Role of HIF-1 alpha in Ameloblastoma: A Systematic Review

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1a is a transcriptional protein that has been extensively researched in human cancers whose overexpression is found to be associated with unfavorable prognosis. Contemporary studies have proved its vital role in ameloblastoma by correlating its expression with the aggressiveness of the tumor. Therefore, an attempt was made to explore its significance in the malignant transformation and prognosis of ameloblastoma. The present systematic review aimed to understand the impact of HIF-1a in AMB which might lead to favorable outcomes in the treatment. An electronic search was carried out using PubMed, Scopus, Google scholar, Cochrane library, and EMBASE databases. Original articles from all languages involving HIF-1a in AMB were scrutinized by two independent authors. Data were compiled and tabulated in Microsoft Excel and the Risk of bias was analyzed using the JBI tool. Twelve eligible articles were included for the quantitative analysis comprising 305 cases of AMB in which HIF-1a expression was studied for various characteristics like pattern, intensity, and site of immunoexpression which were found to be increased with an increase in the aggressiveness of AMB. It was concluded that HIF-1a is proven to have a crucial role in the progression and aggressiveness of AMB. Extended research regarding the crucial role of HIF-1a in the initiation of tumors and therapies aiming at HIF-1a in AMB cases might show promising outcomes in the future.