p53, Cytokeratin 19 Expression in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Correlation with Histopathologic Grading: An Immunohistochemical Study.

The purpose of this study was to examine the immunohistochemical expression of p53 and cytokeratin 19 (CK19) in normal oral mucosa (NOM) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and their association with histopathological differentiation grade. The secondary goal was to see if there was any correlation between p53 and CK19 expression in NOM and OSCC. A hospital-based retrospective analysis was conducted in which 40 NOM and 45 OSCC samples were acquired from archives and stained with mouse monoclonal antibodies p53 and CK19. For both the NOM and OSCC groups, the proportion of positively stained cells, staining intensity, and staining index were calculated. p53 immunoexpression revealed that 85% of positively stained cells in the NOM basal layer had a low staining index (mean ± SD 1.87 ± 0.34), whereas 66.7% of positively stained cells in the OSCC had a high staining index (mean ± SD 5.63 ± 3.02). When NOM and OSCC were compared, there was a statistically significant difference in staining intensity. However, despite a linear increase in the percentage of positive cells from well to poorly differentiated, the comparison between histopathological grades was non-significant. CK19 exhibited 18.5% positively stained cells in the NOM basal layer with a low staining index (mean ± SD 1.57 ± 0.53), whereas OSCC samples showed 4.44% immunopositivity with a high staining index. p53 is a marker of oral carcinogenesis independent of histological grade and CK19 expression. Further, CK19 is a marker of dysfunctional epithelial differentiation but lacks sensitivity and specificity; however, it demands further multicentric studies with a large sample size to draw definitive conclusions. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-023-04092-7.

An Unusual Intraosseous Swelling of the Jaw: Two Rare Case Reports.

Neurofibroma is the most common type of peripheral nerve neoplasm arising from a mixture of cell types, including schwann cells and perineurial fibroblasts. We report two unusual cases where patients presented with intraosseous swelling of the jaw. A complete examination followed by Imaging and histopathological examination were advised. Imaging showed ill-defined radiolucency in one case and well defined corticated radiolucency with soap-bubble appearance in the other case. Biopsy with adjuvant immunohistochemistry revealed features suggestive of neurofibroma. Both cases were managed surgically. The second case in the male patient, also showed multiple recurrences and subsequent transformation into atypical neurofibroma. In spite of being a benign tumor, neurofibroma is locally aggressive. Commonly found in soft tissues of the body, neurofibromas are rare in the head and neck region. But the intraosseous location of this tumor in the mandible is an exceptional case.

Evaluation of Expression Of ADAM 10 as a Predictor of Lymph Node Metastasis in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma-An Immunohistochemical Study.

BACKGROUND: Lymph node metastasis (LNM) is a well-known prognostic factor in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma(OSCC). A biological marker that predicts the Lymph Node Metastasis (LNM) in OSCC cases is the need of the hour. A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinases (ADAMs), a family of proteins that exhibit a metalloproteinase domain play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of tumor growth and metastasis. This study aims to evaluate whether ADAM 10 can be used as a predictor of lymph node metastasis in OSCC using immunohistochemistry. METHOD: A total of 90 samples that were categorized into 3 groups were included in the present study. Group I consisted of 30 samples of the normal oral mucosa, and Group II consisted of 30 samples of OSCC without lymph node metastasis. Group III consisted of 30 samples of OSCC with lymph node metastasis. Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma was used as external positive control. Immunohistochemical expression of ADAM10 in their corresponding stained sections was assessed and staining intensity was calculated. RESULTS: ADAM10 immunoreactivity was considered positive when located in cytoplasm or membrane or both. This method is similar to that used by Bamane et al. for OSCC cases. The mean value of the Staining Index score "AxB" was highest in Group III (7.90), followed by Group II (3.13) and least in Group I (0.27). These values were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Considering the findings of a higher percentage of ADAM10 positive cells, higher staining intensity, and higher staining index, the overexpression of ADAM10 can be used as an independent marker for OSCC patients to predict the lymph node metastasis.

