Heterogeneity in the gingival fibromatoses

Gene expression profiling and bioinformatics analysis of hereditary gingival fibromatosis

Hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) is a benign, non-hemorrhagic and fibrous gingival overgrowth that may cover all or part of the teeth. It typically interferes with speech, lip closure and chewing, and can also be a psychological burden that affects the self-esteem of patients. Owing to high genetic heterogeneity, genetic testing to confirm diagnosis is not justified. It is therefore important to identify key signature genes and to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying HGF. The aim of the present study was to determine HGF-related genes and to analyze these genes through bioinformatics methods. A total of 249 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), consisting of 65 upregulated and 184 downregulated genes, were identified in the GSE4250 dataset of Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) when comparing with the gums of HGF patients with those of healthy controls using the affy and limma packages in R. Subsequently, 28 enriched gene ontology terms were obtained from the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery, and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed and analyzed using STRING and Cytoscape. There were 99 nodes and 118 edges in the PPI network of these DEGs obtained through STRING. Among these nodes, 12 core genes were identified, of which the highest degree node was the gene for POTE ankyrin domain family member I. Collectively the results indicate that bioinformatics methods may provide effective strategies for predicting HGF-related genes and for understanding the molecular mechanisms of HGF.

REST Final-Exon-Truncating Mutations Cause Hereditary Gingival Fibromatosis

Hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) is the most common genetic form of gingival fibromatosis that develops as a slowly progressive, benign, localized or generalized enlargement of keratinized gingiva. HGF is a genetically heterogeneous disorder and can be transmitted either as an autosomal-dominant or autosomal-recessive trait or appear sporadically. To date, four loci (2p22.1, 2p23.3-p22.3, 5q13-q22, and 11p15) have been mapped to autosomes and one gene (SOS1) has been associated with the HGF trait observed to segregate in a dominant inheritance pattern. Here we report 11 individuals with HGF from three unrelated families. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) revealed three different truncating mutations including two frameshifts and one nonsense variant in RE1-silencing transcription factor (REST) in the probands from all families and further genetic and genomic analyses confirmed the WES-identified findings. REST is a transcriptional repressor that is expressed throughout the body; it has different roles in different cellular contexts, such as oncogenic and tumor-suppressor functions and hematopoietic and cardiac differentiation. Here we show the consequences of germline final-exon-truncating mutations in REST for organismal development and the association with the HGF phenotype.

Hereditary gingival fibromatosis with extreme ridge thickness and insufficient interarch distance: A clinical report of surgical and prosthetic management

Hereditary gingival fibromatosis is a rare genetic disorder resulting in gingival overgrowth that can be found in both dental arches. As a result of the gingival overgrowth and associated dental displacement, affected patients occasionally present with increased occlusal vertical dimension and/or inadequate lip closure. Depending on the disorder's severity, these patients can be challenging to treat. This clinical report describes a comprehensive surgical and prosthetic approach to the rehabilitation of a middle-aged patient with severe manifestations of hereditary gingival fibromatosis and severe generalized chronic periodontitis.

Nifedipine and phenytoin induce matrix synthesis, but not proliferation, in intact human gingival connective tissue ex vivo

Drug-induced gingival enlargement (DIGE) is a fibrotic condition that can be caused by the antihypertensive drug nifedipine and the anti-seizure drug phenytoin, but the molecular etiology of this type of fibrosis is not well understood and the role of confounding factors such as inflammation remains to be fully investigated. The aim of this study was to develop an ex vivo gingival explant system to allow investigation of the effects of nifedipine and phenytoin alone on human gingival tissue. Comparisons were made to the histology of human DIGE tissue retrieved from individuals with DIGE. Increased collagen, fibronectin, and proliferating fibroblasts were evident, but myofibroblasts were not detected in DIGE samples caused by nifedipine and phenytoin. In healthy gingiva cultured in nifedipine or phenytoin-containing media, the number of cells positive for p-SMAD2/3 increased, concomitant with increased CCN2 and periostin immunoreactivity compared to untreated explants. Collagen content assessed through hydroxyproline assays was significantly higher in tissues cultured with either drug compared to control tissues, which was confirmed histologically. Matrix fibronectin levels were also qualitatively greater in tissues treated with either drug. No significant differences in proliferating cells were observed between any of the conditions. Our study demonstrates that nifedipine and phenytoin activate canonical transforming growth factor-beta signaling, CCN2 and periostin expression, as well as increase collagen density, but do not influence cell proliferation or induce myofibroblast differentiation. We conclude that in the absence of confounding variables, nifedipine and phenytoin alter matrix homeostasis in gingival tissue explants ex vivo, and drug administration is a significant factor influencing ECM accumulation in gingival enlargement.

