Mechanisms of Malignant Transformation of Oral Submucous Fibrosis: An Update

doi:10.13701/j.cnki.kqyxyj.2021.10.002

Abstract

Abstract: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a chronic and progressive oral mucosal disease associated with betel nut chewing. The main manifestations include pale oral mucosa, burning sensation in oral cavity when eating spicy food, progressive limitation of mouth opening, and blisters in soft palate. OSF contains a malignant potential, with the malignant transformation rate ranging from 7% to 13%. As a result, it was included into the classification of oral potentially malignant disorders by the WHO. The mechanisms of malignant transformation of OSF comprise of various aspects, including genetic susceptibility, cell cycle changes, epithelial-related protein changes, hypoxia, angiogenesis, senescence, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, etc., which have not been fully revealed. In this review, we summarize the molecular mechanisms of the malignant transformation of OSF, aiming to provide references for understanding the mechanisms and early prevention of OSF malignant transformation.

Key words: oral submucous fibrosis, malignant transformation, mechanisms

ZHU Jiayi, LU Rui. Mechanisms of Malignant Transformation of Oral Submucous Fibrosis: An Update[J]. Journal of Oral Science Research, 2021, 37(10): 875-878.

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