Hemangiomatous Ameloblastoma with Spindle Cell Proliferation: A Rare Case Report and Review of Literature.

Ameloblastoma is a locally aggressive neoplasm with varied histological patterns. The histomorphologic variants of ameloblastoma bear no prognostic or biologic behavioral significance with possible exceptions of desmoplastic and hemangioameloblastoma. The present paper aims at reporting a case of 38-year-old male with a huge lesion present in the mandibular symphysial region crossing the midline, histopathologically showing hemangiomatous component in follicular and plexiform ameloblastoma along with spindle cell differentiation in the ameloblastic follicles. Spindle cell differentiation in ameloblastoma is rarely reported and the prognostic significance is yet not clear. The present paper also reviews the literature since the diagnosis of this lesion is must as it may lead to surgical complications.

Impact of changing classification systems on prevalence and frequency distribution of odontogenic tumors in tertiary care center of Nagpur.

INTRODUCTION: The classification of odontogenic tumors has been revised from time to time in order to provide unified terminology. This reclassification had considerable impact on their prevalence and frequency distribution. OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed to emphasize impact of changing classification systems on prevalence and relative frequency of odontogenic tumors. The secondary objective was to analyze demographics of various histological types of odontogenic tumors in comparison to published literature. Review of Indian studies (1992-2020) elaborating frequency of odontogenic tumors is summarized in the end. METHODS: This was a hospital-based retrospective study wherein case files of odontogenic tumors diagnosed from 1990 to 2019 period were retrieved. The classification system used originally at the time of diagnosis was retained and prevalence of odontogenic tumors in three different periods (1990-2004, 2005-2016 and 2017-2019) was compared. Further, prevalence, frequency distribution and demographics of all these tumors (1990-2019) were analyzed using latest World Health Organization 2017 classification. RESULTS: A total of 345 odontogenic tumors was diagnosed as per World Health Organization 2017 system of classification from 1990 to 2019. 96.81% tumors were benign and 3.81% constituted malignant odontogenic tumors. However, there was marked increase in prevalence of odontogenic tumors in 2005-2016 (6.2%) period as compared to 1990-2004 (3.87%) and 2017-2019 (3.47%). Ameloblastoma remained the most common tumor in three different periods, whereas keratocystic odontogenic tumor became second commonest tumor in 2005-2016 as compared to odontoma in 1990-2004 and adenomatoid odontogenic tumor in 2017-2019. CONCLUSIONS: The continuous evolving systems of classification may partly be responsible for inconsistency in odontogenic tumors, with inclusion of keratocystic odontogenic tumor,and has marked impact on prevalence and frequency distribution of odontogenic tumors. The geographical variations in demographics of odontogenic tumors might reflect genetic and environment influence; however it requires elucidation by further studies.

Comparative evaluation of XPD and XPG gene polymorphism in oral squamous cell carcinoma and tobacco chewers: An observational study.

Introduction: The study indicated that XPD and XPG gene polymorphism is associated with the development of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) and oral squamous cell carcinoma. Xeroderma pigmentosa (XP) is a part of the complex DNA repair system. Xeroderma pigmentosum group G (XPG) and xeroderma pigmentosum group D (XPD) gene function in the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway. XPG and/or XPD gene alterations can cause defective DNA repair efficiency which ultimately leads to genomic instability and carcinogenesis. Thus, this study helps in early detection of OPMDs among individuals who have not yet developed any oral lesions and also helps in the management of oral squamous cell carcinoma as if XP gene polymorphism is known. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the expression of XPD and XPG gene polymorphism in oral squamous cell carcinoma cases. The study also had the objective to evaluate and compare the expression of XPG and XPD gene polymorphism in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cases, tobacco chewers without any oral lesions, and normal healthy individuals without any habit. Materials and Method: A total of 150 subjects were included in the study and genotyped for the expression of XPD (AC) and XPG (GC) gene polymorphism using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and agarose gel electrophoresis method. Results: XPD genotype for the study shows that most of the cases of OSCC show heterozygous (AC) genotype (64%), whereas in tobacco chewers without any oral lesions wild (AA) genotype (54%) is more common than other types. XPG genotype for the study shows that wild (GG) type is the most dominant genotype both in OSCC cases (78%) and tobacco chewers without any oral lesion (56%). Conclusion: The study shows the association of XPD and XPG gene polymorphism with the risk of developing OPMDs and oral cancer.

