Identification of Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-kappa B Ligand(RANKL) and Osteoprotegerin(OPG) in Ameloblastoma

ABSTRACT

The ameloblastoma is a common odontogenic tumor of the jaw bone and represents approximately 1% of tumor in the jaw. However, it might be able to infiltrate into the adjacent tissue, causing bony destruction and high recurrent rate. In this study, expression of RANKL and OPG in ameloblastoma in relation to age and gender of patient and recurrence, location of the lesion were examined through immunohistochemisry study. The RANKL and OPG antibody staining were used. The obtained result were as follow. 1. Positive immunoreactivity to RANKL/OPG in all specimens was found. 2. 1n recurrenc, location of ameloblastoma and age, gender of patients using immunohistochemical expression of RANKL. There was not significant difference. 3. 1n recurrence, location of ameloblastoma and age, gender of patients using immunohistochemical expression of OPG. There was not significant difference. In summary, it is suggested that activation of osteoclasts by RANKL is an important mechanism by which ameloblastomas cause bone destruction.