Immunohistochemical expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors in epulis fissuratum

Epulis Fissuratum [Epulis Fissuratum [EF] or Denture Epulis or inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia] is a common hyperplastic tumor-like lesion with reactive nature, related to loose and ill-fitting, full or partial removable dentures and it is more common in women than men. For this reason, hormonal influences may also play role in its creation. The effect of steroid hormones especially sex hormones [Estrogen and progesterone] on oral mucosa is identified in some studies. In the present study, the distribution pattern and presence of estrogen and progesterone receptors in epithelial, stromal, endothelial and inflammatory cells in Epulis Fissuratum was investigated. This cross-sectional study was carried out on 30 samples of paraffin blocks with Epulis Fissuratum diagnosis and 30 samples of normal mucosal tissues as a control group who have had surgery as a margin beside the above lesions and had been obtained from the oral and maxillofacial pathology departement of Babol Dental School since 2003 up to 2010. Intensity of staining and immunoreactivity were evaluated using subjective index and considering the positive control group [breast carcinoma]. Epithelial, stromal, endothelial and inflammatory cells didn't show reaction with monoclonal antibodies against estrogen and progesterone in none of the samples. It seems that the hypothesis of the existence of estrogen and progesterone receptors in epulis fissuratum and normal oral mucosa is ruled out. The possibility of direct effect of estrogen and progesterone in occurring of epulis fissuratum is rejected

p63 expression in randomized odontogenic cysts

To find out the immunohistochemical assessment of p63 expression in odontogenic cysts based on the differences among their clinical behaviors. This study was carried out on 34 archival paraffin-embedded specimens of odontogenic cysts. We obtained the specimens from the Pathology Department of Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran from March 2003 to February 2008. The specimens comprised 12 dentigerous cysts, 9 radicular cysts, and 13 keratocystic odontogenic tumors [KCOTs]. The immunohistochemical technique was performed using the Envision system for evaluation of p63 expression. The KCOT revealed the highest p63 expression and the differences between the 3 groups was statistically significant. P63 expression might be helpful when identifying cyst types with more aggressive and invasive phenotype