Galectin-3, COX-2, and CD3 Expression in Oral Lichen Planus, Lichenoid Dysplasia, and Lichen Planus with Dysplasia
Journal of Dental School,
Vol. 43 No. 3 (2025),
30 July 2025
,
Page 128-136
https://doi.org/10.22037/jds.v43i3.47062
Abstract
Objective(s): This research aimed to evaluate the immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of Galectin-3 (Gal-3), COX-2, and CD3 in oral lichen planus (OLP), lichenoid dysplasia (LD), and lichen planus with dysplasia (LPD). Analyzing these three markers can provide insight into the molecular role of inflammation in the differentiation and behavior of lichen planus and lichenoid lesions, as well as their potential for malignant transformation. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study examined the paraffin blocks of OLP, LD, and LPD obtained from the archives of the Pathology Departments at Shahid Beheshti Dental School and Razi Hospital. A total of 17 OLP, 21 LPD, and 20 LD specimens were stained for Gal-3, COX-2, and CD3 markers using the En-Vision technique, and evaluated by two oral and maxillofacial pathologists. The expression of markers was compared and analyzed using the Chi-Square, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, and Fisher’s exact tests, as well as Spearman’s correlation coefficient at p<0.05. Results: High CD3 expression was observed in the connective tissue of all three groups with no significant difference (P=0.889). COX-2 expression was similarly low in both the connective tissue and epithelium of all three groups (P=0.778 and P=0.979, respectively). Gal-3 expression was moderately consistent in the connective tissue of all three groups (P=0.278), and weak in the epithelium (P=0.515). Conclusion: The findings suggested that CD3, COX-2, and Gal-3 play a similar role in inflammation in OLP, LPD, and LD, and are not associated with dysplastic changes.
- Lichen Planus
- Oral
- Lichenoid Eruptions
- Immunohistochemistry
- Galectin 3
- Cyclooxygenase 2
- CD3 Complex
How to Cite
References
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