Impact of changing classification systems on prevalence and frequency distribution of odontogenic tumors in tertiary care center of Nagpur / Impacto da mudança nos sistemas de classificação sobre a prevalência e a distribuição da frequência de tumores odontogênicos em um centro de atenção terciária de Nagpur

Abstract Introduction The classification of odontogenic tumors has been revised from time to time in order to provide unified terminology. This reclassification had considerable impact on their prevalence and frequency distribution. Objectives This study was aimed to emphasize impact of changing classification systems on prevalence and relative frequency of odontogenic tumors. The secondary objective was to analyze demographics of various histological types of odontogenic tumors in comparison to published literature. Review of Indian studies (1992-2020) elaborating frequency of odontogenic tumors is summarized in the end. Methods This was a hospital-based retrospective study wherein case files of odontogenic tumors diagnosed from 1990 to 2019 period were retrieved. The classification system used originally at the time of diagnosis was retained and prevalence of odontogenic tumors in three different periods (1990-2004, 2005-2016 and 2017-2019) was compared. Further, prevalence, frequency distribution and demographics of all these tumors (1990-2019) were analyzed using latest World Health Organization 2017 classification. Results A total of 345 odontogenic tumors was diagnosed as per World Health Organization 2017 system of classification from 1990 to 2019. 96.81% tumors were benign and 3.81% constituted malignant odontogenic tumors. However, there was marked increase in prevalence of odontogenic tumors in 2005-2016 (6.2%) period as compared to 1990-2004 (3.87%) and 2017-2019 (3.47%). Ameloblastoma remained the most common tumor in three different periods, whereas keratocystic odontogenic tumor became second commonest tumor in 2005-2016 as compared to odontoma in 1990-2004 and adenomatoid odontogenic tumor in 2017-2019. Conclusions The continuous evolving systems of classification may partly be responsible for inconsistency in odontogenic tumors, with inclusion of keratocystic odontogenic tumor,and has marked impact on prevalence and frequency distribution of odontogenic tumors. The geographical variations in demographics of odontogenic tumors might reflect genetic and environment influence; however it requires elucidation by further studies.

Resumo Introdução A classificação dos tumores odontogênicos é revisada de tempos em tempos para fornecer uma terminologia unificada. Essas revisões tiveram um impacto considerável na prevalência e distribuição da frequência desses tumores. Objetivo Enfatizar o impacto da mudança dos sistemas de classificação na prevalência e frequência relativa dos tumores odontogênicos. O objetivo secundário foi analisar os dados demográficos de vários tipos histológicos de tumores odontogênicos em comparação com a literatura publicada. A revisão dos estudos indianos (1992-2020) sobre a frequência dos tumores odontogênicos é resumida no fim. Método Este foi um estudo retrospectivo com base em registro hospitalar de casos de tumores odontogênicos diagnosticados de 1990‐2019 que foram revisados. O sistema de classificação usado originalmente no momento do diagnóstico foi mantido e a prevalência de tumores odontogênicos em três períodos (1990-2004, 2005-2016 e 2017-2019) foi comparada. Além disso, a prevalência, a distribuição da frequência e os dados demográficos de todos esses tumores (1990-2019) foram analisados com a classificação mais recente da OMS de 2017. Resultados Foram diagnosticados 345 tumores odontogênicos de acordo com o sistema de classificação da OMS (2017) de 1990-2019. A ocorrência de tumores odontogênicos benignos e malignos foi de 96,81% e 3,81%, respectivamente. Contudo, houve um aumento acentuado na prevalência de tumores odontogênicos de 2005‐2016 (6,2%), comparado aos períodos de 1990‐2004 (3,87%) e 2017‐2019 (3,47%). O ameloblastoma permaneceu como o tumor mais comum em três períodos, enquanto o tumor odontogênico ceratocístico passou a ser o segundo tumor mais comum em 2005‐2016, comparado ao odontoma em 1990‐2004 e ao tumor odontogênico adenomatoide em 2017‐2019. Conclusões Os sistemas de classificação em evolução contínua podem, em parte, atribuir uma inconsistência à classificação dos tumores odontogênicos com a inclusão do tumor odontogênico ceratocístico e causar um impacto marcante na prevalência e distribuição da frequência dos tumores odontogênicos. As variações geográficas na demografia dos tumores odontogênicos podem refletir influências genéticas e ambientais, mas requerem elucidação por estudos futuros.

