bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of transplanted pulp tissue containing epithelial sheath into a tooth‐like structure
Authors: Lyaruu D. M. , Croonenburg E. J. , Duin M. A. , Bervoets T. J. M. , Wöltgens J. H. M. , de Blieck‐Hogervorst J. M. A.
Published: August 2010

The aim of these studies was to find out whether intact neonatal pulp tissue containing residual epithelial cells can induce the development of a tooth‐like structure in situ. First maxillary neonatal hamster molar pulps containing adhering undifferentiated epithelial cells were transplanted submucosally in the oral cavity of recipient mothers for periods ranging from 2–8 weeks and the tissues were then processed for light microscopy. Developing tooth‐like structures containing mineralised tubular dentine, predentine and a vascularised pulp‐like chamber lined with functional odontoblast‐like cells were observed in the specimens within 2 weeks of transplantation. Enamel and root formation were not observed. These data indicate that neonatal dental pulp tissues containing epithelial cell remnants have the capacity to develop into tooth‐like structures and that this could be the explanation for the development of tooth‐like structures sometimes observed in infants after extraction of a natal tooth.
Neutrophils in the molar tooth extraction wound in the rat: a transmission electron microscope (TEM) study
Authors: McMillan M. D.
Published: August 2010

Neutrophils have been ascribed a number of functions from ultrastructural studies of healing wounds. All of the wounds so far examined have been relatively aseptic. This study investigates, by TEM, the structure of neutrophils in healing molar tooth sockets in rats. Prior to epithelial coverage, a dense infiltrate of neutrophils separated the viable wound tissues from the overlying debris and bacteria. The more deeply situated neutrophils contained many granules and only occasional phagosomes. More superficial neutrophils contained fewer granules and phagosomes with engulfed bacteria undergoing lysis. The most superficial neutrophils were degenerate, lacked granules and often contained viable bacteria. There were varying numbers of neutrophils containing granules in the blood clot, granulation tissue, wound epithelium and adjacent tissue. No extracellular neutrophil granules nor extracellular discharge of granules was found. These findings differ from those of previous ultrastructural studies of relatively aseptic healing wounds. Ultrastructurally, the only function of neutrophils in healing tooth extraction wounds appears to be phagocytosis of bacteria, which supports a role in the prevention of infection.
Oral and ocular sicca symptoms and findings are prevalent in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Jensen J. L. , Bergem H. O. , Gilboe I. ‐M. , Husby G. , Axéll T.
Published: August 2010

The aims of this study were 1) to examine the frequency of oral and ocular sicca symptoms in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); 2) to compare saliva and tear volume, salivary proteins, and features of the oral microflora and mucosa to a matched healthy control group; and 3) to relate the findings to disease parameters. Median disease duration was 5.5 (0.5–28) years, disease activity 5 (2–20), damage score 1 (0–7), and Schirmer I test 7.5 (0–30 mm). Seventeen and twelve patients complained of oral and ocular dryness, respectively. Unstimulated whole saliva and proline‐rich proteins in submandibular saliva were significantly reduced in SLE. Oral microbial counts were generally higher in the patients than controls, and the number of oral mucosal changes was increased. The results show that sicca symptoms, although frequent, were not correlated to secretory rates of saliva or tears, but to oral microbial counts. There was no obvious correlation to patient's age, disease activity or duration.
Burning mouth syndrome: prevalence and associated factors
Authors: Bergdahl Maud , Bergdahl Jan
Published: August 2010

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is characterized by a burning sensation in the oral cavity although the oral mucosa is clinically normal. The syndrome mostly affects middle‐aged women. Various local, systemic and psychological factors have been found to be associated with BMS, but its etiology is not fully understood. Oral complaints and salivary flow were surveyed in 669 men and 758 women randomly selected from 48,500 individuals between the ages 20 and 69 years. Fifty‐three individuals (3.7%), 11 men (1.6%) and 42 women (5.5%), were classified as having BMS. In men, no BMS was found before the age group 40 to 49 years where the prevalence was 0.7%, which increased to 3.6% in the oldest age group. In women, no BMS was found in the youngest age group, but in the age group 30 to 39 years the prevalence was 0.6% and increased to 12.2% in the oldest age group. Subjective oral dryness, age, medication, taste disturbances, intake of L‐thyroxines, illness, stimulated salivary flow rate, depression and anxiety were factors associated with BMS. In individuals with BMS, the most prevalent site with burning sensations was the tongue (67.9%). The intensity of the burning sensation was estimated to be 4.6 on a visual analogue scale. There were no increased levels of depression, anxiety or stress among individuals with more pain compared to those with less pain. It was concluded that BMS should be seen as a marker of illness and/or distress, and the complex etiology of BMS demands specialist treatment.
Elevated production of salivary nitric oxide in oral mucosal diseases
Authors: Ohashi Masaru , Iwase Masayasu , Nagumo Masao
Published: August 2010

Nitric oxide (NO) is known to play an important role in biological systems. In this study, we measured levels of NO in the saliva of 39 patients with oral mucosal diseases: 21 had oral lichen planus (OLP) and 18 had recurrent aphthous ulceration (RAU). NO was assayed using the Griess reagent, which measures nitrite (NO2), the byproduct of NO. NO2was detected in all tested samples, and levels in the saliva of patients were significantly increased relative to those of healthy subjects. We also examined the effect of NO on fibroblasts, keratinocytes and NA cells (an epithelial cancer cell line)in vitro. S‐nitroso‐N‐acetyl‐DL‐penicillamine (SNAP) and 3‐morpholinosydnonimine (SIN‐1) were used as NO donating reagents. The results revealed that cell viability was significantly reduced by NO derived from SNAP and SIN‐1 in a dose‐dependent manner. Although the role of salivary NO in normal physiology is as yet unknown, these findings suggest that excessive salivary NO plays a potential role in modifying oral mucosal diseases as a physiopathological regulator.
Altered growth response of oral mucosal keratinocytes in p53‐deficient mice
Authors: Ito Daisuke , Kamijo Ryutaro , Nakanishi Yuko , Toyoshima Takahiko , Takizawa Kunio , Sumitani Kaname , Nagumo Masao
Published: August 2010

