Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology最新文献

Aim: To estimate the Vitamin B12 level and serum iron levels in Oral Submucous Fibrosis patients as compared to healthy individuals.

Materials and methods: Out of the total forty (40) participants, twenty had positive history for tobacco chewing (cases) with burning sensations, blanching, stiffness of the oral mucosa and reduced mouth opening. The other twenty participants were healthy individuals (controls) in the same age and gender. Serum iron and vitamin B12 profile has been estimated in all individuals to compare and correlate between cases and controls.

Results: Vitamin B12 levels were decreased in Oral Submucous Fibrosis and were found to be statistically significant (P = 0.014) as compared to healthy controls. A significant correlation was also found between the serum iron level in case group which is in significant moderate positive correlation (ρ =0.57) with vitamin B12, and it is statistically significant (P = 0.009) whereas in control group too serum iron level is also in significant moderate positive correlation (ρ =0.72) with vitamin B12, and it is statistically significant (P ≤ 0.001).

Conclusion: Serum vitamin B12 and iron levels in OSMF patients is significantly reduced and can be considered as a reliable biochemical indicator and may help in early diagnosis and prognosis.

Background: Oral cancer, particularly oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), is a prevalent malignancy in Southeast Asia with low survival rates. Deoxyelephantopin (DET), a natural compound derived from Elephantopus scaber Linn. (E. scaber), has shown promising anti-cancer activity.

Aim: By focussing on the AKT1/mTOR signalling pathway, which controls tumour cell proliferation and survival, this study explores the molecular underpinnings behind DET's therapeutic potential in OSCC.

Materials and methods: In vitro cytotoxicity of DET on human oral cancer cells (KB) was evaluated using the 3 (4,5 dimethylthiazol 2 yl) 2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection, and enzyme activity analysis. Apoptosis markers were assessed through cell morphology and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (q-RT-PCR) analysis of apoptotic gene expression. Bioinformatics and molecular docking studies identified potential targets of DET, evaluating its binding affinity to apoptotic and survival proteins.

Results: The MTT assay showed that DET inhibited KB oral cancer cell growth in a dose-dependent manner, increasing oxidative stress and reducing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities. RT-PCR revealed a shift in gene expression, with upregulation of pro-apoptotic genes (BAX, CASP-3, CASP-6, and CASP-9) and downregulation of anti-apoptotic genes, confirming mTOR pathway inhibition. Molecular docking indicated strong binding affinities between DET and key apoptotic and survival proteins. MD simulations showed strong stability for protein target against DET.

Conclusions: DET effectively disrupts AKT1/mTOR signalling, inducing apoptosis and oxidative stress in OSCC cells. Its high biocompatibility (SWISS-ADME) and strong molecular interactions support its potential as a novel therapeutic agent for OSCC. This integrative approach provides valuable insights into DET's mechanism of action, paving the way for pre-clinical and clinical applications.

Background: Vitamin C is a water-soluble substance naturally occurring in citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwifruit, guava, etc., It is required for formation of collagen, healing of wounds, maintaining the health of blood vessels, ligaments, and bones. Vitamin C inhibits the tyrosinase (Tyr) enzyme and reduces melanin synthesis. Tyrosinase along with tyrosinase related protein- 1 and 2 (TRP-1 & TRP-2) are required for melanin synthesis. Hence this study was conducted to assess the effect of Vitamin C on Tyr and TRP-1 in human gingiva.

Aim: To assess the effect of Vitamin C on tyrosinase and TRP-1 levels in individuals with moderate to heavy gingival melanin hyperpigmentation.

Materials and methods: Individuals with complaint of black gums were included. Informed consent was obtained. Initial treatment of scaling and root planing was conducted and they were recalled after 2 weeks. The gingival depigmentation was performed by scalpel technique. The excised layer of epithelial tissue was sent to the laboratory to assess the Tyr and TRP-1 levels. Subsequently, Vitamin C was administered at monthly interval for 6 months. Tyr and TRP-1 levels were assessed at the end of 1 year follow-up.

