Abstract:

Objective To investigate the age-related changes of histological structure and DNA repair capacity (P53 protein expression) in oral mucous membrane and try to explain why the elders are prone to oral squamous cell carcinoma.Methods\ The routine HE staining and an immunohistochemical technical (SP method) were used respectively to study the changes of histological structure and P53 expression in normal oral mucosa of different age groups. The SP staining results were evaluated by semi-quantity method.Results ①With aging, a series of histological changes were observed in the oral mucosa; ② With aging, an elevating tendency of P53 protein level emerged in the oral mucosa (P<0 05).Conclusion The sensitivity to carcinogenic agents in elder people may be accentuated by the age-related histological changes and DNA repair capacity changes of the normal oral mucosa.

Key words: age-related changes, histological structure, P53 protein expression, DNA repair capacity, oral mucosa