P53 has important regulatory functions in cell growth, differentiation and apoptosis. Here we analyzed the effects of p53 on the growth response of oral mucosal keratinocytes (OMKCs) using p53‐deficient (p53‐/‐) mice. No morphological difference was found between p53‐/‐ and wild‐type (p53+/+) oral mucosa. In a long‐term culture, p53‐/‐ OMKCs continued to proliferate past the point at which p53+/+ became senescent. The percentage of p53‐/‐ OMKCs in the G0/G1 phase was lower than that of p53+/+ OMKCs. Proliferation of cultured OMKCs induced by epidermal growth factor (EGF) and interleukin‐(IL)‐1α was more strongly enhanced in p53‐/‐ than in p53+/+ mice. Such an enhanced response was not due to increased mRNA expression of growth factor receptors. These data suggest that p53 acts as a modulator of G1 arrest in OMKCs and is also involved in the regulation of responses to EGF and IL‐1α without affecting the expression of their receptors.
Collagen fibres in the wall of odontogenic keratocysts: a study with picrosirius red and polarizing microscopy
Authors: Hirshberg Abraham , Sherman Sima , Buchner Amos , Dayan Dan
Published: August 2010

The collagen in the walls of 15 keratocysts was studied histochemically by staining sections with picrosirius red and examining them with polarizing microscopy. This was compared to 15 cases of dentigerous cyst and 15 cases of radicular cyst. Polarization colours of the collagen fibres were recorded according to their width. No differences were found between the polarization colours of thin fibres (< 0.8 um) in all three lesions; the polarization colours of thick fibres (1.6–2.4 urn) in keratocysts were significantly more greenish‐yellow when compared with those of dentigerous cysts and radicular cysts. The staining of the collagen fibres in the keratocysts is similar to that reported in odontogenic neoplasms, which suggests that the stroma of keratocysts could be regarded not just as a structural support of the cyst wall, but as playing a part in the neoplastic behaviour of the cyst.
Primary intraosseous carcinoma of the mandible with probable origin from reduced enamel epithelium
Authors: Ide Fumio , Shimoyama Tetsuo , Horie Norio , Kaneko Takahiro
Published: August 2010

This report describes a case of primary intraosseous carcinoma (PIOC) arising de novo in the mandible. The patient was a 74‐year‐old woman and an early PIOC was found incidentally during histopathological examination of the pericoronal tissue obtained at extraction of a deeply impacted third molar. The curetted soft tissues consisted of a microinvasive, keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma with scattered foci of carcinoma cells showing calcification; stromal osseous metaplasia was also observed. After additional treatment, the patient has remained free of disease for 2 years. Since the tumor was completely enclosed in the bone, the only identifiable source of the present PIOC is the reduced enamel epithelium. Despite its rarity, this case emphasizes the importance of careful histologic examination of all apparently innocuous dental follicles that are removed surgically.
Odontogenic keratocyst clinically mimicking an eruption cyst: report of a case
Authors: Chiang Meng‐Ling , Huang Wen‐Hsi
Published: August 2010

This article describes a case of odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) in a 1 year and 7 month old girl who presented such a lesion mimicking an eruption cyst. To date, only one well‐documented OKC occurring in a patient under 5 years old has been reported and it was thought to be associated with nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS). In our OKC case, the cyst was totally enucleated. No evidence of recurrence and NBCCS was found after a 4‐year follow‐up. The development of involving tooth in a growing child and the histogenesis of OKC are discussed in this article.
K‐Ras gene status and expression of Ras/mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling molecules in ameloblastomas
Authors: Kumamoto Hiroyuki , Takahashi Nobuhiro , Ooya Kiyoshi
Published: August 2010

Background:  To clarify the roles of rat sarcoma (Ras)/mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in oncogenesis and cytodifferentiation of odontogenic tumors, K‐Ras gene status and expression of Ras, Raf1, MAPK/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) kinase (MEK)1, and ERK1/2 proteins were analyzed in ameloblastomas as well as in tooth germs.

Methods:  Paraffin sections of 10 tooth germs and 46 benign and 6 malignant ameloblastomas were examined immunohistochemically for the expression of K‐Ras, Raf1, MEK1, and ERK1/2. Frozen tissue samples of 22 benign ameloblastomas and 1 malignant (metastasizing) ameloblastoma were analyzed by direct DNA sequencing to detect K‐Ras gene alteration.

Results:  Immunohistochemical reactivity for K‐Ras, Raf1, MEK1, and ERK1/2 was detected in both normal and neoplastic odontogenic epithelium, and these molecules were reactive chiefly with odontogenic epithelial cells neighboring the basement membrane. Plexiform ameloblastomas showed slightly stronger expression of these Ras/MAPK signaling molecules than follicular ameloblastomas. Keratinizing cells and granular cells showed decreased reactivity for the signaling molecules. Basal cell ameloblastomas showed slightly stronger reactivity for the signaling molecules than did the other subtypes. K‐Ras immunoreactivity in malignant ameloblastomas was lower than that in dental lamina of tooth germs. Direct DNA sequencing showed a GGT to GCT point mutation at codon 12 of K‐Ras gene in one ameloblastoma.

Conclusion:  Expression of K‐Ras, Raf1, MEK1, and ERK1/2 in tooth germs and ameloblastomas suggests that Ras/MAPK signaling pathway functions to regulate cell proliferation and differentiation in both normal and neoplastic odontogenic epithelium. K‐Ras gene status implied that K‐Ras mutations might play a minor role in oncogenesis of odontogenic epithelium.
Correlation between functional genotypes in the matrix metalloproteinases‐1 promoter and risk of oral squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Lin Shu‐Chun , Chung Ming‐Yi , Huang Jen‐Wu , Shieh Tzong‐Ming , Liu Chung‐Ji , Chang Kuo‐Wei
Published: August 2010

Background:  Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and oral submucous fibrosis (OSF), which are highly associated with areca use, are prevalent in most Asian countries. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are superfamily of metal‐dependent proteolytic enzymes, mediating the degradation of extracellular matrix. Insertion/deletion (−1607 2G→1G) polymorphism has been described in the promoter region of the human matrix metalloproteinases‐1 (MMP‐1) genes, which cause an alteration in the transcriptional activity. This genotype is associated with risks of cancer genesis and metastasis. In this paper, we studied the relationship between such genotype and areca‐associated oral diseases.

Methods:  Genomic DNA from the blood of OSCC (n = 121), OSF (n = 58) cases and controls (n = 147) were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based genotyping. The OSCC were further grouped into buccal squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) and non‐buccal suqmaous cell carcinoma (NBSCC), in accord with the site of involvement. The significance of the differences was assessed by Fisher's exact test.

Results:  The 2G genotype in MMP‐1 promoter was observed with a higher frequency in both OSCC (0.69, P = 0.06) and NBSCC (0.76, P = 0.03) cases compared with controls (0.63), with an odds ratio of 2.17 and 4.58, respectively. This genotype was not related to the risk of OSF. No other clinicopathologic parameter was associated with the genotypes in OSCC cases.

Conclusion:  The results showed that 2G genotype in MMP‐1 promoter was associated with the risk of OSCC.
A genetic progression model of oral cancer: current evidence and clinical implications
Authors: J. M. Braakhuis Boudewijn , René Leemans C. , H. Brakenhoff Ruud
Published: August 2010

Based on recent genetic studies, we propose a progression model for the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma. In the initial phase, a stem cell acquires a genetic alteration; subsequently a patch is formed, a clonal unit consisting of the stem cell with its daughter cells that all share the DNA alteration. The next critical step is the conversion of a patch into an expanding field as a result of additional genetic alterations. This mucosal field replaces the normal epithelium and in the oral cavity such fields have been detected with dimensions of over 7 cm in diameter. Sometimes these fields are visible as leukoplakia. Ultimately, clonal selection leads to the development of carcinoma within this contiguous field of pre‐neoplastic cells. An important clinical implication of this model is that fields often remain after surgery of the primary tumor and may lead to new cancers, presently designated by clinicians as second primary tumors or local recurrences.
Quantitative analysis of argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions and epidermal growth factor receptor in ameloblastomas
Authors: Payeras M. R. , Sant'Ana Filho M. , Lauxen I. S. , Barbachan J. J. D.
Published: August 2010

Objective:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the proliferation activity by means of the quantification of the argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (AgNORs) and the patterns of expression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in ameloblastomas.

Method:  The methods of evaluation included the H/E stain for the morphologic analysis, the silver impregnation technique for quantification of the AgNORs and the immunohistochemical stain with anti‐EGFR antibody in 11 cases of ameloblastoma.

Results:  The results did not show a significant statistical difference as per quantification of the AgNORs. The expression of the EGFR on the epithelial islands of ameloblastoma was not uniform, and the location of the expression was also variable. The predominant expression was that of cytoplasm and the islands with an expression of membrane only were rare and generally smaller in size.

Conclusion:  The tumor presents an irregular growth. Smaller islands are associated with a higher proliferation activity and therefore could be responsible for tumor infiltration.
A combined treatment regimen for desquamative gingivitis in patients with oral lichen planus
Authors: Guiglia R. , Di Liberto C. , Pizzo G. , Picone L. , Lo Muzio L. , Gallo P. D. , Campisi G. , D'Angelo M.
Published: August 2010

Background:  Chronic desquamative gingivitis (DG) is a condition characterized by erythema, ulceration, and desquamation of the free and attached gingiva, usually expression of a district‐systemic disease, such as oral lichen planus (OLP).

Methods:  A combined protocol of oral hygiene and topic corticosteroid therapy was applied in 30 patients with DG associated with OLP. Plaque index (PI) and bleeding on probing (BoP) were evaluated at baseline and after 3 months.

Results:  PI scoring was significantly lower after treatment in anterior, posterior, and all sites (P < 0.0001) as well as in vestibular and lingual ones (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0001, respectively). BoP measures were found to be reduced significantly to 22.94% in a full‐mouth evaluation (P < 0.0001; OR = 2.633; 95% CI: 2.2685–3.0561) as well as in each specific site (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion:  This clinical trial validated the efficacy, in patients with DG associated with OLP, of a protocol based on professional oral hygiene and self‐performed plaque control measures in improving of gingival health status.
A long‐term follow‐up study on the natural course of oral leukoplakia in a Swedish population‐based sample
Authors: Roosaar A. , Yin L. , Johansson A. L. V. , Sandborgh‐Englund G. , Nyrén O. , Axéll T.
Published: August 2010

Aim:  To assess the natural course of screening‐detected oral leukoplakia (OL) among non‐consulting individuals.

