Ki67, CD 105, and α‐ SMA expressions better relate the binary oral epithelial dysplasia grading system of World Health Organization

Background The binary system of oral epithelial dysplasia ( OED ) has never been investigated with reference to the carcinogenesis‐related biomarkers. Hence, Ki67, CD 105, and α‐ SMA immune‐expressions were studied in oral potentially malignant disorders ( OPMD s) to assess their relationship with the binary OED grading system of World Health Organization. Methods The study was carried out on paraffin‐embedded tissues of 30 normal oral mucosa ( NOM ) and 140 OPMD cases. OPMD cases were classified into two groups “no/questionable/hyperkeratosis/mild”=low‐risk epithelial dysplasia ( LRED ) and “moderate or severe”=high‐risk epithelial dysplasia ( HRED ). The immunohistochemistry was carried out to evaluate the expression of Ki67, CD 105, and α‐ SMA antigen. Results According to the binary grading system of WHO , 69 (49.28%) cases were LRED , while 71 (50.71%) case showed HRED . There was significant increase in Ki67 labeling index ( LI ) from NOM to LRED to HRED ( P =.000). Similarly, mean vascular density ( MVD ) also increased significantly from NOM to LRED to HRED ( P =.000). The α‐ SMA expression was significantly higher in HERD compared to LRED and NOM ( P =.000). A positive correlation was noted among Ki67 LI , MVD , and α‐ SMA expressions in NOM , LRED , and HRED ( P =.000). Conclusion The expressions of ki67, CD 105, and α‐ SMA markers compliment binary grading system of OED in OPMDS , thus justifying its use in clinical practice.