"Whisking of ugly tissue"… A surgical management of gingival fibromatosis in a 15-year-old girl: A rare case report

Gingival fibromatosis is a condition characterized by a slow, progressive increase in the gingival tissue that develops as either an isolated disorder or as part of the clinical characteristics of diverse syndrome. The present case report describes a rare case of gingival fibromatosis and its management using scalpel in combination with electrosurgery. A 15-year-old girl patient presented with a chief complaint of gingival overgrowth covering all the surfaces upper and lower teeth. The growth was excised with periodontal knife in combination with electrosurgery under local anesthesia. After 1-year of follow-up, healing was uneventful with no recurrence. Combined technique for the removal of gingival overgrowth represents a unique treatment approach where minimal postoperative bleeding and discomfort were observed.

Hereditary gingival fibromatosis: clinical and ultrastructural features of a new family

Objective: This article describes the diagnosis, clinical and microscopic (histopathology and ultrastructural) features and treatment of a new family with hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) and highlights the importance of this genetic condition. Study Design: To characterize the pattern of inheritance and the clinical features, members of a new family with HGF were examined. The pedigree was reliably constructed including the four latest generations of family. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and ultrastructural analysis were performed with the gingival tissue. Results: Examination of the family pedigree revealed that the patient III-2 represent the index patient of this family (initial patient with a mutation), which was transmitted to her daughter through an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. The affected patients showed a generalized gingival overgrowth. The patient was treated with surgical procedures of gingivectomy and gingivoplasty. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology examination that showed a well-structured epithelium with elongated and thin papillae inserted in fibrous connective tissue with increased amount of collagen. The ultrastructural aspects of the tissue show collagen fibrils exhibiting their typically repeating banding pattern with some fibrils displaying loops at their end. Moreover, it was possible to seen in some regions fibrillar component presenting tortuous aspects and loss of the alignment among them. Conclusions: This HGF frequently resulted in both esthetic and functional problems. The genetic pattern of this Brazilian family suggested a new mutation, which was later transmitted by an autosomal dominant trait.

Key words:Gingival fibromatosis, genetic disease, pedigree, ultrastructure.

Idiopathic gingival fibromatosis associated with progressive hearing loss: A nonfamilial variant of Jones syndrome

Gingival fibromatosis is characterized by gingival tissue overgrowth of a firm and fibrotic nature. The growth is slow and progressive and is drug-induced, idiopathic, or hereditary in etiology. It occurs isolated or frequently as a component of various syndromes. Our patient presented with the complaint of gingival enlargement associated with progressive deafness, characteristic of Jones syndrome. This case report is important and unique since it is the first known one to have a Jones syndrome-like presentation without a family history. A male patient aged 14 years reported with the chief complaint of swelling of gums and progressive hearing loss in both ears for the past one year. There was no family history or history of drug intake. Enlargement was generalized, fibrotic and bulbous, involving the free and attached gingiva, extending up to the middle 1/3^rd of the crown. Investigations such as pure tone audiogram, impedance audiometry, and Tone decay test concluded that there was severe right and moderate left sensorineural hearing loss. The case was diagnosed to be idiopathic, generalized gingival fibromatosis with progressive hearing loss. The gingival overgrowth was managed by gingivectomy and periodic review. The patient was advised to use high occlusion computer generated hearing aids for his deafness as it was not treatable by medicines or surgery. This unique case report once again emphasizes the heterogeneity of gingival fibromatosis, which can present in an atypical manner.

Severe gingival enlargement associated with aggressive periodontitis

Enlargement of the gingiva can be due to various causes. Most prevalent are the inflammatory type and drug-induced type of gingival hyperplasia. However, sever enlargement associated with an aggressive type of periodontitis is an infrequent finding. Reported here is a case of a female patient aged 18 years who presented with severe enlargement of the maxillary and mandibular gingiva. Examination revealed enlargement extending up to the incisal edge of all the teeth and also an associated generalized loss of attachment with radiographic evidence of reduced bone height resembling an aggressive type of periodontitis. There were no associated systemic signs and symptoms or any family history except that there was generalized vitiligo of the skin and oral mucous membrane. The case was treated by gross electrosection of the gingiva.

