Analysis of fibroblast function in oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Analysis of fibroblast function and cell signalling in oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF)
IRAS ID
174461
Contact name
Selvam Thavaraj
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
9 years, 10 months, 31 days
Research summary
Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a precancerous condition of the mouth (oral cavity) and throat (pharynx) caused by areca nut (betel quid / paan) chewing. It has an estimated worldwide prevalence of greater than 2.5 million and is becoming an increasing public health issue in the United Kingdom.
Early features of OSMF include a burning sensation, excessive or reduced salivation and blanching of the soft tissues of the mouth (oral mucosa). Subsequently, the mucosa becomes inelastic and leathery reflecting increasing scarring (fibrosis). These fibrous bands lead to restriction of tongue and jaw movements, resulting in difficulty in speaking, eating and swallowing. All of these significantly reduce the quality of life of affected individuals.
The underlying mechanisms of OSMF are poorly understood but revolve around an imbalance in the production (synthesis) and breakdown (degradation) of collagen. Collagen is the main structural protein of the body and is predominantly controlled by a type of cell known as a fibroblast. Abnormalities of fibroblast function have been implicated in a variety of conditions such as exaggerated wound healing, rheumatoid arthritis, connective tissue disorders and more recently in the development and progression of cancer.
The purpose of this study is to further understand the role and function of fibroblasts in OSMF and the relationship between disorders characterized by excessive scarring (fibrosis) which do not progress to cancer, with those that do (precancerous conditions) and with cancer itself.
Our preliminary data indicates that fibroblasts from OSMF display many characteristics more akin to Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs) than normal fibroblasts. Being able to validate experimental work in clinical samples is vital to improving our understanding of the mechanisms involved in tissue fibrosis and cancer development. In time we hope to translate our laboratory findings into the clinical setting with a positive therapeutic benefit.
REC name
South West - Frenchay Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/SW/0284
Date of REC Opinion
5 Oct 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion