Increased salivary microvesicles are associated with the prognosis of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Microvesicles (MVs), which are cell-derived membrane vesicles present in body fluids, are closely associated with the development of malignant tumours. Saliva, one of the most versatile body fluids, is an important source of MVs. However, the association between salivary MVs (SMVs) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), which is directly immersed in the salivary milieu, remains unclear. SMVs from 65 patients with OSCC, 21 patients with oral ulcer (OU), and 42 healthy donors were purified, quantified and analysed for their correlations with the clinicopathologic features and prognosis of OSCC patients. The results showed that the level of SMVs was significantly elevated in patients with OSCC compared to healthy donors and OU patients. Meanwhile, the level of SMVs showed close correlations with the lymph node status, and the clinical stage of OSCC patients. Additionally, the ratio of apoptotic to non-apoptotic SMVs was significantly decreased in OSCC patients with higher pathological grade. Consistently, poorer overall survival was observed in patients with lower ratio of apoptotic to non-apoptotic SMVs. In conclusion, the elevated level of SMVs is associated with clinicopathologic features and decreased survival in patients with OSCC, suggesting that SMVs are a potential biomarker and/or regulator of the malignant progression of OSCC.

Overexpression of Fra-1, c-Jun and c-Fos in odontogenic keratocysts: potential correlation with proliferative and anti-apoptotic activity.

AIMS: The purpose of this study was to explore the potential involvement of Fra-1, c-Jun and c-Fos, three vital members of the AP-1 complex, in the pathogenesis of odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs). METHODS AND RESULTS: Tissue samples, containing 10 normal oral mucosa (OM), 10 dentigerous cysts (DC) and 32 OKC specimens, were applied to investigate the expression levels of Fra-1, c-Jun and c-Fos by immunohistochemistry and real-time-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The association between Fra-1, c-Jun and c-Fos expression levels and markers of proliferation [Ki-67, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)], anti-apoptosis (Bcl-2) was then investigated in the OKC serial tissue sections. The results showed that Fra-1, c-Jun and c-Fos expression levels were increased significantly in OKCs compared to these in OM and DC tissue samples. Meanwhile, the expression levels of Fra-1, c-Jun and c-Fos were associated positively with the expression levels of Ki-67, PCNA and Bcl-2, as confirmed further by double-labelling immunofluorescence analysis and hierarchical analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed for the first time that Fra-1, c-Jun and c-Fos were overexpressed in OKCs and had a close correlation with proliferation and anti-apoptosis potential of OKCs.

Near-Infrared Fluorescent Ag2 Se-Cetuximab Nanoprobes for Targeted Imaging and Therapy of Cancer.

Theranostic nanoprobes integrated with diagnostic imaging and therapy capabilities have shown great potential for highly effective tumor therapy by realizing imaging-guided drug delivery and tumor treatment. Developing novel high-performance nanoprobes is an important basis for tumor theranostic application. Here, near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent and low-biotoxicity Ag2 Se quantum dots (QDs) have been coupled with cetuximab, a clinical antiepidermal growth factor receptor antibody drug for tumor therapy, via a facile bioconjugation strategy to prepare multifunctional Ag2 Se-cetuximab nanoprobes. Compared with the Ag2 Se QDs alone, the Ag2 Se-cetuximab nanoprobes display faster and more enrichment at the site of orthotopic tongue cancer, and thus present better NIR fluorescence contrast between the tumor and the surrounding regions. At 24 h postinjection, the NIR fluorescence of Ag2 Se-cetuximab nanoprobes at the tumor site is still easily detectable, whereas no fluorescence is observed for the Ag2 Se QDs. Moreover, the Ag2 Se-cetuximab nanoprobes have also significantly inhibited the tumor growth and improved the survival rate of orthotopic tongue cancer-bearing nude mice from 0% to 57.1%. Taken together, the constructed multifunctional Ag2 Se-cetuximab nanoprobes have achieved combined targeted imaging and therapy of orthotopic tongue cancer, which may greatly contribute to the development of nanotheranostics.

Down-regulation of connexin43 and connexin32 in keratocystic odontogenic tumours: potential association with clinical features.