Ipsilateral idiopathic gingival enlargement and it's management using conventional gingivectomy and diode laser: A recurrent case after 15 years

Idiopathic gingival fibromatosis is a relatively rare condition characterized by the proliferation of the gingival tissues resulting in masticatory, esthetics, phonetics and psychological disturbances. The severity of the overgrowth can range from a solitary isolated mass to a more generalized and diffused enlargement. The etiopathogenesis of this bizarre condition is poorly understood and has been attributed to various factors. It can present as a single disorder or may manifest as part of a syndrome. This case reports an ipsilateral diffused idiopathic gingival enlargement in a middle aged adult recurring after a gap of 15 years. External bevel gingivectomy on the buccal aspects of maxillary and mandibular gingiva and diode laser for excision of the enlarged tissue on the lingual/palatal aspect was carried out to eliminate the excessive tissue. Periodic recalls showed maintenance of good oral hygiene and 1 year follow-up revealed no recurrence.

Immunoexpression of α2-integrin and Hsp47 in hereditary gingival fibromatosis and gingival fibromatosis-associated dental abnormalities

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the expression of the α2-integrin subunit and heat shock protein 47 (Hsp47) in two families with isolated gingival fibromatosis (GF) form and one family with GF associated with dental abnormalities and normal gingiva (NG). Study Design: Immunohistochemistry was performed with antibodies against α2-integrin and Hsp47 in specimens from two unrelated families with hereditary gingival fibromatosis (Families 1 and 2) and from one family with a gingival fibromatosis-associated dental abnormality (Family 3); NG samples were used for comparison. The results were analysed statistically. Results: Immunoreactivity for α2-integrin and Hsp47 was observed in the nucleus of epithelial cells of both the basal and suprabasal layer and a more discreet signal was noted in connective tissue in all study samples. Hsp47 showed higher immunoreactivity in Family 2 compared with the other families (p≤0.05). Despite the markup α2-integrin was higher in Family 3 there was no statistically significant difference between the families studied (p≥0.05). Conclusions: Our results confirmed the heterogeneity of GF, such that similar patterns of expression of the condition may show differences in the expression of proteins such as Hsp47. Although no difference in α2-integrin expression was observed between GF and NG groups, future studies are necessary to determine the exact role of this protein in the various forms of GF and whether it contributes to GF pathogenesis.

Key words:Gingival fibromatosis, integrin alpha2, heat shock protein Hsp47.

Surgical and prosthetic treatment in an elderly patient affected by unilateral idiopathic gingival fibromatosis: a case report

OBJECTIVES

The aim was to present the diagnosis and treatment of a case of unilateral idiopathic gingival fibromatosis (IGF) in a geriatric patient.

BACKGROUND

IGF is a rare condition characterised by an enlargement of the attached and marginal gingivae with no obvious association to any causative factor. Gingival overgrowth causes inaesthetic changes and clinical symptoms such as speech disturbances, tooth movement, and occlusal problems.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 65-year-old female presented localised enlargement of mandibular gingiva, malpositioning of anterior mandibular teeth, and difficulty in speech and mastication. IGF also causes numerous aesthetic and psychological problems. Treatment consisted of multiple extractions, surgical therapy, and early prosthetic rehabilitation to restore function and appearance and to prevent recurrence.

RESULTS

Excellent aesthetic result and psychological benefit were achieved, and no fibromatosis recurrence was detected after 1 year following surgery.

CONCLUSION

Gingival resection of the tissue excess and early oral rehabilitation with removable dentures have so far greatly improved patient's quality of life.

Pediatric fibroblastic and myofibroblastic lesions

Fibrous lesions of infancy and childhood are a heterogeneous group of entities composed predominantly of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, ranging from reactive lesions to neoplasms with a range of malignant potential. Although rare, their correct recognition by histopathology is important clinically as they exhibit a wide range of behaviors and may be associated with distinct underlying syndromes. Contributions from molecular diagnostics have enabled more accurate diagnosis, and have changed our concepts of some tumor types. In this review, we discuss the clinicopathologic spectrum of fibroblastic and myofibroblastic lesions of childhood and adolescence.

