Expression of lectin binding in oral submucous fibrosis.

Lectins are a group of specific glycoproteins present in cells, particularly cell membrane. Recently, lectin binding studies have been used as a diagnostic as well as prognostic indicator of neoplasm's. Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a potential premalignant condition predominantly seen in Indian subcontinent. A comparison of expression of lectin binding was studied in normal tissue, OSMF cases and oral squamous cell carcinoma. The OSMF cases were grouped into early and advanced conditions as per the histopathologic criteria. Patterns of lectin binding observed with advanced OSMF cases were comparable with that of Oral squamous cell carcinoma. The role of lectin binding studies in assessing the malignant potential of a pre-malignant condition is discussed.

Plant lectins--histochemical and cytochemical applications in oncology.

Lectins are sugar binding proteins or glycoproteins of non-immune origin derived from various plants or animals with specific sugar binding capacity. This property of lectins can be used to identify structural differences between normal and malignant cells. Malignant transformation is accompanied by several changes in cell membrane. Studies have shown that the lectin binding pattern of these cells may indicate the invasive potential of tumours. Lectins can also be used as carriers. Lectins conjugated to chemotherapeutic agents has been found to be more useful in the treatment of tumours induced in animals.

Immunology of chronic generalized periodontitis. 2. Estimation of total hemolytic complement (CH 50) and its fractions C3 and C4.

The total hemolytic complement activity (CH50) and its fractions C3 and C4 were determined in forty patients with chronic generalized periodontitis (CGP). The values were compared with an equal number of age and sex matched periodontally healthy controls. Total hemolytic complement activity was expressed as number of CH50 units per ml of blood, while C3 and C4 levels were assessed by radial immunodiffusion and expressed as mg%. The observations showed a significant increase in CH50, C3 and C4 levels in the sera of patients with CGP. The study reveals the role of complement system in the pathogenesis of chronic generalized periodontitis.

Immunology of chronic generalized periodontitis. 1. Estimation of cellular and humoral immune status.

Cell-mediated and humoral immune responses were assessed in forty patients with chronic generalized periodontitis (CGP), and in an equal number of control subjects. The cell mediated immunity assessed by enumeration of total rosette forming cells [TRFC] and high affinity rosette forming cells [HARFC], were found to be slightly depressed in CGP patients compared controls. The humoral immune response was assessed by estimation of serum immunoglobulins G,A,M,D and E by single radial immunodiffusion technique (RID). Except IgD all the other immunoglobulins were found to be elevated significantly. These immunological derangements found in CGP patients may be the cause or effect of the disease process.