Immunohistochemical study of bcl-2 protein, Ki-67 antigen and p53 protein in epithelium of glandular odontogenic cysts and dentigerous cysts.

The aim of the present study was the evaluation of the immunohistochemical expression of the apoptosis-inhibiting protein bcl-2, the cell-cycle-related antigen Ki-67 and the p53 protein, which is involved both in cell cycle and apoptosis regulation, in the lining epithelium of glandular odontogenic cysts of the jaws. Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue sections of three glandular odontogenic cysts and six dentigerous cysts were immunostained with a standard avidin-biotin peroxidase procedure, after microwave antigen retrieval. The glandular odontogenic cysts showed immunoreactivity for bcl-2 protein in the basal and suprabasal layers, while staining in dentigerous cysts was basal or focal. Most mucous cells and superficial cuboidal cells were negative. The percentage of Ki-67- or p53-positive cells was lower in glandular odontogenic cysts compared with dentigerous cysts. The findings suggest that the biological behavior of glandular odontogenic cysts may be associated with deregulation of cell death in the lining epithelium, while cell proliferation and p53 status do not seem to play a significant role.

Alteration of integrin expression in oral squamous cell carcinomas.

OBJECTIVE: This study examines the intensity of expression of beta 1, alpha 2, alpha 3, alpha 5, alpha 6 integrin subunits in oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) as opposed to normal oral epithelium, and the intensity of expression and distribution pattern of the above subunits in relation to tumour differentiation grade. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cryostat sections of 25 cases of oral SCC and 15 cases of normal oral epithelium were studied by immunohistochemistry (APAAP method). RESULTS: The intensity of expression of beta 1, alpha 2 (Pearson chi 2 P < 0.001) and alpha 6 (Test for Trend P < 0.05) integrin subunits was reduced significantly in SCC compared to normal oral epithelium. All integrin subunits were mainly expressed in the peripheral cell layer of tumour islands. No correlation was found between the intensity of integrin expression and the degree of differentiation in SCC. The same applied to the distribution pattern of the integrin subunits. By means of cross examination of all integrins, the loss of intensity of alpha 2 beta 1 integrin expression was found to have the strongest correlation with oral SCC (Ordered Logistic Regression). CONCLUSIONS: Reduced intensity of expression of all subunits was found in oral SCC compared to normal epithelium. Further investigation is needed to determine whether alpha 2 beta 1 integrin expression can be used as a prognostic evaluator for the behaviour of the disease.

[Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma of the minor salivary glands. A case report and review of the literature]. / Polymorpho chameles kakoetheias adenokarkinoma ton elassonon sialogonon adenon. Anakoinose periptoseos kai anaskopese tes bibliographias.

Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma is a distinct type of salivary gland carcinoma arising most often intraorally and primarily in the palate. It is characterized by bland nuclear chromatin, variation in histomorphology and low-grade malignancy. We report a case of this recently described entity in a 66 year old male, presenting most of the characteristic clinical and histologic features. A short review of the current literature concerning this tumor is included.

Odontogenic keratocysts: clinicopathologic study of 87 cases.

The clinical and histologic features of 87 cases of odontogenic keratocysts were reviewed. Males were affected more frequently than females. All age groups were affected, with a predilection for the fifth and sixth decades. The molar-angle-ramus area of the mandible was the most common location (29.8%). In 7 cases (8.8%), the cysts were part of the basal cell nevus syndrome. Recurrences were observed in 9 cases (10.4%). The cysts were lined by a thin, regular, stratified squamous, parakeratinized epithelium without rete ridges. Orthokeratin was observed in 24.14% of the cases. Mitotic figures were observed in approximately 50% of the cases. Separation of lining epithelium from underlying connective tissue was observed in 82.7%, with subepithelial hyalinization in 75.8% of the cases. Inflammation was observed in 72.4%, cholesterol clefts were observed in 11.5%, and Rushton hyaline bodies in 4.6% of the cases. Dental lamina rests were observed in 32.2% and satellite cysts in 20.7%. Dystrophic calcifications were found in 36.8%. Ameloblastomatous proliferation was observed in 2 cases.

[Mucous retention cysts of the minor salivary glands. A specific type of mucocele]. / Blennodeis kysteis apo katakratese. (Mia spania poikilia blennokeles).

The mucous retention cyst of the minor salivary glands represent a specific type of oral mucocele which is lined by epithelium. It is caused probably from partial or complete obstruction of a duct. It affects older patients (over 40 years of age) most commonly women and it is located in different sites than the ordinary mucocele. In this paper we studied the histologic and histochemical features of four cases. The lining epithelium varied from cuboidal to columnar or flattened. Among the cells of the lining epithelium oncocytes were observed.

Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma of the palate: report of a case with electron microscopy.

A case of polymorphous, low-grade adenocarcinoma of the palate is presented with special emphasis on the histologic and ultrastructural features of this recently described entity.

Peripheral giant cell granuloma. Clinicopathologic study of 224 new cases and review of 956 reported cases.

The clinical and histopathological features of 224 new cases of peripheral giant cell granuloma were studied. In addition, the data from 956 previously reported cases in the literature were evaluated and compared with the present series. Females were found to be more commonly affected than males. All age groups were found to be affected with a relative predilection from 40 to 60 years of age. The mandible was more often affected than the maxilla. Clinically, the lesions were red in color, had a smooth surface and were rubbery or with a soft consistency. The most characteristic histologic features included a non-encapsulated highly cellular mass with abundant giant cells, inflammation, interstitial hemorrhage, hemosiderin deposits, mature bone or osteoid.