Abstract: Objective: To compare the expression levels of Caspase-8 (Caspase-8) and P62 in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and normal tissues and investigate the role of Caspase-8 and P62 in the pathogenesis of BCC. Methods: The expression levels of Caspase-8 and P62 were detected in 45 BCC and 10 normal controls tissues by immunohistochemistry. Results: Caspase-8 was positive in 44%(20/45) BCC samples and 90%(9/10) controls, with a significant difference (Z=-2.711,P<0.01). P62 was positive in 87%（39/45） BCC samples and 40%(4/10) controls, with a significant difference (Z=-2.951,P<0.01). There was a negative correlation between the expression level of Caspase-8 and P62 (r=-0.322, P<0.05). Conclusion: The expression level of Caspase-8 and P62 was low in BCC tissues. Caspase-8 and P62 may be involved in the carcinogenesis of BCC.

Key words: basal cell carcinoma, apoptosis, P62, Caspase-8