Peroxiredoxin I expression in tongue squamous cell carcinomas as involved in tumor recurrence

Peroxiredoxin (Prx) I is an antioxidant protein expressed in proliferating cells. We investigated Prx I as marker for tongue cancer status by correlating clinical features with Prx I expression. Samples from 132 patients with squamous cell carcinoma in the tongue were examined by immunohistochemistry with an anti-Prx I antibody. Correlations between Prx I expression and the clinical features of tumors were statistically determined using univariate and multivariate analyses. Univariate analysis showed Prx I was significantly associated with local recurrence (P = 0.033). By multiple logistic regression analysis, Prx I expression was associated with local recurrence (odds ratio: 2.84; 95% confidence interval: 1.09-7.43; P = 0.034) and lymph node recurrence (odds ratio: 2.86; 95% confidence interval: 1.02-8.01; P = 0.046). Our results suggested that Prx I expression indicates tumors with a high potential for recurrence. Prx I may be used clinically to guide treatment for squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.