Ectodermal and ectomesenchymal marker expression in primary cell lines of complex and compound odontomas: a pilot study

Multiple approaches to oral epithelial dysplasia degree analyses: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) is the presence of cells of an abnormal type within a tissue, which may signify a stage preceding the development of cancer. Our aim was to determine the interrelation between the expression of multiple molecular markers and the histological features of oral dysplasia.

METHODS

Fifteen samples of OED (five for each severity degree) were analyzed through software assisted image cytometry nuclear morphology. p53 (wild-type and mutated form), Bax and Bcl2 expression was immunohistochemically determined, and the gene expression of MMP1, MMP2, MMP9 and hTERT was determined by RT-PCR. The mean, standard deviation, ANOVA and Fisher's Exact Test (P<0.05) were performed.

RESULTS

Our analysis indicated congruence between the software-assisted measurement of nuclear morphology and severity degree. Only five samples were positive to p53-mutated form; and Bax was more expressed than Bcl-2. hTERT expression was significantly expressed in relation to severity, and MMP1 was predominantly expressed, followed by MMP9 and MMP2.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results reinforce that software-assisted measurement is an alternative to severity degree determination. MMP1 is an important marker for severity dysplasia degree; however, the predominant expression of Bax over Bcl-2 suggests that this pro-apoptotic state could be used to minorize the progression, perhaps, as a future therapeutic target.

Analysis of Protein Immunoexpression and Its Interrelationship in the Pathogenesis of Odontomas and Ameloblastic Fibro-Odontomas: A Systematic Review

Odontomas and ameloblastic fibro-odontomas (AFOs) are the result of a developmental anomaly of odontogenic tissues. A literature review of proteins immunoexpressed in odontomas and AFOs was conducted in order to determine which proteins are involved in the pathogenesis of these lesions. AFO was changed to early odontoma in the 2017 WHO classification and will also be discussed in this article. A literature search was performed in the following electronic databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, Lilacs, Cochrane Collaboration Library, and Science Direct. The research question was developed according to the population, intervention, comparison, and outcome (PICO) framework: Which proteins are related to the differentiation of odontomas and what is their interrelationship with AFOs? Thirty articles met all inclusion criteria and were selected for this systematic review, totaling 355 cases of odontomas and 43 cases of AFO. Similar immunoexpression was observed in odontomas and AFOs. Immunoexpression of proteins involved in cell differentiation was higher in compound odontomas than in complex odontomas. Proteins involved in histodifferentiation and enamel formation were more frequent in odontomas. The immunoexpression of enamel matrix proteins differs between odontomas and tooth germs, with their persistence being related to the development of odontomas. Compound odontomas exhibit the highest immunoexpression of proteins involved in cellular histodifferentiation and the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway is involved in tumor formation.

Surgical management of compound odontomas: piezoelectric surgery or rotary instruments? A clinical study

BACKGROUND

Odontomas are odontogenic tumors with a clinicopathological heterogeneity and a variable biological behavior. They usually are asymptomatic and can be discovered by routine radiographic investigations. This study aims to examine and compare intra- and postoperative consequences associated with use of piezosurgery and conventional rotary instruments for the removal of these oral lesions.

METHODS

Clinical and histological data of 120 consecutive patients with a mean age of 22 years and 1 month (age range from 19 years and 1 month to 25 years and 3 months) with compound odontomas, diagnosed by biopsy, were assembled. Of a total of 120, 100 oral lesions were placed in the anterior region of the maxilla; of these, 50 were extracted through traditional rotary instruments (GROUP 1) and 50 with piezoelectric surgery (GROUP 2). The remaining 20 oral masses took place in the posterior area of the same bone; of these, 10 were extracted through traditional rotary instruments (GROUP 1a) and 10 with piezosurgery. (GROUP 2b). The piezoelectric cutting device was (Mectron Medical Technology) with MT1-10 insert, pump level 4, vibration level 7. Finally, pain, swelling, and surgical time evaluation were measured 24-48-72 hours after the intervention.

RESULTS

As regards the mean time of surgery, in Group (1 and 1a) were 12 minutes, while in Group (2 and 2a) were 18 minutes. Regarding surgery, the osteotomy of the cortical bone was performed in all cases. As regards the measure of bone saved, calculated through a surgery gauge, it was greater of 3.2 mm in Group (2 and 2a) than in Group (1and 1a). The main of facial swelling in both Groups (1 and 1a) was 5.82 mm and 2.23 mm for the Groups (2 and 2a) immediately after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Piezosurgery produced less postoperative discomfort about the swelling. It is an effective technique in daily surgical practice, especially as regards the safety of soft tissues, bone, and nerves.