Methods:  A cohort of 555 individuals with OL, confirmed in 1973–1974 during a population‐based survey, were followed through January 2002 via record linkages with nationwide and essentially complete registers. A sample of 104 drawn from the 297 surviving cohort members who still were living in the area in 1993–1995 was invited to a re‐examination. Sixty‐seven of them attended.

Results:  At the time of re‐examination OL had disappeared in 29 (43%) individuals. There was a statistically significant association between cessation of/no smoking habits in 1993–1995 and the disappearance of OL. Never/previous daily smokers were thus over‐represented among individuals whose OL had disappeared compared to those with persisting OL [n = 23 (82%) vs. n = 18 (47%), P < 0.01]. Eighteen (78%) of the twenty three non‐smokers with disappearing OL had quit after the initial examination. One man and two women developed oral cancer during follow‐up while 0.7 and 0.07, respectively, were expected.

Conclusion:  Smoking cessation was associated with an increased disappearance of OL. Hence, at least one‐fourth had lesions that could be classified as tobacco‐related. Small observed and expected numbers prohibited firm conclusions about a possible excess risk of developing oral cancer.
Studies of the serum HER‐2/neu and squamous cell carcinoma‐related antigen expression in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chen Chung‐Ho , Tsai Tsung Lin , Yang Yi‐Shin , Tsai Chi‐Cheng
Published: August 2010

Background:  Over‐expression of HER‐2/neu has been associated with advanced disease, metastasis, and poor clinical outcome. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)‐related antigen (SCCA) is used as a tumor marker in a variety of SCC. This study was performed to investigate the pre‐ and post‐treatment values of HER‐2/neu and SCCA in patients with oral SCC.

Materials:  Patients with OSCC were enrolled between 2002 and 2004. Serum samples were obtained before treatment and at 1 month following treatment. HER‐2/neu levels and SCCA levels were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and radioimmunoassay, respectively.

Results:  A significant correlation was found between HER‐2/neu and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.0252). SCCA correlated with tumor size (P = 0.0042). Both HER‐2/neu and SCCA mean levels were reduced significantly after treatment.

Conclusion:  The combination of HER‐2/neu and SCCA serum levels may be a useful marker in evaluating therapeutic effects and in monitoring the recurrence rate of OSCC and survival rate of patients.
Dental mutilations and associated alveolar bone pathology in African skulls of the anthropological skull collection, Charité, Berlin
Authors: Reichart Peter A. , Creutz Ulrich , Scheifele Christian
Published: August 2010

Background:  Dental mutilations (DM) were and are still common among people in Africa. The purpose of this study was to examine DM in 33 skulls from Cameroon, which have been collected around the turn of the 20th century (anthropological collection, Berlin Museum of Medical History).

Materials and methods:  From the files of the museum, locations and/or tribal origin were recorded. DM classification described by De Almeida was used (1957).

Results:  DM of the inverted V‐shaped type was most common (30.3%). Pulp exposure was seen in 10 cases (30.3%). Periapical ostitis/radicular cysts were seen in nine cases (27.3%). General loss of alveolar bone was seen in all cases with a marked loss of the maxillary anterior labial alveolar bone plate in six cases (18.2%).

Conclusions:  DM may result in alveolar bone pathology characterised by inflammatory changes such as periapical ostitis or formation of radicular cysts.
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 infection: overview on relevant clinico‐pathological features*
Authors: Arduino Paolo G. , Porter Stephen R.
Published: August 2010

Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV‐1) is a nuclear replicating enveloped virus, usually acquired through direct contact with infected lesions or body fluids (typically saliva). The prevalence of HSV‐1 infection increases progressively from childhood, the seroprevalence being inversely related to socioeconomic background. Primary HSV‐1 infections in children are either asymptomatic or following an incubation period of about 1 week gives rise to mucocutaneous vesicular eruptions. Herpetic gingivostomatitis typically affects the tongue, lips, gingival, buccal mucosa and the hard and soft palate. Most primary oro‐facial HSV infection is caused by HSV‐1, infection by HSV‐2 is increasingly common. Recurrent infections, which occur at variable intervals, typically give rise to vesiculo‐ulcerative lesions at mucocutaneous junctions particularly the lips (herpes labialis). Recurrent HSV‐1 infection within the mouth is uncommon in otherwise healthy patients, although in immunocompromised patients, recurrent infection can be more extensive and/or aggressive. The diagnosis of common herpetic infection can usually be based upon the clinical history and presenting features. Confirmatory laboratory diagnosis is, however, required when patients are, or may be, immunocompromised.
Osteomas of the craniofacial region. Review of 106 cases
Authors: Larrea‐Oyarbide N. , Valmaseda‐Castellón E. , Berini‐Aytés L. , Gay‐Escoda C.
Published: August 2010

Background:  Osteoma is a benign osteogenic lesion characterized by the proliferation of compact or cancellous bone. Although this tumour has a considerable incidence, there are few reports with large samples on this subject.

Objectives:  To describe clinical features of the osteomas in the craniomaxilofacial region.

Material and methods:  Retrospective study of 106 patients diagnosed with 132 osteomas of the craniomaxilofacial region between 1986 and 2003.

Results:  The mean age was 50 years. Osteomas were more frequent in men. Forty‐nine per cent were of peripheral type, 29% central osteomas and 21% were located in the paranasal sinuses. Eighty‐nine cases (84%) were operated and 80 patients were regularly followed up. Out of these, 73 did not recur. The seven recurrences were central osteomas.

