ABSTRACT
Both Ameloblastomas and odontogenic keratocysts share many clinical features in common such as local aggressiveness, high recurrence rates and radical management options. Understanding the pathogenesis and biological behavior of these would improve our success at diagnosis and treatment. Despite efforts focused on understanding the pathogenesis of these lesions still little is known about them. AIM: To evaluate the expression of IL-1α and IL-6 by immunohistochemistry in ameloblastomas and KCOTs and correlate their expression with with their increase in size and extent of bone destruction. Methods: A total of 25 cases of ameloblastomas and 25 cases of keratocystic odontogenic tumors were included in the study. All histological slides were stained immunohistochemically to show the expression of IL-1α and IL-6. Results: Immunohistochemical expressions of IL-1α and IL-6 in ameloblastoma was observed in only stellate reticulum-like cells While in KCOT the immonohistochemical expression of both the antibodies in comparision to ameloblastoma was observed only in the lining epithelial cells. The higher expression rates of IL-1α and IL-6 were associated with increases in tumor size in ameloblastomas and connective tissue cyst wall thickness in keratocystic odontogenic tumors. Conclusion: The higher expression rates of IL-1α and IL-6 were associated with increased tumor size in ameloblastomas and with connective tissue cyst wall thickness in KCOT. Thus we can suggest that the cytokines play a role on aggressive behaviour of ameloblastomas and keratocystic odontogenic tumors by facilitating increased bone resorption.