RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Pemphigus is a group of autoimmune blistering diseases characterized by loss of keratinocyte cell adhesion that leads to blister formation clinically. Induction of apoptosis or of proapoptotic proteins by pemphigus immunoglobulin G (IgG) may be part of the mechanism by which IgG induces acantholysis. Some of the current data suggest that activation of proapoptotic proteins such as bax and caspase cysteine proteinases may sensitize cells to the acantholytic effects of pemphigus IgG. Thus, a central role of apoptosis in the mechanisms of blister induction is well recognized. AIMS: This study aims (a) To find which pathway of apoptosis is involved in the pathogenesis of pemphigus and (b) to evaluate the expression of bax and caspase-8 and its key role in pemphigus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 21 samples of oral pemphigus. The presence of apoptosis was evaluated in the sections taken from histopathologically diagnosed oral pemphigus archival blocks using peroxidase-antiperoxidase immunohistochemical method. RESULTS: The expression and staining intensity of pro-apoptotic marker bax and apoptotic marker caspase-8 were observed in the various areas with varying intensity in different samples. The result was subjected to statistical analysis. CONCLUSION: The results obtained in the present study suggest that the process of apoptosis occurs in PV. Hence, inhibition of apoptosis in the patients could reduce the severity of the lesions, and they could also represent new specific targets for pemphigus treatment.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Cancer is Latinized from Greek word 'karkinos' meaning crab, denoting how carcinoma extends its claws like a crab into adjacent tissues. It has been well established by researchers that virtually all oral cancer are preceded by visible clinical changes in the oral mucosa usually in the form of white or red patch (two-step process of cancer development). Mg is an essential mineral that is needed for a broad variety of physiological functions. Imbalances in Mg metabolism are common and are associated with different pathological conditions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the magnesium concentration in blood serum and saliva of oral squamous cell carcinoma, potentially malignant disorders and healthy subjects to serve as a positive marker or indicator in the process of carcinogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study includes 17 precancerous (OSMF + Leukoplakia) patients, 17 OSCC and 17 control group. Blood and saliva was collected; serum and saliva was extracted from both the groups and was biochemically evaluated for magnesium levels. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA. RESULTS: The Salivary magnesium Mean ± SD of Healthy group is higher 1.6681 ± 0.0207 mmol mg/l followed by Potentially Malignant Disorder group 1.5532 ± 0.0283 and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma 0.5979 ± 0.0659. The mean values differ significantly between 3 groups (P < 0.001) The Serum magnesium Mean ± SD of Healthy group is higher 1.9188 ± 0.0550 mmol mg/l followed by Potentially Malignant Disorder group 1.6951 ± 0.0949 and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma 0.7329 ± 0.1561. The mean values differ significantly between 3 groups (P < 0.001) The study revealed decreased serum and salivary magnesium in oral precancerous patients and an Oral Squamous cell carcinoma patients compared to healthy individuals. CONCLUSION: The magnesium concentration was low in both blood plasma and saliva of oral squamous cell carcinoma as compared to potentially malignant disorders and healthy subjects. Thus the magnesium ion concentration in blood plasma and saliva could be considerd as tumor marker, playing an important role in carcinogenesis.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Regional lymph nodes play an important role in acting as anatomic barriers to systemic dissemination of tumor cells. This reflects in the host immunologic response. Oral squamous cell carcinoma, is known to be associated with early deficiencies of cell-mediated immunity, the pathology of which is reflected in the histology of the regional lymph nodes. AIM: The goal of this study was to study the different immunity reactions in the lymph nodes and to correlate it with the histopathology of tumor proper. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Out of 40 head and neck dissections, 30 were male and 10 females within the age range of 21-72 years. According to Tumor Node Metastasis classification, there were 12 cases of stage II and stage III, respectively while 16 were of stage IV. A total of 372 nodes were histologically evaluated. The harvested lymph nodes were categorized into metastatic and non-metastatic nodes exhibiting four patterns as: Lymphocyte predominance pattern, germinal center predominance pattern, lymphocyte depleted pattern and unstimulated pattern. RESULTS: The predominant pattern of lymph node reactivity was of lymphocyte predominance (199 nodes) followed by germinal center predominance (117 nodes); lymphocyte depleted (17 nodes) and unstimulated node pattern (39 nodes). Twenty-seven nodes were positive for metastasis. A statistically significant relationship (P = 0.0019 and P = 0.0290, chi square, respectively) was observed between the number of nodes harvested and stage and level of lymph nodes. A brief follow-up period of 3 years was carried out. CONCLUSION: Further studies relating the immuno-morphologic assessment of the lymph nodes in conjunction with other factors may be helpful in assessing the metastases risk of the individual.
