Immunohistochemical expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in keratocystic odontogenic tumor, dentigerous cyst, and radicular cyst: A comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Cyst and tumors arise from tissue remains of odontogenesis, these interactions have been considered to play an important role in the tumorigenesis of odontogenic lesions. The connective tissue stroma has an essential role in the preservation of epithelial tissues and minor alterations in the epithelium are followed by corresponding changes in the stroma, such as angiogenesis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is considered the first factor which maintains its position as the most critical driver of vascular formation and is required to initiate the formation of immature vessels, with this aim, present study was executed to evaluate VEGF expression in kertocystic odontogenic tumor, dentigerous cyst and radicular cyst (RC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out comprising a total of 31 cases; 13 cases of keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT), nine cases of dentigerous cyst (DC) and nine cases of RC. The sections were stained immunohistochemically with VEGF antibody and were evaluated for the presence and intensity of the immuno reactive cells. Statistical analysis was carried out using Chi-square test to inter-compare the VEGF expression between KCOT, DC, and RC. RESULTS: VEGF expression in the epithelium and connective tissue was significantly higher in KCOT compared to dentigerous and RC. One case of KCOT with carcinomatous change also revealed positive results for the VEGF expression in the dysplastic epithelium, tumor islands, and connective tissue. The significant difference was observed on inter-comparison of the VEGF expression in the connective tissue of KCOT and DC, whereas no significant difference was observed in the VEGF expression in the connective tissue of KCOT and DC. CONCLUSION: The present study data supports the literature finding that angiogenesis can be important in the progression and enlargement of odontogenic cysts similarly to what occurs in neoplastic conditions and further it can be concluded that the higher positivity for VEGF of KCOT could help to explain in part the aggressive biological behavior of the lesion. The stroma of KCOT could be regarded not only as a structural support of the cyst wall but also as playing a part in the neoplastic behavior of cyst.

Nuclear anomalies in exfoliated buccal epithelial cells of petrol station attendants in Udaipur, Rajasthan.

AIM: The petroleum derivatives consist of a complex mixture of chemical compounds one among which is benzene. Petrol station workers who pump fuel to vehicles absorb the products of fuel fumes and the products of combustion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To study the occupational exposure to petroleum derivatives such as benzene, exfoliated buccal cells from 40 petrol station attendants and 40 age-matched control subjects were examined for micronuclei, binucleation, karyorrhexis and karyolysis frequency by using feulgen and Giemsa stains. Statistical evaluation was performed with ANOVA test. RESULTS: In the present study, inter-comparison of mean values for micronuclei, binucleation, karyorrhexis and karyolysis using Fuelgen stain between smokers of study and control group, as well as between smokers and non-smokers of study and control group revealed statistically highly significant results with P value 0.00002 and 0.0001 respectively. Whereas inter comparison between non-smokers of study and control group using Feulgen stain and inter comparison between smokers of study and control group, using Giemsa stain revealed statistically significant results with P value 0.0034 and 0.0004, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that the studied individuals belong to a risk group and should periodically undergo biological monitoring and proper care.

Prevalence of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment needs among 12-15-year-old schoolchildren of fishermen of Kutch coast, Gujarat, India.

BACKGROUND: Malocclusion is one of the most common dental problems in mankind. Planning orthodontic treatment as well as an interceptive approach within a public health system requires information on the prevalence of malocclusions. AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment needs among 12-15-year-old school children of fishermen of Kutch coast, Gujarat, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted among 947 school children offishermen of Kutch coast, Gujarat, India aged 12-15 years. The prevalence of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment needs was assessed using Dental Aesthetic Index. General information on demographic data was also recorded. A c2 test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Sheffe's test were employed for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Malocclusion and orthodontic treatment need was reported among 33.4% of the participants. Younger age group and female gender had significantly greater treatment need. Males and older age groups had significantly lesser prevalence of anterior crowding and largest anterior maxillary irregularity. CONCLUSIONS: Orthodontic treatment need among 33.4% calls for developing school based oral health promotion programmes for children with an inculcation of orthodontic treatment and educational programmes for parents (fishermen) addressing prevention and early interceptive treatment of malocclusion.