Conclusions:  Osteomas usually appear in patients with more than 30‐year old. Peripheral type showed the highest incidence among these lesions. Central and peripheral osteomas usually do not originate clinical symptoms whereas the ones located in paranasal sinuses can provoke headache and neuralgia/paresthesia.
Elastofibroma presenting as an oral soft tissue mass
Authors: Manchandu Ritu , Foote Joseph , Alawi Faizan
Published: August 2010

Elastofibroma (EF) is a rare soft tissue lesion that most commonly develops in the subscapular region. To date, there has been only one documented example of oral EF; presenting as a painless nodule in the floor of the mouth of a middle‐aged female. Described herein, we report a male patient who developed EF in the floor of the mouth; in his case, also presenting as an asymptomatic nodular growth. Acute onset and a history of regional surgery and radiation therapy suggest a reactive etiology.
Simultaneous detection of IFN‐gamma and IL‐4 in lesional tissues and whole unstimulated saliva from patients with oral lichen planus
Authors: Tao Xiao‐an , Li Chun‐yang , Rhodus Nelson L. , Xia Juan , Yang Xiao‐ping , Cheng Bin
Published: August 2010

Background:  Although the roles of interferon (IFN)‐gamma and interlekin (IL)‐4 in oral lichen planus (OLP) have been described extensively in past decades, the available results are controversial. Moreover, few studies have utilized simultaneous detection of cytokines in local tissues and saliva to determine whether salivary cytokines could reflect the fact of local lesions.

Methods:  IFN‐gamma and IL‐4 were determined simultaneously in lesions and whole unstimulated saliva (WUS) from OLP patients with various clinical forms.

Results:  In OLP lesions, both IFN‐gamma and IL‐4 in erythematous/ulcerated OLP were higher significantly than that in control specimens. In WUS, however, only IFN‐gamma of erythematous/ulcerated OLP was increased compared with control. Remarkably, IFN‐gamma and IL‐4 in WUS showed a more significant correlation to those in local tissues of all subjects.

Conclusion:  These results indicate that both IFN‐gamma and IL‐4 may play more important role in pathogenesis of erythematous/ulcerated OLP, and changes of these proinflammatory cytokines in WUS may reflect the status of the OLP lesion.
Cytokine and chemokine levels in radicular and residual cyst fluids
Authors: Muglali Mehtap , Komerik Nurgul , Bulut Emel , Yarim Gul Fatma , Celebi Nukhet , Sumer Mahmut
Published: August 2010

Background:  Cytokines were thought to play an important role for the expansion of odontogenic cysts. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cytokine and chemokine levels of radicular and residual cyst fluids.

Methods:  Cyst fluids were aspirated from 21 patients (11 radicular and 10 residual cysts) and the levels of interleukin‐1 alpha (IL‐1α), tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 (MCP‐1), and regulated upon activation normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) were determined by ELISA using commercially available kits.

Results:  Both radicular and residual cyst fluids contained IL‐1α, TNF‐α, MCP‐1, and RANTES, concentrations of which were significantly higher in the radicular cyst fluids than those in the residual cysts (P < 0.001 for IL‐1α, TNF‐α, and RANTES; P < 0.01 for MCP‐1). Compared to the other mediators, the concentration of IL‐1α was found to be highest in both of the cyst fluids. In addition, positive correlations were found between IL‐1α, TNF‐α, MCP‐1, and RANTES in radicular and residual cyst fluids.

Conclusion:  If the radicular cyst is inadvertently left behind following tooth extraction, some degree of inflammation may carry on. Residual cysts, although to a lesser extend than radicular cysts, have the potential to expand.
Oral lesions as predictors of highly active antiretroviral therapy failure in Brazilian HIV‐infected children
Authors: Miziara Ivan Dieb , Weber Raimar
Published: August 2010

Objectives:  Evaluate the accuracy of HIV‐related oral lesions to predict immune and virologic failure on HIV‐infected children in use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

Study design:  Data for this cross‐sectional analysis come from a longitudinal study being conducted through the HIV‐AIDS Outpatient Unit, ENT Division, Hospital das Clinicas, Sao Paulo University Medical School. The study began in January 1990 and is still ongoing. The cut‐off point for analyses purposes was December 2004. Subjects were 471 HIV‐infected consecutive children attending the outpatient unit during this period, who enrolled regardless of medical or immunological status. The children have undertaken oral cavity examination, serum CD4+ T‐lymphocyte count, and, 271 of them, viral load measurement. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and relative risk were calculated.

Results:  Oral lesions had moderate sensitivity, high specificity and positive predictive value to predict immune failure. It had low sensitivity and positive predictive value, and high specificity to predict virologic failure.

Discussion and conclusions:  Oral manifestations of HIV can be important markers for immune suppression and for virologic failure, in Brazilian children undergoing HAART.
Osteopontin expression in oral lichen planus
Authors: Zhou Zeng‐Tong , Wei Ben‐Juan , Shi Peng
Published: August 2010

To explore circulation levels of osteopontin (OPN), tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 from patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) for clinical application. A group of 26 subjects with OLP were compared with 26 sex‐ and age‐matched control (NC) subjects. Local lesion tissue was examined for OPN by immunohistochemical analysis. And, serum OPN, proinflammatory TNF‐α and TGF‐β1 levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunoabsorbent assay. The serum concentrations of OPN and TNF‐α were significantly higher in OLP patients than the NC group (P < 0.05). Although serum concentrations of TGF‐β1 increased slightly, they were not statistically significant. Erosive‐form OLP exhibited significantly elevated TGF‐β1 serum levels, compared with reticular‐form OLP. The above results suggest that the production of OPN is associated with the inflammatory process of OLP development, and may serve as a potential disease marker of OLP.
No osteonecrosis in jaws of young patients with osteogenesis imperfecta treated with bisphosphonates
Authors: Malmgren Barbro , Åström Eva , Söderhäll Stefan
Published: August 2010

Background:  Recent reports of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) after dental surgery in patients treated with second‐ and third‐generation nitrogen‐containing bisphosphonates instigated this retrospective study. As treatment with bisphosphonates in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) has become an important symptomatic therapy, especially for severe forms of the disease, we found it important to investigate whether healing after surgical exposure of jaw bone was influenced by the bisphosponate treatment in our group of children, adolescents and young adults with OI.

