 30.8%) oral squamous cell carcinoma lesions. Tumors with high gelsolin expression were associated with greater tumour size (P =0.007), invasive growth (P =0.02), and younger age (P =0.006). High gelsolin expression conferred a poor clinical outcome in patients with metastatic disease (P =0.005). In conclusion, a biphasic profile in gelsolin expression was observed during the progression of oral carcinogenesis. This may be due to a balance of its multiple cellular functions in tumour invasion and cell growth. The underlying mechanisms, however, remain to be elucidated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Oral cancer is one of the most common types of human cancer in the world. Although the risk factors for oral cancer are well-recognized in different countries, the molecular mechanism responsible for this malignancy remains elusive particularly in the countries where betel quid chewing is prevalent. The cDNA microarray analysis was used to analyse the mRNA expression patterns of 1177 genes in ten oral cancer patients with betel quid chewing history. Eighty-four genes involving cell adhesion, cell shape, growth, apoptosis, angiogenesis, metastasis, and metabolism were deregulated. Although the expression profile of these genes was shared by certain clinical patients, there was no significant association of the expression profile with clinical staging. Functional implication of four validated genes including caspase-1, STAT-1, COX-2 and pleiotrophin was discussed. This study provides pilot data for understanding the pathogenesis of oral cancer in countries like Taiwan where betel quid chewing is prevalent. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]