Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the syndecan-1 expression in Leukoplakia (LPK) according to grades of epithelial dysplasia. Materials and Methods: Twenty samples of leukoplakia were selected from the archives of the institution and further divided into three groups: Group 1 (LPK with mild epithelial dysplasia), Group 2 (LPK with moderate epithelial dysplasia) and Group 3 (LPK with severe epithelial dysplasia). The slides stained with syndecan-1 antigen were examined under light microscope. Results: A statistically non significant (p>0.05) difference was noted when staining intensity of syndecan-1 in stratum basale were compared between LPK with mild dysplasia (L1) and LPK with moderate dysplasia (L2) (p=0.889), L1 and leukoplakia with severe dysplasia (L3) (p=0.212) also between L2 and L3 (p=0.134). A statistically non significant difference was noted when staining intensity of syndecan-1 in stratum spinosum were compared between L1 and L2 (p=0.854), L1 and L3 (p=0.299), also between L2 and L3 the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.321). A statistically non significant difference was noted when intensity of syndecan-1 expression in superficial layers of the epithelium were compared between L1 and L2 (p=0.285), L1 and L3 (p=0.398), also when L2 and L3 were compared, the difference was not statistically significant (p=1.00). Conclusion: The expression of syndecan-1 antigen in leukoplakia according to grades of epithelial dysplasia is less reliable to rule out the malignant potential.
