Abstract:

Objective To investigate the clinical significance of human telomerase RNA component (hTR) and human telomerase reverse transcriptase(hTERT) mRNA expression in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma(SCC) and Bowen's disease(BD). Methods Expressions of hTR and hTERT mRNA were detected by in situ hybridization technique in 30 cases of cutaneous SCC and 30 cases of BD. Results Weak expressions of hTR and hTERT mRNA were observed in BD, with positivity rates of 23.33% and 16.67%, respectively. Expressions of hTR and hTERT mRNA were found in 86.67% and 93.33%, respectively, in cutaneous SCC. hTR and hTERT mRNA were positive in 82.35% and 88.24%, respectively, of stage I and II of cutaneous SCC, without strong positive signals in those patients. hTR and hTERT mRNA were positive in 92.31% and 100%, respectively, of stage III and IV of cutaneous SCC, with strong positivity rates of 69.23% and 76.92% in those patients. Expressions of hTR and hTERT mRNA in skin tumors were gradually increased which positively linked with phenotypic progression and degree of dysplasia. Conclusion The strong expression of hTR and hTERT mRNA in the skin tumor suggest the presence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

Key words: Telomerase, Carcinoma, squamous cell, Bowen’s disease