Minichromosome maintenance 2 and 5 expressions are increased in the epithelium of hereditary gingival fibromatosis associated with dental abnormalities

INTRODUCTION

Gingiva fibromatosis is a relatively rare condition characterized by diffuse enlargement of the gingiva, which is caused by expansion and accumulation of the connective tissue.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to investigate proliferative and apoptotic biomarker expression in normal gingiva and two forms of gingival fibromatosis.

METHODS

Archived tissue specimens of hereditary gingival fibromatosis, gingival fibromatosis and dental abnormality syndrome and normal gingiva were subject to morphological analysis and immunohistochemical staining. The results were analyzed statistically.

RESULTS

Proteins associated with proliferation were found in the nuclei of epithelial cells from the basal and suprabasal layers, whereas apoptotic proteins were detected in the cytoplasm of the upper layers of the epithelium. Increased expressions of minichromosome maintenance proteins 2 and 5 were observed in the gingival fibromatosis and dental abnormality syndrome samples. In contrast, geminin expression was higher in normal gingiva samples. No difference in the expression of apoptotic proteins was observed among the groups.

CONCLUSION

Our findings support a role for augmented proliferation of epithelial cells within the overgrown tissues associated with gingival fibromatosis or dental abnormality syndrome. However, our data suggest that different biological mechanisms may account for the pathogenesis of different types of gingival fibromatosis.

Cherubism combined with epilepsy, mental retardation and gingival fibromatosis (Ramon syndrome): a case report

Cherubism is an inherited, autosomal dominant disorder that characteristically affects the jaws of children. The disease typically manifest as a bilateral swelling with associated submandibular lymph node enlargements and usually regresses as age advances. The disease is microscopically indistinguishable from other giant cell lesions and is essentially a clinical diagnosis. The association of cherubism with gingival fibromatosis, epilepsy, mental retardation, stunted growth, and hypertrichosis is referred as Ramon syndrome. We report a case of Ramon syndrome in an 8 year old girl.

Case reports of a new syndrome associating gingival fibromatosis and dental abnormalities in a consanguineous family

BACKGROUND

Gingival fibromatosis (GF) is characterized by fibrotic enlargement of the gingiva that can be inherited as an isolated trait (named hereditary gingival fibromatosis) or as a component of a syndrome. This article reports one kindred affected by a syndrome characterized by GF associated with dental abnormalities (DA) including generalized thin hypoplastic amelogenesis imperfecta (AI).

METHODS

To characterize the pattern of inheritance and the clinical features, 70 family members were examined. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) were performed to identify the alterations on gingiva, teeth, and dental follicles.

RESULTS

Examination of the family pedigree demonstrated multiple consanguineous first-cousin marriages and an autosomal recessive trait of inheritance. Four members demonstrated mild GF in association with DA, including generalized thin hypoplastic AI, intrapulpal calcifications, delay of tooth eruption, and pericoronal radiolucencies involving unerupted teeth. One of those four patients also had mental retardation (MR). MR as an isolated feature was observed in six members, whereas isolated GF was found in one individual. A combination of gingivectomy and gingivoplasty followed by regular dental procedures were performed in these patients. Histologic examination of the gingival enlargement revealed a dense connective tissue containing myofibroblasts, islands of odontogenic epithelium, and calcified psammomatous deposits, which resembled cementicle-like structures by SEM. Pericoronal lesions also showed calcified psammomatous deposits in association with islands of odontogenic epithelium. Enamel ultrastructure analysis revealed normal surface alternating with irregular and porous areas.

CONCLUSION

To the best of our knowledge, these cases represent a new syndrome within the spectrum of those including GF.

Hereditary Gingival Fibromatosis: A Systematic Review

Generalized gingival enlargement can be caused by a variety of etiological factors. It can be inherited (hereditary gingival fibromatosis [HGF]); associated with other diseases characterizing a syndrome; or induced as a side effect of systemic drugs, such as phenytoin, cyclosporin, or nifedipine. HGF, previously known as elephantiasis gingivae, hereditary gingival hyperplasia, and hypertrophic gingiva, is a genetic disorder characterized by a progressive enlargement of the gingiva. This review will focus on diagnosis, treatment, and control of HGF. The pattern of inheritance, the histopathologic characteristics, and the known biologic and genetic features associated with HGF are also emphasized.