Results: The levels of Tyr and TRP-1 in gingival tissue at baseline and at the end of one year follow-up are shown in the table and graph. Tyr and TRP-1 levels were reduced after vitamin C administration.

Conclusion: Vitamin C administration resulted in reduction of tyrosinase and TRP-1 levels in human gingiva at 1 year follow-up indicating that Vitamin C is a probable inhibitor of melanin synthesis.

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the third most common head and neck malignancy, with tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) being highly aggressive due to its vascular and lymphatic supply. This study examines the correlation between the worst pattern of invasion (WPOI) and Ki-67 expression in TSCC to improve prognosis and treatment strategies.

Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis of 51 TSCC specimens (2021-2024) assessed clinicopathological data, WPOI classification, and Ki-67 expression using immunohistochemistry. Statistical correlations were evaluated.

Results: The study showed a male predominance (mean age 53 years), with non-healing ulcers on the lateral tongue as the most common presentation. High-risk WPOI patterns correlated with advanced disease and metastasis (P < 0.001). Ki-67 expression averaged 45% in aggressive cases, but no significant correlation was found between WPOI and extranodal extension.

Conclusion: WPOI and Ki-67 are crucial markers for TSCC aggressiveness, aiding in risk stratification and personalized treatment. Further validation in larger cohorts is needed.

Context: Gutka, a form of smokeless tobacco, is widely consumed and has been associated with adverse oral health effects, including changes in the oral microbiome. Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis are prominent oral pathogens linked to periodontal diseases and oral carcinogenesis. The study aims to understand the microbial profile of gutka users by analysing salivary samples.

Methods and material: This pilot study was conducted on 20 participants (Healthy individuals, gutka users with premalignant lesion and frank cancer). Unstimulated saliva samples were collected under aseptic conditions. Samples were cultured on selective media for F. nucleatum and P. gingivalis under anaerobic conditions. Colony morphology was used to identify and quantify the isolates. Statistical analysis compared the bacterial counts between the two groups. Statistical analysis T-tests and ANOVA were used.

Results: Both F. nucleatum and P. gingivalis were isolated in higher proportions among gutka users. The mean colony-forming unit (CFU) count of F. nucleatum was significantly higher in gutka users compared to non-users. Similarly, P. gingivalis counts were elevated in gutka users CFU/ml) compared to non-users. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Gutka consumption is associated with increased salivary levels of Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis. These findings emphasize the role of smokeless tobacco in altering the oral microbiome and its potential contribution to oral diseases.

Background: Analysis of mRNA in archival tissues using RT-qPCR has the potential to become an important element in diagnosis and research. There is uncertainty whether mRNA extraction and analyses from archival tissues are possible or not. This study will look for the possibility of mRNA extraction, RT-qPCR analysis, and standardization of the protocol using formalin fixed paraffin-embedded blocks.

Objectives: 1. To determine the effect of 24-hour and 72-hour formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue on the quantity and quality of mRNA. 2. To compare the quantity and quality of mRNA in fresh frozen tissues. 3. To compare the extracted mRNA expression using RT-qPCR in the above groups.

Methodology: Twelve tissue samples were collected from patients undergoing minor surgical procedures and grossed into 3 bits. Each bit was placed in 24 hours of formalin and 72 hours of formalin, and the last bit was freezed in RNAlater at -80°C (positive controls), respectively. Routine tissue processing and sectioning was done followed by wax removal for the formalin-fixed tissues, and mRNA extraction using TRIzol method was done for all three groups. Extracted mRNA was quantified using Nanodrop spectrophotometer and its quality checked on mRNA TapeStation. cDNA synthesis was done followed by RT-qPCR analysis.

Results: mRNA could be isolated with satisfactory quantity in all three groups. mRNA quality was significantly low for formalin-fixed tissues. But the RT-qPCR values of the two formalin groups were comparable to those obtained in fresh frozen tissues (P value = 0.00002).

