Role of phosphatase and tensin homolog in pathogenesis of ameloblastoma: An immunohistochemical study

Background: Altered molecular signaling pathways in ameloblastoma have been identified to play a pivotal role in the mechanism of oncogenesis, differentiation, and tumor progression. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway is one of the signaling pathways that are associated with the pathogenesis of ameloblastoma. Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) controls cell migration and proliferation. It monitors the level of the Akt and maintains cellular integrity. The present study was aimed to study the immunoexpression of PTEN in ameloblastoma to understand its role in the pathogenesis of ameloblastoma. Materials and Methods: Twenty cases of ameloblastoma and ten cases of normal tooth germ were subjected to immunohistochemical staining against PTEN. Results: Strong PTEN immunopositivity was seen in the tooth germs, while weak positivity was seen in the ameloblastoma. The immunoscore for PTEN was calculated by adding the percentage score and the intensity score. Seventeen cases showed the reduced PTEN expression in the epithelial component of ameloblastoma. The unpaired t-test showed a statistically significant difference in the mean PTEN immunoscore in tooth germ and ameloblastoma. Conclusion: The study showed reduced PTEN immunoreactivity, which plays a role in the pathogenesis of ameloblastoma, through Akt pathway

An insight into crystallization test: A neoteric approach for screening premalignant and malignant lesions

Introduction: Crystallization test is based on the principle that, when a salt crystallizes out of an aqueous solution, the crystal growth is influenced by the presence of other substances in the solution, such as blood or plant extracts. If a mixture of copper chloride solution with a small amount of whole blood is allowed to crystallize under controlled experimental conditions, an aggregate of crystals forms. Crystallization method can be used as a diagnostic aid to provide information about the systemic conditions and general health of the patient. Aim: This study aims to study the patterns of crystallization and to further determine the efficacy of crystallization test as a screening modality in premalignant lesions and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Materials and Methods: Fifty patients of OSCC, 50 patients of premalignant lesions, and 50 healthy individuals were selected. One drop of blood was collected from the study groups to perform crystallization using cupric chloride. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square test, Student's t-test (two-tailed), and analysis of variance. Results: The different patterns of crystals formed were studied and statistically analyzed. Conclusion:Based on the study, it was concluded that Crystallization test can be used as an effective screening modality for detection of premalignant lesions and OSCC

DNA damage in buccal cells in oral PMDs and malignant disorders by comet assay: a comparison with blood leukocytes

Aim: DNA damage associated with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) and potentially malignant disorders (PMDs) is produced due to carcinogenic agents or increased oxidative stress. Comet assay can assist in early detection and evaluation of the amount of DNA damage; lymphocytesare the most commonly used cells for performing comet assay. Utilisation of buccal epithelial cells in comet assay can be a minimally invasive and rapid method. The present study compared the efficacy of comet assay in assessing DNA damage in buccal cells over peripheral blood leucocytes (PBLs) in oral potentially malignant and malignant disorders. Methods: The study included fifty five patients each of Leukoplakia, Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) and OSCC along with fifty five healthy individuals as control. Buccal epithelial cells were collected from all the selected subjects. DNA damage was evaluated bymeasuring the mean tail length (µm). Results: A significantly increased mean tail length (µm) and higher DNA damage were found in OSCC (26.1096 + 1.84355) and there was a progressive stepwise increase in mean tail length from control(8.4982 + 0.93307) to PMD [leukoplakia (14.6105 + 0.71857); OSMF (12.5009 + 1.12694)] to OSCC.The mean tail length in different habit groups was greater than controls, though no significant difference was noted between habit groups. The mean tail length of buccal cells was significantly greater than the mean tail length of PBLs in all study groups and controls. Conclusion: Hence, use of comet assay on buccal epithelial cells can prove to be beneficiary for evaluation of DNA damage

Case report on cherubism: non-familial variant / Relato de caso de querubismo: uma variante não familiar

Introduction: Cherubism is a rare, non-neoplastic, self-limiting, fibro-osseous disease, characterized by painless expansion of the maxilla, mandible or both. It usually develops in the first and second year of life. The radiographic appearance presentation is ordinarily bilateral, multilocular appearance in the mandible. To the best of our knowledge, very few cases (less than ten) of non-familial cherubism have been reported in the English literature. Objective: To describe non-familial case of cherubism in a 10-year-old child. Materials and methods: The current case was clinically, radiographically and histopathologically analysed for confirmatory diagnosis. Results: H & E stained section showed vascular and cellular stroma containing numerous multinucleated giant cells. Conclusion: Correlating radiographically and histopathologically the case was finally diagnosed as non-familial variant of cherubism.