Nicotine inhibits myofibroblast differentiation in human gingival fibroblasts

Cigarette smoking has been suggested as a risk factor for several periodontal diseases. It has also been found that smokers respond less favorably than non-smokers to periodontal therapy. Previous work in our lab has shown that nicotine inhibits human gingival cell migration. Since myofibroblasts play an important role in wound closure, we asked if nicotine affects gingival wound healing process by regulating myofibroblast differentiation. Human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) from two patients were cultured in 10% fetal bovine serum cell culture medium. Cells were pretreated with different doses of nicotine (0, 0.01, 0.1, and 1 mM) for 2 h, and then incubated with transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta1) (0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 ng/ml) with or without nicotine for 30 h. The expression level of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA), a specific marker for myofibroblasts, was analyzed by Western blots, immunocytochemistry, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR). Phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (Phospho-p38 MAPK) activity was analyzed by Western blots. TGF-beta1 induced an increase of alpha-SMA protein and mRNA expression, while nicotine (1 mM) inhibited the TGF-beta1-induced expression of alpha-SMA but not beta-actin. Nicotine treatment down-regulated TGF-beta1-induced p38 MAPK phosphorylation. Our results demonstrated for the first time that nicotine inhibits myofibroblast differentiation in human gingival fibroblasts in vitro; supporting the hypothesis that delayed wound healing in smokers may be due to decreased wound contraction by myofibroblasts.

Gingival fibromatosis and significant tooth eruption delay in an 11-year-old male: a 30-month follow-up

This case report describes the dental management of an unusual case of idiopathic gingival fibromatosis with multiple impacted primary teeth, and the absence of eruption of permanent teeth, in an 11-year-old boy and at the 30-month follow-up. The patient presented with severely enlarged gingival tissues affecting both arches and multiple retained and non-erupted primary teeth. He had already been subjected to localized gingivectomies at the ages of 7 and 9 years. He had no known syndrome and there was no family history of any similar disorder. The patient was treated under general anaesthesia to remove the excessive gingival tissues using apically positioned flaps. During the surgical procedure, over-retained and unerupted impacted primary teeth were extracted in order to facilitate the eruption of the permanent successors. Two years postoperatively, there was no recurrence of the gingival enlargement. Overdentures were then constructed because none of the permanent teeth had yet erupted. Furthermore, pre-eruptive coronal resorption was detected radiographically affecting the crown of the unerupted 36. Thirty months postoperatively, no recurrence of gingival enlargement was seen, but the permanent teeth had still not erupted.

La fibromatose gingivale associée au chérubisme

INTRODUCTION

Gingival fibromatosis is frequently an isolated condition, but rarely associated with certain illnesses, or uncommon syndromes.

CASE

This work describes a young patient presenting cherubism, with perturbed consciousness and very hyperplastic gingiva covering the major part of the dental crowns.

DISCUSSION

We recall the characteristic clinical features of cherubism. Outcome is generally favorable with regression of the swelling. The combination with gingival fibromatosis is a particular manifestation.

Spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma of the tongue in an infant: a case report with emphasis on differential diagnosis of childhood spindle cell lesions

Malignant tumors are extremely uncommon in infants, specifically in the head and neck region. We present a three-day-old infant with a large, polypoid, soft tissue mass arising from the floor of the mouth. Histologically, this neoplasm consisted of hypercellular and myxoid areas. A mixture of poorly oriented, small, undifferentiated, hyperchromatic, and round to elongate spindle cells was seen. A high degree of striated muscle differentiation was present, along with areas marked by a herringbone pattern, as well as hemangiopericytic vessels and rare mitosis. Immunohistochemical examinations revealed strong nuclear staining for myogenin and diffuse cytoplasmic staining for desmin and muscle-specific actin (HHF-35). The tumor did not stain for S-100. Based on histologic results and immunostains, this lesion was diagnosed as spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma. This type of lesion involving the tongue is rarely seen in females, neither in association with a herringbone pattern nor with hemangiopericytic vessels. Furthermore, rare benign and malignant spindle lesions, such as cellular fibromatosis, fetal rhabdomyoma, infantile hemangiopericytoma, infantile rhabdomyofibrosarcoma, and infantile fibrosarcoma, should be in the differential diagnosis and excluded.

Hereditary gingival fibromatosis associated with generalized aggressive periodontitis: a case report

BACKGROUND

Hereditary gingival fibromatosis is a rare, genetically inherited overgrowth condition that is clinically characterized by a benign fibrous enlargement of maxillary and mandibular keratinized gingiva. A syndromic association between gingival fibromatosis and a wide variety of other genetically inherited disorders has been described. However, its coexistence with aggressive periodontitis has not been reported.