Conclusion: mRNA can be extracted from archives of paraffin tissue blocks that can be utilized to carry out enormous studies using RT-qPCR.

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with India accounting for approximately one-fourth of global cases. OSCC often develops from oral potentially malignant disorders like leucoplakia, erythroplakia, and oral submucous fibrosis (OSF), each carrying varying risks for malignant transformation. Fibulin-4, a glycoprotein involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling, has been implicated in several cancers, but its role in oral tumours remains unexplored.

Methodology: Paraffin-embedded sections of oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) (n = 24), OSF (n = 23), OSCC (n = 23), and normal mucosa (n = 23) were analysed for immunohistochemical expression of Fibulin-4. Staining intensity and percentage of positive cells were evaluated with a semi-quantitative scoring system. Statistical analyses included Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-square, Mann-Whitney tests, and Kappa statistics to assess interobserver and intraobserver variability.

Results: Significant differences in Fibulin-4 expression were noted across groups. OSCC and OED displayed high proportions of strong Fibulin-4 expression (76-100%), while OSF showed distinct staining patterns mainly in the middle and upper tissue layers. Higher grades of staining intensity were observed in leucoplakia (82.6% were grade 2), OSMF (83.3% were grade 2), and OSCC groups (65.2% were grade 2) than the control group (78% were grade 1). The interobserver reliability and interobserver reproducibility of Fibulin-4 expression evaluated by kappa statistic was excellent( kappa ≥ 0.80). Fibulin-4 expression was high in OSCC, OED, OSF compared to normal oral mucosa and was statistically significant (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Fibulin-4 expression varies significantly across normal mucosa, OED, OSF, and OSCC, suggesting its potential role in oral carcinogenesis and ECM dynamics. Elevated Fibulin-4 expression in OSCC and OED highlights its potential as a biomarker for malignant transformation. Further research is needed to clarify its role and explore its potential as a therapeutic target in oral cancer.

Background: Oral mucoceles are common lesions involving the salivary glands, characterized by mucous extravasation or retention phenomena. Despite their prevalence, they are often underreported, leading to potential diagnostic challenges and oversight of unusual presentations. This retrospective study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics, demographic trends, and management outcomes of oral mucoceles over a 10-year period.

Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on archival data from January 2014 to January 2024. Cases with a confirmed diagnosis of mucoceles based on histopathological examination were included. Data regarding demographic characteristics, anatomical site of mucocele, clinical presentation, biopsy type, and follow-up information were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results: Out of 58 clinically diagnosed mucocele cases, 53 were confirmed histopathologically. The mean age of the reviewed cases was 24.3 ± 16.5 years, with a male predominance (60.4%). Mucoceles predominantly affected the lower lip (62.3%), followed by the lip region (13.2%). Excisional biopsy was the preferred treatment modality (88.7%), with the mucous extravasation phenomenon being the predominant histopathological diagnosis (98.1%). Recurrence was observed in one case (1.9%).

Conclusion: This study contributes to understanding the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and management outcomes of oral mucoceles. The findings emphasize the importance of accurate diagnosis and appropriate management strategies to optimize patient care and outcomes.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteolytic enzymes involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, contributing to various pathological conditions, including periapical lesions and periodontal diseases. This systematic review evaluates the inhibitory effects of different natural and synthetic MMP inhibitors on MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities in mammalian cells, which are critical enzymes implicated in ECM breakdown. A comprehensive literature search was performed across databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane until June 2023, following PRISMA guidelines. The Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT) risk of bias tool was used for quality assessment, revealing a low risk of bias across all studies. Our findings demonstrate that both natural and synthetic MMP inhibitors significantly reduce MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities in mammalian cells. These compounds offer potential therapeutic benefits in managing diseases characterized by excessive MMP activity, such as periapical lesions and periodontal disease. This review highlights the therapeutic potential of MMP inhibitors in dentistry, specifically focusing on the promising roles of natural and synthetic MMP inhibitors in protecting ECM integrity.