AIMS: The objective of this study was to explore the potential involvement of connexin43 (Cx43) and connexin32 (Cx32), two vital members of the connexin families, in the pathogenesis of keratocystic odontogenic tumours (KCOT). METHODS AND RESULTS: The expression levels of Cx43 and Cx32 in human KCOT and normal oral mucosa (OM) tissues were measured using immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The relationship between Cx43 and Cx32 expression and markers of proliferation [proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cyclin D1], anti-apoptosis [B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)] and autophagy [light chain 3 (LC3), Sequestosome 1 p62 (p62)] was then investigated in the KCOT samples. The results showed that Cx43 and Cx32 expression was down-regulated significantly in KCOT samples relative to OM samples. Meanwhile, the expression levels of Cx43 and Cx32 were correlated negatively with the expression levels of PCNA, cyclin D1, Bcl-2, LC3 and p62, as confirmed further by double-labelling immunofluorescence analyses. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals for the first time that Cx43 and Cx32 are down-regulated in KCOT and suggests an association with growth regulation, anti-apoptosis and autophagy in KCOT.

[Clinical and imaging features of 36 odontogenic keratocysts associated with an impacted tooth].

PURPOSE: To analyse the imaging features of odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) associated with an impacted tooth. METHODS: Clinical and radiological data of 235 cases with OKCs were respectively investigated, with emphasis on imaging features of 36 OKCs, which were associated with an unerupted tooth. RESULTS: In 36 cases of OKCs associated with an impacted tooth, the ratio of male to female was 1.77:1, and molar-ramus was involved in 26 cases (72.22％). OKCs in association with an unerupted tooth occurred mostly in patients ranging from 20 to 30 years (19 cases, 52.8％). There were 27 cases (75％) of unilocular and 9 cases (25％) multilocualr radiolucency. Thirteen cases (36.11%) were related to the crown of the impacted teeth, and the unerupted teeth also were impacted as a result of malposition in which the entire teeth appeared to be enveloped by cysts (15 cases, 41.67%), or adjacent to cyst wall (8 cases, 22.22%). CONCLUSIONS: Radiographically, one of the most imaging features of OKCs in association with an unerupted tooth is that its entire tooth appears to be enveloped by cyst or adjacent to cyst, while pericoronal radiolucencies surrounding an impacted tooth are rarely seen.

In vitro assessment of PD-L1+ microvesicles in the cyst fluid of non-syndromic odontogenic keratocysts.

Odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) are jaw cystic lesions which are characterized by local invasion and high recurrence rate. The majority of OKCs are exposed to microorganisms and occur along with focal inflammatory infiltrates. Cyst fluids are biological fluids that contain a large content of cytokines and immune globulins. Inhibitory receptor such as programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1) and its ligand programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), which can induce a coinhibitory signal in activated T cells, plays a vital role in the differentiation, exhaustion and apoptosis of T cells. Cell derived microvesicles, carrying a cargo of functional proteins, nucleic acids and lipids, are important communication tools in the development of diseases. However, the expression of PD-L1 in OKCs tissues and whether PD-L1 could be carried by microvesicles are unexplored. Presently, we have isolated cyst fluid microvesicles and identified cell derived PD-L1+ cyst fluid microvesicles. PD-L1 was located in the membrane of the cyst fluid microvesicles. The main cellular origins of PD-L1+ cyst fluid microvesicles were dendritic cells followed by lymphocytes. Elevated PD-L1+ cyst fluid microvesicles were detected in the OKCs compared with dentigerous cysts. Isolated cyst fluid microvesicles could bind to the membrane of activated CD8 T cells and inhibit proliferation of stimulated peripheral blood CD8 T cells. In conclusion, the present study suggests that elevated PD-L1+ cyst fluid microvesicles might be related with the cyst development of OKCs.

Elevated ATF4 Expression in Odontogenic Keratocysts Epithelia: Potential Involvement in Tissue Hypoxia and Stromal M2 Macrophage Infiltration.

The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of the activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) in odontogenic keratocysts (OKC), its association with hypoxia and M2-polarized macrophages infiltration, and its potential relationships with angiogenesis in OKC. The expression of ATF4, hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), and receptor activator of nuclear factor κ-B ligand (RANKL) in OKC samples and normal oral mucosa (OM) was detected by immunohistochemistry. Meanwhile, microvessel density (MVD) was measured using antibody against CD31. M2-polarized macrophages were identified using double-staining for CD68+ and CD163+. The correlations of ATF4 with HIF-1α, M-CSF, and M2-polarized macrophages infiltration were determined by Spearman's rank correlation test and hierarchical clustering. Human immortalized oral epithelial cells (HIOECs) were used in in vitro experiments. Our data showed that the expression of HIF-1α, ATF4, and M-CSF was significantly upregulated in the epithelium of OKC when compared with the OM. The expression of ATF4 was positively correlated with that of HIF-1α, M-CSF, MVD, and M2-polarized macrophages infiltration. Elevated expression of ATF4 in the epithelial lining of OKC may facilitate the M2 macrophages infiltration in response to hypoxia, leading to the development of OKC.

