Immunohistochemical expression of tumor necrosis factor‐like weak inducer of apoptosis and fibroblast growth factor‐inducible immediate early response protein 14 in oral squamous cell carcinoma and its implications

To study the expression of tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) and fibroblast growth factor-inducible immediate early response protein 14 (Fn14) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), to elucidate the possible role of TWEAK-Fn14 in OSCC development.Immunohistochemistry for TWEAK-Fn14 was performed on 61 oral mucosal samples: healthy oral mucosa (HOM; N = 15); oral dysplastic lesions (ODL; N = 15); and OSCC (N = 31). Extent of staining (ES) and immunoreactive score (IRS) were assessed. The data was statistically analyzed.All OSCC expressed TWEAK, and the Fn14 expression was noted in 90% of OSCC. A significant difference in the TWEAK and Fn14 expression was noted among the groups. ES and IRS of TWEAK-Fn14 significantly increased in OSCC compared with ODL and HOM. ES of TWEAK was significantly higher than Fn14 in all 3 groups. ES of TWEAK-Fn14 was significantly higher at the invasive tumor front (ITF) than in the whole tumor. TWEAK-Fn14 showed a significant association with clinicopathological parameters of prognostic significance.Findings suggest that TWEAK and Fn14 may participate in the growth and progression of OSCC. Increased expression of TWEAK-Fn14 at the ITF may facilitate increased proliferation, altered differentiation and invasion.