Subjects and methods:  Disodiumpamidronate was given as monthly intravenous infusion to 64 patients with OI aged 3 months to 20.9 years at the start of treatment (mean 8.1, median 7.7). During 0.5–12.5 years of treatment (mean 4.5, median 4.0), a total individual dose of 140–4020 mg/m2 disodiumpamidronate was given (mean 1623 and median 1460). Ten patients continued with oral alendronate and two with zoledronic acid therapy. In 22 of these patients, 38 dental surgery procedures were performed at the age of 3.4–31.9 years (mean 12.2, median 12.3) after 0.03–7.9 years of treatment (mean 3.6, median 3.4).

Results:  Despite long‐term intravenous monthly disodiumpamidronate treatment, none of the 64 patients had any clinical signs of ONJ.

Conclusions:  The risk of ONJ in these patients must be considered so low that the patients with indications for treatment should be treated and get the chance to experience the well‐documented beneficial effect for children with severe OI.
Differential induction of heme oxygenase‐1 against nicotine‐induced cytotoxicity via the PI3K, MAPK, and NF‐kappa B pathways in immortalized and malignant human oral keratinocytes
Authors: Lee Hwa‐Jeong , Lee Jun , Min Seung‐Ki , Guo Han‐Young , Lee Sun‐Kyung , Kim Hyung‐Ryong , Pae Hyun‐Ock , Chung Hun‐Taeg , Hong Seung‐Heon , Lee Suk‐Keun , Kim Eun‐Cheol
Published: August 2010

BACKGROUND: Heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) exhibits cytoprotective effects in many different cell types and is induced by nicotine exposure in human gingival fibroblasts. However, the role of HO‐1 in cancer cells exposed to nicotine has not previously been described.

METHODS: We investigated the effects of nicotine on HO‐1 protein expression and cell viability in immortalized (IHOK) and malignant (HN12) human oral keratinocyte cells using the 3,4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay and Western blotting. We also examined the involvement of the phosphoinositide‐3‐kinase (PI3K), mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) signaling pathways in nicotine‐induced cytotoxicity and HO‐1 levels in IHOK and HN12 cells.

RESULTS: Nicotine‐induced HO‐1 production and had cytotoxic effects on cells in both a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner. Nicotine‐induced cytotoxicity and accumulation of HO‐1 were greater in IHOK cells than in HN12 cells. Molecular inhibitors of the ERK, p38 MAP kinase, PI3 K, and NF‐κB signaling pathways blocked the cytotoxic effects and induction of HO‐1 expression by nicotine. Treatment with antioxidants (bilirubin,N‐acetylcysteine) protected cells against nicotine‐induced cytotoxicity and blocked the upregulation of HO‐1, the effects of which were more pronounced in IHOK cells than in HN12 cells.

CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, these results suggest that HO‐1 plays a principal role in the protective response to nicotine in oral cancer and immortalized keratinocytes. Moreover, the addition of exogenous antioxidants may help to protect oral epithelial cells as chemopreventive agents against nicotine‐induced oxidative stress.
Alterations of FHIT and P53 genes in keratocystic odontogenic tumor, dentigerous and radicular cyst
Authors: Malčić Ana , Jukić Silvana , Anić Ivica , Pavelić Božidar , Kapitanović Sanja , Krušlin Božo , Pavelić Krešimir
Published: August 2010

Background:  The purpose of this study was to determine fragile histidine triad (FHIT) and p53 protein expression, and to analyze FHIT and p53 gene status in keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KOT), dentigerous cysts (DC) and radicular cysts (RC).

Methods:  The methods used were immunohistochemistry and molecular genetic methods including loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and gene sequencing.

Results:  FHIT protein expression was different among groups. Aberrant expression was the highest in KOT, then in RC and DC. p53 protein expression was different among groups. LOH in paraffin‐embedded specimens was detected in 22.6% and 12.9% for FHIT and p53 respectively. Mutation of p53 gene at codon 237 was observed in only two specimens (one KOT and one DC). Of the six frozen specimens, three exhibited FHIT gene LOH (two RC and one KOT). KOT showed loss of exons 6–7 at FHIT locus and mutation at codon 237 at p53 locus, but this could be a chance result.