Prevalence of oral neurofibroma in Central Indian population: A retrospective study of 20 years.

CONTEXT: Neurofibroma is a benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor. Commonly found in the peripheral soft tissues, it can manifest as a solitary mass or as a component of neurofibromatosis. AIMS: The purpose of the retrospective cross-sectional study was contributing to the literature by providing data about the prevalence of oral neurofibroma in Central Indian population. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Retrospective, cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: All histopathologically diagnosed cases of oral neurofibroma were retrieved from the archives of our department and were reviewed. All the cases that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed in terms of the year when the patient reported, patient's age, gender, location of the lesion, i.e., soft tissue or intraosseous, clinical appearance, i.e., growth or swelling, histopathologic diagnosis and immunohistochemistry results if available. The results were aggregated and described qualitatively using Microsoft Excel 2013. RESULTS: In our retrospective analysis of 20 years (2000-2019), we came across 14 reported cases of oral neurofibroma, in five males and nine females. Two of these cases showed a recurrent nature and one case showed transformation into atypical neurofibroma. Two cases were encountered in the mandible as an intraosseous oral neurofibroma. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, we found that oral neurofibroma was more common in the third decade with a female predilection. Gingiva was the most common site. Of the 14 cases that were encountered, two cases showed recurrence and one case showed malignant transformation. Hence, in spite of being a benign neoplasm, oral neurofibroma is locally aggressive and should be diagnosed accurately.

Vanishing bone disease: An enigma.

Vanishing bone disease is a rare clinical entity with unknown etiology. This disease affects individual irrespective of age or sex. Various names have been used in the literature to describe this condition such as Gorham's disease, phantom bone disease, massive osteolysis, disappearing bone disease and acute spontaneous absorption of bone. The pathogenesis is unknown and the treatment still remains controversial. Considering the rarity of the disease, we report here an interesting and unique case of massive osteolysis of the lower jaw that affected the mandibular basal and alveolar bone. The diagnoses lead on the association of clinical, radiological and histological features.

Serum C-reactive protein in oral submucous fibrosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma: A cross-sectional study.

