Does hypoxia alter cathepsin B / inhibitor profiles in oral carcinoma cell lines?
These data suggest that the invasive and/or metastatic potential of cells may be enhanced under hypoxia by increasing cathepsin-mediated proteolysis. The results provide strong evidence for the involvement of cathepsin B and its cystatin inhibitors in hypoxia-enhanced tumor progression.
According to our results, (1) a trial of nonoperative treatment is warranted because successful outcomes can be expected even in patients who eventually opt for surgery and (2) patients who presented more than 30 days after their injury were less likely to complete nonoperative treatment successfully.