Conclusion:  Aberrations of FHIT and p53 genes/proteins could be considered markers responsible for the development of odontogenic lesions.
Study of antiapoptotic gene of oral carcinoma by using Bcl‐2 oncogene
Authors: Kummoona Raja , Mohammad Sámi Suha , Al‐Kapptan Ikpal , Al‐Muala Header
Published: August 2010

The present study was addressed to find out the expression of Bcl‐2 proto‐oncogene in tumor tissue derived from 24 patients with malignant oral carcinoma and oral mucosa from the same patients served as control and showed a cytoplasmic pattern of Bcl‐2 immunoreactivity in basal cell layer. Fourteen of 24 (58.3%) of oral carcinoma and four adenocystic carcinoma expressed positive Bcl‐2 oncogene. Well‐differentiated squamous cell carcinoma showed absence of immunoreactivity. No statistically significant correlation could be demonstrated between Bcl‐2 immunoreactivity and the age or sex of the patients, tumor size, and lymph node metastasis. A direct correlation between Bcl‐2 immunoreactivity in G2 and G3 was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Patients with absence of or low (scores 0 or 1) Bcl‐2 immunoreactive tumors manifested poorer overall survival rate in comparison with patients with moderate or high (scores 2 and 3) Bcl‐2 expression, but the difference was not statistically significant. Tumors exhibited three different expressions of Bcl‐2 (weak, moderate, and strong positive), compared to the mucosa of some patients affected by these tumors. No correlation was found between the histopathology of the tumors, mucosal expression, and degree of Bcl‐2 expression. We propose from this study that overexpression of Bcl‐2 proto‐oncogene acts as a strong antiapoptotic in both squamous cells and adenocystic carcinoma may be an important molecular event on oral carcinoma to make these tumors resistant to radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Expression of Mcm‐2, Ki‐67 and geminin in benign and malignant salivary gland tumours
Authors: Vargas P. A. , Cheng Y. , Barrett A. W. , Craig G. T. , Speight P. M.
Published: August 2010

Background:  Recent studies have proposed that minichromosome maintenance (Mcm) proteins may be sensitive proliferation markers and may serve as novel biomarkers for prognostication and diagnosis of various pre‐malignant and malignant lesions. The aims of this study were to determine the expression of Mcm‐2, Ki‐67 and geminin in salivary gland (SG) tumours, and to evaluate their usefulness for diagnosis or for prediction of tumour behaviour.

Methods:  Tissue from 62 SG tumours was assembled in tissue microarray format. There were 13 adenoid cystic carcinomas (ACC), 10 carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenomas (CEPA), 10 mucoepidermoid carcinomas (MEC), 10 polymorphous low‐grade adenocarcinomas (PLGA), 10 pleomorphic adenomas (PA) and nine acinic cell carcinomas (AcCC). Clinicopathological data were collected retrospectively and immunohistochemical analyses of Mcm‐2, Ki‐67 and geminin were performed on all lesions. Labelling index (LI) for each marker was determined by counting the percentage of positive cells in six random fields from three arrays per case.

Results:  Mcm‐2 expression was higher than Ki‐67 and geminin in all tumours studied. Mcm‐2 LI was higher in ACC (28.2 ± 19.2%) than in CEPA, AcCC, MEC, PA and PLGA (5.3 ± 4.1%, P = 0.001). Mcm‐2 LI was higher in CEPA (20.4 ± 5.0%) than in PA (6.9 ± 5.0%, P = 0.001). LI did not correlate to tumour grade or outcome for any of the markers or tumour types.

Conclusions:  The findings suggest that Mcm‐2 may be a sensitive proliferation marker in SG tumours and may be useful for differential diagnosis between PA and CEPA, and ACC and PLGA. Further studies are warranted to assess the value of Mcm‐2 as a predictor of recurrence and survival.
Expression of platelet‐derived growth factor‐AA and platelet‐derived growth factor‐α receptor in ameloblastomas
Authors: Sulzbacher Irene , Wick Nikolaus , Pichlhofer Bettina , Mazal Peter R.
Published: August 2010

Background:  Platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐AA isoform and its receptor, PDGF‐α receptor (PDGFRA) regulate tooth development and growth. We investigated the expression of both proteins in ameloblastomas, to contribute the understanding of the potential role of the PDGF/PDGFR system in this odontogenic neoplasm.

Method:  Twenty‐nine specimens of ameloblastoma were analyzed for PDGF‐AA and PDGFRA expression using immunohistochemistry. The proliferation activity was investigated with the MIB‐1 antibody. Additionally, capillary sequencing of genomic DNA was performed to search for mutations in therapeutically relevant exons 12 and 18 of the PDGFRA gene.

Results:  PDGF‐AA and PDGFRA expression were detectable in all cases with the exception of one tumor. However, protein expression levels did neither correlate with each other nor with MIB‐1 expression. Unicystic ameloblastomas did not differ from solid tumors with regard to PDGF‐AA, PDGFRA, and MIB‐1 expression. One tumor revealed a somatic mutation of exon 12 of the PDGFRA gene.

Conclusion:  PDGF‐AA and PDGFRA proteins are regularly expressed in variable levels in ameloblastomas, and somatic mutations of exon 12 and exon 18 of the PDGFRA gene are rare findings.
High frequency of hypermethylation of p14, p15 and p16 in oral pre‐cancerous lesions associated with betel‐quid chewing in Sri Lanka
Authors: Takeshima Maiko , Saitoh Masato , Kusano Kaoru , Nagayasu Hiroki , Kurashige Yoshihito , Malsantha Muthumala , Arakawa Toshiya , Takuma Taishin , Chiba Itsuo , Kaku Tohru , Shibata Toshiyuki , Abiko Yoshihiro
Published: August 2010

Background:  Oral squamous cell carcinoma and the most common oral pre‐malignancies appear to be related to the habit of betel‐quid chewing in Sri Lanka. Although hypermethylation of the tumour suppressor genes in oral cancer have been well documented, little information has been available concerning hypermethylation in oral pre‐cancerous lesions. In the present study, we investigated the hypermethylation of p14, p15 and p16 in pre‐cancerous lesions including epithelial dysplasia and submucous fibrosis.