CONTEXT: Early detection of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) transforming into malignancy can drastically improve the treatment outcomes and prognosis. Carcinoma development is an intricate complex mechanism and the multifactorial causation makes it more difficult to find specific prognostic and therapeutic biomarkers. Thus, the development of newer diagnostic and predictive approaches that are less invasive, economical and amenable to repeated sampling is imperative. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) serves a useful marker for prognosis and monitoring of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) including OSMF as well as OSCC. Secreted by hepatocyte as an acute inflammatory marker, various studies have shown association between serum CRP and presence of OPMDs, as well as with presence and prognosis of OSCC. AIMS: The aim of this study was to measure and compare serum CRP levels in patients with OSMF and OSCC as compared to healthy individuals and to establish baseline data for serum CRP levels in patients with OSMF and OSCC. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational prospective study. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY: The study includes 150 individuals, with 50 healthy, 50 OSMF and 50 OSCC individuals. Spinreact CRP-turbilatex Kit (SPINREACT) and Prietest-EXP semi-automatic biochemical analyzer were used for quantitative determination of serum CRP. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data were analyzed by SPSS 16© (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) software. RESULTS: The mean value of serum CRP in Group I was 2.20 mg/L with standard deviation of 1.74; in Group II, it was 5.40 mg/L with standard deviation of 4.79 mg/L and in Group III, it was 12.17 mg/L with standard deviation of 11.38. CONCLUSIONS: Serum CRP levels in patients with OSMF were raised, but not statistically significant as compared to the control group. Values of serum CRP were significantly higher in patients with OSCC as compared to the control group, and it was statistically significant; these values also showed positive association with primary tumor size.

Multifocal osteolytic lesions of jaw as a road map to diagnosis of brown tumor of hyperparathyroidism: A rare case report with review of literature.

Brown tumor is unifocal or multifocal bone disease which represents terminal stage of hyperparathyroidism (HPT)-dependent bone pathology. It is recognized as a component of metabolic bone disease called osteitis fibrosa cystica generalisata or Von Recklinghausen disease of bone. HPT was first described by Von Recklinghausen in 1891. Brown tumor diagnosis nowadays is less frequently encountered because of early stage detection of HPT. This early detection is possible due to routine blood screening in asymptomatic adults or during evaluation of osteoporosis. Histologically, it may resemble any other giant cell lesion of the jaw that imposes diagnostic challenge and delay in treatment. We are introducing a case report of a 30-year-old female patient presented with multifocal osteolytic lesions in mandible with histopathology depictive of giant cell granuloma. Further biochemical investigations and X-ray skeletal changes raised the suspicion of primary HPT which was confirmed by parathyroid scintigraphy revealing parathyroid adenoma. The main purpose of this case report is to reinforce the role of oral examination in diagnosis of systemic diseases and to propose a diagnostic layout/algorithm when giant cells are present in biopsy specimen. Review of literature showing brown tumor of oral cavity associated with PHPT is discussed.

Molecular Detection of Porphyromonas gingivalis in Chronic Periodontitis Patients.

AIM: In the current study, Porphyromonas gingivalis was identified in chronic periodontitis patients and healthy subjects by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and its presence correlated with the severity of clinical periodontal parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subgingival plaque samples were collected with sterile curette and subjected to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction and subsequent PCR for detection of P. gingivalis. RESULTS: Porphyromonas gingivalis was detected in 60% of patients of group II (pocket depth up to 5 mm), and in 93.33% of patients of group III (pocket depth more than 5 mm). One periodontally healthy subject in group I (probing depth < 3 mm) showed the presence of P. gingivalis. CONCLUSION: Detection frequency of bacterium increased significantly with increase in probing pocket depth (PPD), loss of attachment (LOA), and gingival index (GI). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Porphyromonas gingivalis is strongly associated with chronic periodontitis and its detection frequency positively correlates with the severity of periodontal destruction.

Low Lymphatic Vessel Density Correlates with Lymph Node Metastasis in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: Regional lymph nodes are the nodes draining lymph from region around the tumor and presence of metastatic tumor in regional lymph nodes is the most important prognostic factor for malignant tumors of epithelial origin. Lymphangiogenesis is associated with an increased incidence of regional lymph nodes metastasis and is possibly an essential step for metastasis. Tumor cells secrete lymphangiogenic cytokines, which results in formation of lymphatic vessels within and around the tumor and act as portals for tumor spread. PURPOSE: The present study aims to investigate and quantify lymphatic vessel density (LVD) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and determine whether LVD can predict the risk of sentinel lymph node metastasis. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 50 specimens of OSCC, without and with lymph node metastasis (25 each) along with 25 specimens of normal oral mucosa were assessed and LVD was quantified by D2-40 immunostaining. Discrete hotspots of intratumoral lymphatics were identified in superficial and deep areas in all carcinomas to calculate LVD. RESULTS: When compared to normal mucosa, LVD decreased in the superficial intratumoral areas and decreased further in deep areas. In addition, LVD in the superficial and deep areas of OSCC without nodal metastasis was significantly higher than that in OSCC with nodal metastasis. CONCLUSION: Our study provides evidence that lymphangiogenesis varies within the tumor. Lymphatic vessels are either compressed, collapsed, destroyed or absent in deep intratumoral region. Decrease in LVD predicts cervical lymph node metastasis both in superficial and deep areas. Lymphatics in superficial areas are probably major conduit for nodal metastasis in OSCCs.

