Analysis DNA Methylation Level of STAT5a and E-cadherin Genes in Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded Tissue Blocks of Iraqi Patients with Oral Lichen Planus

Abstract

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a persistent inflammatory condition. The exact cause is not fully comprehended. The study aimed to detect the methylation level of STAT5a and E-Cadherin genes in OLP and compare the findings with control. A total number of 60 samples of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks were divided into 2 groups: 30 OLP and 30 normal oral mucosa collected from laboratory archives of the Oral Diagnosis Department at University of Baghdad/College of Dentistry. DNA was extracted, and bisulfite treatment was utilized, Then HRM-PCR was performed.The results found a significant decrease (P<0.05) in the methylation level of STAT5a, while there was a significant increase (P<0.05) in the methylation level of E-Cadherin in OLP compared to controls, In addition, there were significant molecular alterations in methylation level of studied genes accumulated incrementally from control to reticular to erosive form were present in higher-risk erosive variants of OLP. It was concluded that the aberrant methylation profile of studied genes may be associated with the pathogenesis and progression of OLP.