RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Ameloblastoma is the most frequently encountered benign, locally invasive tumor. Attempts to surgically resect the tumor often leave small islands of tumor, which later result in recurrence in 50%-90% of cases. This has raised questions regarding the tumor cell populations that are responsible for tumor growth and recurrence. In ameloblastoma, whether or not cancer stem-like cells are present remains undetermined. However, if cancer stem-like cells are present in ameloblastoma, it is important to identify which type of cell possesses the stem-like characteristics and is responsible for ameloblastoma progression and recurrence. AIM: Our study aims at analyzing immunohistochemical staining to detect the expression of cancer stem cell (CSC) marker CD44 in relation to proliferative activity of tumor cells in histopathologically diagnosed cases of ameloblastoma variants and to derive a correlation between the CD44 expression and biologic behavior of the lesion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study, was conducted on total 25 cases ameloblastoma and were immunostained for CD44 expression. Results obtained were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: A positive correlation was observed between staining intensity of CD44 marker and the known biological behavior of the lesion. Intense staining reaction was found to be only in 8% cases, whereas 76% cases demonstrated moderate intensity and remaining 16% displayed mild immunoreactivity to CD44 marker. Staining location was more to be in stellate reticulum-like (SR-like) cells when compared to ameloblast-like (AB-like) cells. Intense immunostaining was localized in the small tumor follicles, especially in SR-like cells situated in close vicinity of peripheral AB-like cells whereas mild intensity of staining was observed in keratinizing areas. CONCLUSION: CSCs marker positive expression in benign tumor like ameloblastoma may be responsible for its aggressiveness and recurrence. CD44 marker may be of great value in predicting the biological behavior and growth potential of ameloblastoma.
RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Histological stains are dyes that bind to various tissues. Special stains form an integral part of routine histopathology as an adjunct to Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), and give meaningful diagnostic information of the tissues available. By using routine histological procedure like H&E alone, it is difficult to differentiate the various hard tissues present in the oral pathological lesions. Modified Gallego's stain can be used as one of the differential stain for these hard tissues. AIM: To differentiate various hard tissues of teeth and to identify the presence of hard tissue components in different oral pathological lesions using Modified Gallego's stain under light microscope. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total sample of 20 cases, amongst which 10 were human extracted teeth and 10 oral pathological lesions were included. From 10 human extracted teeth, five ground sections and five decalcified sections were prepared. From pathological lesions, two slides of each lesion were prepared. All the sections were stained with Modified Gallego's stain and viewed under light microscopy. RESULTS: In properly stained slides, cementum stained red, dentin and bone stained green and enamel stained pink in colour. CONCLUSION: Modified Gallego's stain can be used as a differential stain for various hard tissues in oral pathological lesions and also for ground sections for which histochemical stains are very rare.