Matrix metalloproteinases-3 gene-promoter polymorphism as a risk factor in oral submucous fibrosis in an Indian population: a pilot study.

AIM: Host-related factors could be important to the fundamental understanding of oral diseases. One such factor is matrix metalloproteinases (MMP). MMP3 (stromelysin 1) is crucial in connective tissue remodeling. Promoter regions are specific segments of DNA that control the rate of mRNA synthesis. Thus, polymorphism in the (5A/6A) promoter region of the MMP3 gene results in different transcriptional activities and is related to susceptibility in diseases. The aim of the present study was to detect polymorphism in the MMP3 gene-promoter region in oral submucous fibrosis patients (OSF), oral squamous cell carcinoma patients (OSCC), and normal individuals with tobacco and areca nut habit and without lesions, and to correlate the genotype as a risk factor in these diseases. METHOD: Genomic DNA from blood of OSF (n = 5), OSCC (n = 5), and normal individuals with tobacco and areca nut habit (n = 5) and without (n = 5) were subjected to polymerase chain reaction of the MMP3 gene-promoter region and DNA sequencing. RESULTS: The 5A allele in the MMP3 gene-promoter region was observed more frequently in the OSF group than the control groups. No significant difference was noted between OSCC and the control groups on the 5A allele. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that the 5A allele of the MMP3 gene-promoter region could be associated with OSF risk factor, but not OSCC, in an Indian population.

Effects of elevated temperatures on different restorative materials: An aid to forensic identification processes.

BACKGROUND: Heat-induced alterations to dental and restorative materials can be of great interest to forensic dentistry. Knowing the specific optical behavior of dental materials can be of high importance as recognition of changes induced by high temperatures can lead to the determination of material which was used in a dental restoration, facilitating identification of burned human remains. AIM: To observe the effects of predetermined temperatures (200°C-400°C-600°C-800°C-1000°C) on unrestored teeth and different restorative materials macroscopically and then examine them under a stereomicroscope for the purpose of identification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 375 extracted teeth which were divided into five groups of 75 teeth each as follows: group 1- unrestored teeth, group 2- teeth restored with all-ceramic crowns, Group 3- with class I silver amalgam filling, group 4- with class I composite restoration, and group 5- with class I glass ionomer cement restoration. RESULTS: Unrestored and restored teeth display a series of specific macroscopic & stereomicroscopic structural changes for each range of temperature. CONCLUSION: Dental tissues and restorative materials undergo a series of changes which correlate well with the various temperatures to which they were exposed. These changes are a consequence of the nature of the materials and their physicochemical characteristics.

Role of human papilloma virus-16 in the pathogenesis of oral lichen planus--an immunohistochemical study.

