Objective: To investigate the relationship of Fas mRNA and protein expression and apoptosis in human oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Methods: Northern blot and flow cytometry (TUNEL method) were used to detect the expression of Fas mRNA and Fas protein, cell cycle and apoptotic level in oral squamous cell carcinoma. The relationship between Fas gene expression and OSCC apoptosis was analyzed statistically.
Results: Fas mRNA and protein could be detected in all five normal oral mucosa specimens. There was positive correlation between expression of Fas mRNA/protein and cell differentiation as well as apoptosis in OSCC (P < 0.005).
Conclusion: The expression of Fas gene was highly correlated with the differentiation and apoptosis in OSCC.