Analysis of oral lichen planus severity on micro-RNA linked with malignant transformation risks

Immunomethylomic profiles of long-term head and neck squamous cell carcinoma survivors on immune checkpoint inhibitors

Aim: This study addresses the challenge of predicting the response of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients to immunotherapy. Methods: Using DNA methylation cytometry, we analyzed the immune profiles of six HNSCC patients who showed a positive response to immunotherapy over a year without disease progression. Results: There was an initial increase in CD8 T memory cells and natural killer cells during the first four cycles of immunotherapy, which then returned to baseline levels after a year. Baseline CD8 T cell levels were lower in HNSCC immunotherapy responders but became similar to those in healthy subjects after immunotherapy. Conclusion: These findings suggest that monitoring fluctuations in immune profiles could potentially identify biomarkers for immunotherapy response in HNSCC patients.

Upregulation of psoriasin/S100A7 correlates with clinical severity in patients with oral lichen planus

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to: (1) investigate the expression patterns of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), specifically psoriasin (S100A7) and calgranulin A and B (S100A8/A9), in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) compared to healthy individuals; (2) evaluate the oral health-related quality of life (OHrQoL) in OLP patients versus healthy controls; (3) investigate the impact of clinical severity of OLP on OHrQoL; and (4) assess the influence of AMP expression on clinical severity and OHrQoL in OLP patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Oral mucosal biopsies (n = 38) were collected from healthy individuals (n = 17) and patients with OLP (n = 21). Levels of AMPs (S100A7, S100A8, S100A9) and pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) were assessed by RT-qPCR. AMP protein localization was identified by indirect immunofluorescence analysis. OHrQoL was assessed using the OHIP-G14 questionnaire, and clinical severity was evaluated with the Oral Disease Severity Score (ODSS). Correlations between OLP manifestation, OHrQoL, and AMP expression were evaluated.

RESULTS

(1) S100A7 (p < 0.001), IL-8 (p < 0.001), and TNFα (p < 0.001) mRNA levels were significantly upregulated in OLP tissue compared to healthy tissue, while S100A8 (p < 0.001) and S100A9 (p < 0.001) mRNA levels were downregulated. Immunofluorescence staining revealed an enhanced expression of S100A7 and decreased protein expression of S100A9 in OLP tissue. (2) OLP patients (9.58 ± 8.32) reported significantly higher OHIP-G14 scores compared to healthy individuals (0.67 ± 0.87; p < 0.001), particularly in the categories "physical pain" (p < 0.001) and "psychological discomfort" (p = 0.025). (3,4) Clinical severity (25.21 ± 9.77) of OLP correlated positively with OHrQoL (ρ = 0.497) and psoriasin expression (ρ = 0.402).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated differential expression patterns of AMPs in OLP and highlighted the correlation between the clinical manifestation of OLP and OHrQoL. Further research approaches should address the role of psoriasin in the risk of malignant transformation of OLP.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Psoriasin is a putative biomarker to monitor disease severity including malignant transformation of OLP lesions. OHIP-G14 scores can be useful to monitor OHrQoL in OLP patients.

Analysis of a Combination Therapy Protocol for the Treatment of Oral Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid: A Retrospective Case Series Study

Mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) is an autoimmune-based bullous disease affecting the mucous membranes, mainly oral and ocular. One of the most common clinical manifestations is desquamative gingivitis (DG), characterized by intense symptoms and functional limitations. The dentist is among the first specialists to observe DG and, therefore, must be able to diagnose it. In this regard, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a clinical protocol for the topical management of patients with DG and MMP buccal lesions. Thirteen patients with clinical and histologic diagnoses of MMP-localized DG in the oral cavity were retrospectively enrolled. Each patient received topical treatment with clobetasol propionate oral gel 0.05%; nicotinamide; oral probiotic (contains Bifidobacterium lactis HN019, Kluyveromyces marxianus fragilis B0399, colostrum, and biotin); and doxycycline. Before and after 3 months of therapy, clinic records were collected for each patient. Seven patients (53.8%) had a complete response to treatment; four patients (30.8%) had a partial response to treatment; and, finally, two patients (15.4%) had no benefit from therapy. Dental management of patients presenting solely with oral manifestations of MMP may involve the use of topical corticosteroids, doxycycline, vitamin supplements, and probiotics and associating professional oral hygiene procedures.

Chemopreventive and Biological Strategies in the Management of Oral Potentially Malignant and Malignant Disorders

Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) represent a significant global health burden due to their potential for malignant transformation and the challenges associated with their diagnosis and treatment. Chemoprevention, an innovative approach aimed at halting or reversing the neoplastic process before full malignancy, has emerged as a promising avenue for mitigating the impact of OPMD and OSCC. The pivotal role of chemopreventive strategies is underscored by the need for effective interventions that go beyond traditional therapies. In this regard, chemopreventive agents offer a unique opportunity to intercept disease progression by targeting the molecular pathways implicated in carcinogenesis. Natural compounds, such as curcumin, green tea polyphenols, and resveratrol, exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties that could make them potential candidates for curtailing the transformation of OPMD to OSCC. Moreover, targeted therapies directed at specific molecular alterations hold promise in disrupting the signaling cascades driving OSCC growth. Immunomodulatory agents, like immune checkpoint inhibitors, are gaining attention for their potential to harness the body's immune response against early malignancies, thus impeding OSCC advancement. Additionally, nutritional interventions and topical formulations of chemopreventive agents offer localized strategies for preventing carcinogenesis in the oral cavity. The challenge lies in optimizing these strategies for efficacy, safety, and patient compliance. This review presents an up to date on the dynamic interplay between molecular insights, clinical interventions, and the broader goal of reducing the burden of oral malignancies. As research progresses, the synergy between early diagnosis, non-invasive biomarker identification, and chemopreventive therapy is poised to reshape the landscape of OPMD and OSCC management, offering a glimpse of a future where these diseases are no longer insurmountable challenges but rather preventable and manageable conditions.