BACKGROUND: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a common chronic inflammatory immune-mediated disease with an aetiopathogenesis associated with cell-mediated immunological dysfunction. It is possible that oral mucosal viral infections, including human papilloma virus-16 (HPV-16) infection, may have a causative role in OLP pathogenesis. AIM: To assess the prevalence of HPV-16 in histopathologically diagnosed specimens of OLP and to evaluate whether any clinical features (such as the localisation of specimens) or the age or gender of patients, are correlated with the presence of this virus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted on 30 specimens with a histopathological diagnosis of OLP, using the immunohistochemical marker HPV-16. Thirty normal oral mucosa specimens were also included as controls. Brown nuclear staining was accepted as positive for the HPV-16 antibody. The results were analysed using Fisher's exact test. P values<0.05 were considered to be significant. RESULTS: Significant correlation (P=0.0001) was observed between HPV-16 infection and samples with OLP. No statistical conclusions could be drawn regarding age, gender, localisation and HPV-16 positivity. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that HPV-16 may play a role in the pathogenesis of OLP. Taking into account the oncogenic potential of HPV-16, patients with OLP should be screened for the presence of this virus.

Estimation of vascular endothelial growth factor gene -460 C/T polymorphism as a biomarker in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients from the Indian subcontinent.

AIM: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common malignancies in India. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a major mediator of angiogenesis, is known to play a key role in the pathophysiology of tumorigenesis. Polymorphisms of the VEGF gene have been shown to influence the risk of OSCC, but it remains to be elucidated in the Indian population. Thus, the present study was designed to detect the VEGF gene -460 C/T polymorphism in OSCC patients from the Indian population, which is genetically distinct from previously-studied populations. METHODS: Peripheral blood samples of 80 OSCC patients and 80 healthy individuals were collected for a case-control study design. The VEGF gene -460 C/T polymorphism was detected by polymerase chain reaction-based restriction analysis. RESULTS: The analysis revealed significant differences between normal individuals and patients with OSCC (P < 0.05). The distribution of the TT homozygote and the T allele in the patient group was significantly greater than in the control group. CONCLUSION: The present study provides novel evidence of the role of the VEGF gene -460 C/T polymorphism as a suitable genetic marker of OSCC in the Indian population.

Scanning electron microscopic analysis of incinerated teeth: An aid to forensic identification.

BACKGROUND: Forensic dental identification of victims involved in fire accidents is often a complex and challenging endeavor. Knowledge of the charred human dentition and residues of restorative material can help in the recognition of bodies burned beyond recognition. AIM: To observe the effects of predetermined temperatures on healthy unrestored teeth and different restorative materials in restored teeth, by scanning electron microscope, for the purpose of identification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 135 extracted teeth, which were divided into four groups. Group 1-healthy unrestored teeth, group 2-teeth restored with all ceramic crowns, group 3-teeth restored with class I composite resin and group 4-teeth restored with class I glass ionomer cement (GIC). RESULTS: The scanning electron microscope is useful in the analysis of burned teeth, as it gives fine structural details, requires only a small sample and does not destroy the already fragile specimen. CONCLUSION: Scanning electron microscope can be a useful tool for the characterization and study of severely burnt teeth for victim identification.

Gorham's disease: A diagnostic challenge.

Gorham's disease is a rare disorder of uncertain etiology characterized by spontaneous and progressive osteolysis of one or more skeletal bones. Till date, less than 200 cases have been reported in the international literature with about 51 cases involving the maxillofacial site. The radiographic findings associated with Gorham's disease are particularly dramatic, as in some cases a complete resorption of the involved bone can occur, leading to the definition of phantom bone or disappearing bone disease. The purpose of this review is to make our community aware of this rare entity and to discuss the etiopathology, clinical presentation, radiographic findings, histopathology, differential diagnoses and treatment modalities for patients with vanishing bone disease.

Gorlin-Goltz syndrome: A rare case report.

Gorlin-Goltz syndrome is an uncommon autosomal dominant inherited disorder characterized by numerous basal cell carcinomas, odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) and musculoskeletal malformations. A rare case of this syndrome observed in a 13-year-old male patient is presented in which multiple OKCs were causing disfigurement of the lower jaw as well as displacement and malocclusion of the teeth. Early diagnosis and treatment of this syndrome is important to reduce the severity of complications including cutaneous and cerebral malignancy and oromaxillofacial deformation and destruction due to jaw cysts.