RESUMO
Cadherins are a family of transmembranous glycoproteins responsible for calcium-dependent intercellular adhesion. Absence or loss of function of E-cadherin leads to the disappearance of epithelial characteristics of the cells and generates higher invasiveness for extracellular matrices. That is why cadherin expression is considered to be a decisive indicator for differentiation, aggressive behaviour, high proliferation, metastasis, poor prognosis and invasiveness of human carcinoma cells. In this review, the role of cadherin expression was focused on, both in development and carcinogenesis, paying particular attention to mechanisms involved in its down-regulation. The elements common to this process in both physiological and pathological situations was analysed, particularly in relation to one of the most common malignancy, oral squamous cell carcinoma.
RESUMO
Social determinants have always been an important element of the oral health. It has been seen that social aspects like the organizations and relations influence the health of population. A new domain named social capital has come up into limelight which refers to "features of social organization, such as trust, norms and networks that can improve the efficacy of society by facilitating coordinated actions". The bonds between individuals, both in intimate relationships and in voluntary associations have been claimed to have health promoting effects. Oral health can never be segregated from general health as they are bidirectional in their relationship. Therefore determinants of general health and its promotion are interlinked with that of oral health. So, this review tries to figure out the effects of social capital on various aspects of oral health.