METHODS

A 24-year-old African-American female, patient (proband X, [Px]) reported with a chief complaint of tooth mobility and gingival enlargement. Clinical examination revealed moderate to severe gingival overgrowth on both mandible and maxilla. Generalized attachment loss and mobility of the teeth were observed. Radiographic evaluation demonstrated severe alveolar bone loss. The patient was diagnosed with gingival fibromatosis and aggressive periodontitis based on the clinical and radiographic findings. Her brother (Bx) and her mother (Mx) were evaluated and diagnosed with gingival fibromatosis suggesting that this is a dominant trait in the family and gingival fibromatosis might be of hereditary origin. In addition, the brother also exhibited localized aggressive periodontitis. Medical history revealed no other systemic or local contributory factors associated with the oral findings in any of the subjects.

RESULTS

Surgical therapy included internal bevel gingivectomy combined with open flap debridement procedures for Px and Bx. Only internal bevel gingivectomy was performed for Mx since there was mild bone resorption and no intrabony defects. At the time of surgery, gingival biopsies were obtained and fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde. Multiple serial sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Microscopic evaluation of the gingival specimens revealed large parallel collagen bundles associated with scarce fibroblasts in the connective tissue. The collagen bundles reached into the subepithelial connective tissue where elongated rete-pegs were also observed. Following the completion of the treatment, no signs of recurrence or bone resorption were observed over 2-year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report of hereditary gingival fibromatosis associated with aggressive periodontitis. Combined treatment comprising removal of fibrotic gingival tissue and traditional flap surgery for the elimination of intrabony defects represents a unique treatment approach in periodontal therapy. Two-year follow-up revealed that both the gingival overgrowth and the destructive lesions were successfully treated.

Cyclosporin A induces proliferation in human gingival fibroblasts via induction of transforming growth factor-beta1

BACKGROUND

Cyclosporin A (CsA) is a widely used immunosuppressant that causes significant side effects including gingival overgrowth. The pathogenesis of this condition is not fully understood; however, recent studies show that CsA regulates the transcription of several cytokines including transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta1). In this study, we evaluated the effects of CsA and TGF-beta1 on human normal gingival (NG) fibroblast proliferation, and explored a possible autocrine stimulation of TGF-beta1 as a cellular regulator of proliferation induced by CsA in NG fibroblasts.

METHODS

NG fibroblast cell lines were incubated with increasing concentrations of CsA or TGF-beta1 and the proliferation index determined by automatic cell counting, BrdU incorporation, PCNA expression, and mitotic potential. To determine the effect of TGF-beta1 on the proliferation rate of NG fibroblasts under CsA treatment, NG fibroblast cultures were simultaneously treated with CsA and antisense oligonucleotides against the translation-start site of the TGF-beta1 mRNA.

RESULTS

Treatment of NG fibroblasts with CsA or TGF-beta1 significantly stimulated the cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, neutralization of TGF-beta1 production in CsA-treated NG fibroblasts inhibited CsA's effect on NG fibroblast proliferation, demonstrating an autocrine stimulatory effect of TGF-beta1 in CsA-treated NG fibroblast proliferation.

CONCLUSION

The results presented here suggest that CsA stimulatory induction of NG fibroblast proliferation is mediated via TGF-beta1 in an autocrine fashion.

A case of Zimmermann-Laband syndrome with supernumerary teeth

BACKGROUND

Zimmermann-Laband syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disorder that is characterized by gingival fibromatosis, ear, nose, bone, and nail defects, and hepatosplenomegaly.

METHODS

This case report describes the clinical presentation and periodontal findings in a 13-year-old female patient with previously undiagnosed Zimmermann-Laband syndrome.

RESULTS

Clinical and radiographic findings and genetic counseling confirmed the diagnosis of Zimmermann-Laband syndrome. The most striking oral findings were the presence of gingival enlargement involving both the maxillary and mandibular arches, anterior open bite, non-erupted teeth, and two supernumerary teeth. Periodontal treatment consisted of gingivectomy in four quadrants. Histopathologic evaluation of excised tissue supported the diagnosis of gingival fibromatosis. The patient was referred for appropriate orthodontic treatment and genetic counseling, and has been closely followed for the earliest signs of hepatosplenomegaly.