Introdução: Querubismo é uma doença rara, não neoplásica, autolimitada, fibro-óssea, caracterizada pela expansão indolor da maxila, mandíbula ou ambas. Ela geralmente se desenvolve no primeiro e no segundo ano de vida. A aparência radiográfica é normalmente bilateral, multilocular e localizada na mandíbula. Para melhor conhecimento, poucos casos (menos de dez) de querubismo não familiar foram relatados na literatura. Objetivo: Descrever um caso de querubismo não familiar em uma criança de 10 anos. Materiais e métodos: Para confirmação do diagnóstico, foram realizadas avaliações clínicas, radiográficas e histológicas deste caso. Resultados: Seção corada de H & E mostrou estroma vascular e celular contendo numerosas células gigantes multinucleadas. Conclusão: Na correlação radiográfica e histológica, ficou confirmado diagnóstico de variante não familiar de querubismo.

HSP70: probable role in Pathogenesis and therapeutics of oral lichen planus / HSP70: provável papel na patogênese e terapêutica de líquen plano oral

Objective: To evaluate a potential role of HSP70 in the pathogenesis of oral lichen planus (OLP). Materials and methods: The study sample comprised of 30 samples of histopathologically confirmed cases of OLP, which were grouped on the basis of the thickness of the epithelial layer into atrophic, normal (classical) and acanthotic. An immunohistochemical analysis of the expression of HSP-70 protein was done, followed by a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the stained layers. The results were statistically analyzed. Results: An increased expression of HSP70 was noted in the basal and suprabasal cells of the epithelium of OLP. A higher count and intensity of HSP70 expression was seen in the basal layer of the epithelium. Greater expression was noted in the epithelium of the atrophic group. Conclusion: The expression pattern of HSP70 positively implicates it in the pathogenesis of OLP. A potential role of HSP 70 usage as therapeutic modality is suggested.

Objetivo: Avaliar o potencial papel do HSP70 na patogênese do líquen plano bucal (LPB). Materiais e métodos:A amostra foi composta de casos histologicamente confirmados de LPB, os quais foram agrupados em função da espessura da camada epitelial em atrófica, normal (clássica) e acantose. Uma análise imuno-histoquímicada expressão da proteína HSP70 foi feita, seguida por uma análise quantitativa e qualitativa dascamadas coradas. Os resultados foram analisados estatisticamente. Resultados: Um aumento da expressãode HSP70 foi observado nas células basais e suprabasais do epitélio de LPB. A maior contagem e intensidadede expressão HSP70 foi vista na camada basal do epitélio. Maior expressão foi observada no epitélio do grupoatrófica. Conclusão: O padrão de expressão de HSP70 demonstrou uma ação positiva do mesmo na patogêneseda LPB. O uso do HSP70 como modalidade terapêutica do LPB é sugerido.

A color contrast aided density imaging technique to differentiate between dental hard tissues and its relevance.

Aim: Radiographic interpretation of a disease requires knowledge about normal structures. The calcifying jaw diseases can range from radiolucent areas to varying degrees of calcification. Therefore, it is vital to differentiate radiographically between various hard tissues. Materials and Methods: We have illustrated the use of computed tomography scan to quantify the calcified structures as dentin and enamel in a case of ameloblastic fibro-odontoma. Results: The enamel, dentin and cementum showed different values. Conclusion: The "Dentascan" can be used to distinguish the hard tissues in a variety of calcifying diseases of jaws.

Mineralized components and their interpretation in the histogenesis of peripheral ossifying fibroma.

Background: Peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF) is a lesion of gingival tissue that predominantly affects women and is usually located in maxilla, anterior to molars. The definitive diagnosis is established by histopathological examination, which reveals the presence of cellular connective tissue with focal calcifications. Objective: This study hypothesizes the histogenesis of POF by analyzing the diverse spectrum of mineralized components with a polarizing microscope. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was undertaken which involved a detailed review of clinical, radiographic and histopathological features of 22 cases of POF, retrieved from departmental archives. These cases were subsequently stained with a histochemical stain (van Gieson) and observed under a polarizing microscope. Results: The study revealed that the most common age of occurrence was in second and third decades with a strong female predilection (73%), Interdental papilla of the maxillary anterior region was the most commonly afflicted site. About 90% cases showed no radiographic features.Histopathological examination showed that 73% cases consisted of a fibrocellular connective tissue stroma surrounding the mineralized masses. 50% mineralized masses comprised of woven bone, 18% showed combination of lamellar bone and cellular cementum, 18% showed only cementum (cellular and acellular), and remaining 13.6% exhibited a mixture of woven and lamellar bone under polarizing microscope. Conclusion: The study supports the theory that POF develops from cells of periodontal ligament (PDL)/periosteum as undifferentiated mesenchymal cells having an inherent proliferative potential to form bone or cementum, whose nature can be confirmed by polarizing microscope.