Objective: To investigate the expression of Toll-like receptor 4（TLR4） and nuclear factor-kappa B（NF-κB）

as well as its significance

in the normal tongue mucosa

precancerous lesions of the cheek pouch mucosa

and oral squamous cell carcinoma in golden hamsters. Methods: We had prepared the fresh frozen tissues of the normal tongue mucosa

precancerous lesions of the cheek pouch mucosa

and oral squamous cell carcinoma in previous research. We determined the mRNA and protein expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB in these tissues by RT-PCR

real-time PCR

Western blot

and ELISA. Results: Compared with those in the normal mucosa of the tongue

the mRNA and protein expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB were increased in the precancerous lesions of the cheek pouch mucosa

and were further increased in oral squamous cell carcinoma; and the differences reached statistical significance between oral squamous cell carcinoma and the normal mucosa or precancerous lesions（P < 0.01）. Conclusion: The TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway is activated in oral squamous cell carcinoma

possibly related to the development and progression of the cancer. It is of great significance to clarify the role of this pathway in the etiology and pathogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma

which may provide a basis for the prevention and treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma.