Immunohistochemical of E-Cadherin Expression in the Oral Mucosa of Saudi Smokers and Non-Smokers

Sara M Altom

Abstract: Background: Smoking is a common habit in Saudi Arabia and a recognized risk factor for oral cancer. Tobacco exposure disrupts normal epithelial cell behavior, particularly adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. E-cadherin, a vital cell adhesion molecule, maintains epithelial integrity, and its reduced expression may contribute to oral mucosal pathology. Objective: To evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of E-cadherin and associated cytological changes in the oral mucosa of Saudi smokers compared with non-smokers. Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted between March and June 2025, included 200 buccal mucosa samples from Saudi adults (100 smokers and 100 non-smokers). Samples were collected using exfoliative cytology. Immunohistochemical staining for E-cadherin was performed, and expression was assessed based on staining intensity and the percentage of positive cells. Data were analyzed using SPSS; categorical variables were summarized as frequencies and percentages, and associations were tested using the chi-square test, with P<0.05 considered significant. Results: Cytological abnormalities-including cellular atypia, inflammation, and binucleation-were significantly more frequent among smokers (46%) than non-smokers (18%) (P=0.012). E-cadherin expression was markedly reduced in smokers (15%) compared with non-smokers (6%) (P=0.025). No significant variation in E-cadherin expression was observed across age (P=0.48) or gender (P=0.21). Conclusion: Smoking is associated with significant cytological alterations and reduced E-cadherin expression in the oral mucosa, indicating early epithelial disruption and a potential predisposition to malignant transformation. These findings underscore the importance of public health initiatives to reduce tobacco use and highlight E-cadherin as a potential biomarker for early detection of smoking-induced oral changes.

Keywords: E-cadherin, Oral mucosa, Cytological changes, Smoking, Immunohistochemistry, Saudi population

How to Cite?: Sara M Altom, "Immunohistochemical of E-Cadherin Expression in the Oral Mucosa of Saudi Smokers and Non-Smokers", Volume 14 Issue 12, December 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1627-1631, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR251114122938, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR251114122938