CONCLUSIONS

Dental practitioners should be alert for developmental abnormalities that may occur in patients with gingival fibromatosis as this may indicate the presence of a rare disorder like Zimmermann-Laband syndrome. A comprehensive medical history and physical systemic evaluation are essential for correct diagnosis and treatment of these cases.

A new locus for hereditary gingival fibromatosis (GINGF2) maps to 5q13-q22

Gingival fibromatosis (GINGF) is an oral disorder characterized by enlargement of the gingiva. It occurs either as the sole phenotype or combined with other symptoms. Thus far, one GINGF locus has been mapped on chromosome 2, at 2p21, and a second possible locus has been mapped to 2p13. However, the genes responsible for this disorder have not been elucidated. We identified a four-generation Chinese GINGF family in which the disease manifests within 1 year after birth. After exclusion of the two known GINGF loci in this family, we performed a genome-wide search to map the chromosome location of the responsible gene. We identified a new locus, GINGF2, on chromosome 5q13-q22 with a maximum two-point lod score of 4.31 at D5S1721 (theta = 0.00). Haplotype analysis placed the critical region in the interval defined by D5S1491 and D5S1453. Within this region, calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV (CAMK4) is a strong candidate.

Comparação microscópica e proliferativa de fibroblastos gengivais de pacientes com gengiva normal e com fibromatose gengival hereditária

Fibromatose gengival hereditária (FGH) é uma condição bucal rara clinicamente manifestada por um aumento gengival generalizado e fibrótico, podendo apresentar-se de forma isolada ou associada a outras alterações, como parte de síndromes. Os mecanismos biológicos envolvidos na FGH são desconhecidos, e os resultados de estudos de cultura celulares são controversos. Para elucidar as características fenotípicas dos fibroblastos de FGH, nós isolamos quatro linhagens celulares de fibroblastos de FGH de indivíduos de uma mesma família e comparamos as características morfológicas e proliferativas com fibroblastos provenientes de pacientes com gengiva clinicamente normal (GN). Fibroblastos de GN e FGH em condições de subconfluência celular apresentaram típicas características morfológicas, como formato fusiforme, núcleo central e longos prolongamentos citoplasmáticos, mas em condições de saturação da densidade celular, os fibroblastos de FGH apresentaram dimensões menores que as células controle. A relação núcleo/citoplasma foi sempre menor para todas as linhagens celulares de fibroblastos de FGH, sugerindo que a redução celular, é proveniente de uma redução ou compactação citoplasmática e não nuclear. A capacidade proliferativa de fibroblastos de FGH foi maior que a de fibroblastos de GN. Estes resultados sugerem que diferenças morfológicas e proliferativas dos fibroblastos de FGH podem estar associadas aos eventos biológicos envolvidos na etiopatogenia do aumento gengival observado em pacientes com FGH.

Gingival fibromatosis and Klippel-Trénaunay-Weber syndrome. Case report

A case of a young male with the Klippel-Trénaunay-Weber syndrome is described. Typical features of hemihypertrophy, hemangiomata, macrodactyly, and macrocephaly were present. The most striking oral feature was generalized severe gingival hypertrophy confirmed histologically, ultrastructurally, and by collagen analysis. In the absence of other known systemic causes of gingival enlargement, a diagnosis of familial gingival fibromatosis in association with Klippel-Trénaunay-Weber-syndrome is concluded. The combination of gingival fibromatosis and Klippel-Trénaunay-Weber syndrome has not been reported to our knowledge, it is uncertain whether this occurrence is significant or coincidental.

Hereditary gingival fibromatosis. Report of an extensive four-generation pedigree

A Brazilian family with hereditary gingival fibromatosis is described with multiple affected subjects in four generations. A total of 50 (48%), of 105 at-risk offspring in a family of 132 members were affected, consistent with an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. This family appears to represent the largest pedigree with this condition reported in the literature.

Hypertrichosis universalis congenita: a separate entity, or the same disease as gingival fibromatosis?

Hypertrichosis universalis congenita is an extremely rare disorder characterized by generalized hypertrichosis. It is generally accepted as being inherited as an autosomal dominant trait with varying expression. Many aspects of this disease are still unknown. Several reports associating hypertrichosis and gingival fibromatosis raise the question of whether they are separate entities or the same disease with different expressions of the underlying process. Hypertrichosis universalis congenita occurred in a 6-year-old girl without known family history. Her facial features were simian-like and her gingiva was moderately hyperplastic. We pose the question of whether or not these phenomena are related.