Methods:  All samples were obtained from patients with a betel‐quid chewing habit in Sri Lanka. Sixty‐four patients were clinically diagnosed with leukoplakia, and histopathologically diagnosed with mild or severe dysplasia. Ten patients were diagnosed with submucous fibrosis without epithelial dysplasia. CpG island hypermethylation was assessed by a methylation‐specific PCR method. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using anti‐p53 antibodies.

Results:  A high frequency of hypermethylation of p14, p15 and p16 was detected in the pre‐cancerous lesions, although no hypermethylation was found in normal epithelium. The frequency of hypermethylation was higher than that of positive staining for p53 mutation except in the case of p16 in mild dysplasia. No significant correlation was observed between p53‐positive reactions and hypermethylation in any lesions. The hypermethylation was highly detectable even in p53‐negative lesions, suggesting that hypermethylation of p14, p15 and p16 occur regardless of whether the lesions have p53 mutations or not.

Conclusions:  The present study indicates that hypermethylation may be involved in the pathogenesis of oral pre‐cancerous lesions associated with betel‐quid chewing in Sri Lanka.
Morphometric analysis of the parotid gland affected by alcoholic sialosis
Authors: Bohl Luciana , Merlo Carolina , Carda Carmen , Gómez de Ferraris María Elsa , Carranza Miriam
Published: August 2010

Background:  In alcoholic parotid sialosis, the gland is frequently enlarged due to ductal and/or acinar hypertrophy, ductal hyperplasy and stromal fat infiltration. The aim of this study was to determine acinar and ductal dimensions, the number of striated ducts and the proportion of fat tissue in patients with and without alcoholic parotid sialosis.

Methods:  Twelve parotid biopsy samples from patients with hepatic alcoholic cirrhosis and those from seven controls were used. A morphometrical study with a digital image analyser attached to an optical microscope was carried out. Direct and indirect indicators from acinar and ductal dimensions were recorded. The number of striated ducts and the proportion of fat tissue in stroma were determined. Fifteen records for each variable were taken. Mean values were compared using the Mann–Whitney U‐test (P ≤ 0.05).

Results:  There were no significant differences in acinar and ductal dimensions and the number of striated ducts between alcoholic and control patients. The proportion of fat tissue in alcoholic parotides was significantly lower than that in the controls.

Conclusions:  These results do not corroborate previous qualitative descriptions about acinar and ductal hypertrophy and ductal hyperplasy in alcoholic patients. The main cause of parotid enlargement could not be stromal fat infiltration. The data could be used for differential diagnoses of sialosis.
Acceleration of de novo bone formation with a novel bioabsorbable film: a histomorphometric study in vivo
Authors: He Hong , Yan Weiqi , Chen Guanfu , Lu Zhenhui
Published: August 2010

Objective:  Different types of barrier membranes have been used in periodontal applications for the technology of guided tissue regeneration (GTR). The aim of this study was to characterize the biological effect of novel calcium alginate film (CAF) on bone tissue regeneration by using rabbit mandible defects model.

Methods:  A critical size defect (5 mm in diameter) was created in the bilateral corner of mandible of 45 adult rabbits. The defects were covered with CAF served as the experimental group, or conventional collagen membrane (CCM) or left empty as the controls. Animals were killed after 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks. Morphological and histomorphometric studies were performed to evaluate their bone regeneration pattern and biological effects.

Results:  Histological sections showed that bone regeneration pattern was centripetal in growth from defect rim. The quantitative histometry analysis revealed a significantly greater percentage of newly generated bone in CAF defects than that in CCM defects and empty defects from 2 to 6 weeks post‐operation (P < 0.01). After 6 and 8 weeks, significantly more mature lamella bone had formed with CAF than with CCM. Empty control defects showed bone formation starting from the defect margins and incomplete healing even after 8 weeks.

Conclusion:  The CAF guided early bone growth and appeared more effective as a bioabsorbable GTR membrane than CCM. This study with mandible defect model suggests that bone defects augmented with CAF may offer most promising results from a histological and histomorphometric perspective.
A study of phosphorylated ERK1/2 and COX‐2 in early stage (T1–T2) oral squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Søland Tine M. , Husvik Camilla , Koppang Hanna Strømme , Boysen Morten , Sandvik Leiv , Clausen Ole Petter Fraas , Christoffersen Thoralf , Bryne Magne
Published: August 2010

Background:  Histomorphological grading at the invasive front of oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) may provide useful prognostic information. In the present study, we investigated the presence and prognostic value of activated phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1 and 2 (p‐ERK1/2) and cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) both at the invasive front and in central/superficial parts of OSCCs.

Methods:  Using immunohistochemistry, we assessed the presence of p‐ERK1/2 and COX‐2 in 53 early stage OSCCs. Clinical data were recorded prospectively. The end point was disease‐free survival.

Results:  p‐ERK1/2 staining was present in almost all tumours. The staining was mostly nuclear in the cells of the invasive front and either nuclear or nuclear/cytoplasmic in central/superficial tumour parts. COX‐2 was observed in almost all tumours (98%) and the staining was often restricted to focal areas. Most tumours were COX‐2 negative at the invasive front. The lowest P‐value in survival analyses was P = 0.06 for p‐ERK1/2 at the invasive front. COX‐2, the histomorphological grading systems and TNM stage were of no prognostic value.

Conclusion:  p‐ERK1/2 was present in almost all tumours and p‐ERK1/2 may be a prognostic marker at the invasive front of OSCCs. In early stage OSCCs, most tumours did not express COX‐2 at the invasive front.