Tumor associated macrophages induce epithelial to mesenchymal transition via the EGFR/ERK1/2 pathway in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

The development of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is closely associated with inflammation. Tumor associated macrophages (TAMs), the largest population of inflammatory cells in the tumor stroma, serve an important role in accelerating cancer progression. The present study aimed to investigate the role of TAMs in the metastasis of HNSCC. TAM biomarkers and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT)­associated proteins were detected using immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining in HNSCC. Then, direct and indirect co­culture systems of TAMs and HNSCC cells were established. The EMT­associated proteins and associated signaling pathways in HNSCC cells of the co­culture system were measured by reverse transcription­quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Finally, hierarchical clustering was performed to analyze associations among TAM biomarkers, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), activated extracellular signal­regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and EMT­associated proteins in HNSCC tissues. The results indicated that the expression of EMT­associated proteins was positively associated with M2 macrophage biomarkers in HNSCC tissues. Cal27 cells were isolated from the co­culture system by fluorescence­activated cell sorting, and it was identified that E­cadherin was downregulated in Cal27 cells, while Vimentin and Slug were upregulated. Furthermore, the results indicated that EGF released by M2 macrophages in the co­culture served an important role by activating ERK1/2. The correlation and cluster analyses indicated that activated ERK1/2 was positively correlated with cluster of differentiation­163, EGFR, Vimentin and Slug. This suggested that TAMs may induce the EMT of cancer cells by activating the EGFR/ERK1/2 signaling pathway in HNSCC, which may be a promising approach to suppressing cancer metastasis.

Increased level of cell-derived microparticles in the cyst fluids of odontogenic keratocysts.

The aim of this study was to examine the level and basic characteristics of cell­derived microparticles (MPs) in the cyst fluids of odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs). For this purpose, MPs from the cyst fluids (CFMPs) of OKCs were purified by a classic differential centrifugation method and characterized by a transmission electron microscope and fluorescence microscope. Flow cytometric analysis was used to determine the size, concentration and cellular origins of the CFMPs. Moreover, the expression level of receptor activator for nuclear factor­κB ligand in the OKCs was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining and then analyzed for its correlation with the concentration of CFMPs by Spearman's rank correlation test. In addition, reverse transcription­quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT­qPCR) and tartaric­resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining were performed to examine the osteoclastogenesis of mouse bone marrow­derived macrophages (BMMs) in response to CFMPs. The results revealed that the levels of total CFMPs were significantly elevated in OKCs compared with dentigerous cysts (DCs) and radicular cysts (RCs). In addition, in vitro experiments further revealed that CFMPs derived from the OKCs of patients could be taken up by BMMs, leading to a significant increase in the mRNA expression levels of nuclear factor of activated T­cells 1 (NFATc1) and TRAP. Moreover, TRAP­positive multinucleated osteoclasts were successfully cultured in the presence of macrophage colony­stimulating factor (M­CSF) and CFMPs with BMMs. On the whole, our findings indicate that patients with OKCs have higher levels of CFMPs compared with patients with DCs and RCs, which may be associated with the bone resorption of OKCs.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition in keratocystic odontogenic tumor: possible role in locally aggressive behavior.

The aim of this study is to clarify whether epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is involved in the pathogenesis and development of keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT). The expression levels of EMT-related proteins and genes in normal oral mucosa (OM), radicular cyst (RC), and KCOT were determined and compared by real-time quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry. Our data showed that the expression of epithelial markers E-cadherin and Pan-cytokeratin was significantly downregulated in KCOT with upregulation of mesenchymal markers N-cadherin compared to OM and RC. Importantly, TGF-ß, a potent EMT inducer, and Slug, a master transcription factor, were also found highly expressed in KCOT. In addition, the results from Spearman rank correlation test and clustering analysis revealed the close relationship between Slug and MMP-9, which was further evidenced by double-labeling immunofluorescence that revealed a synchronous distribution for Slug with MMP-9 in KCOT samples. All the data suggested EMT might be involved in the locally aggressive behavior of KCOT.

M2-polarized macrophages in keratocystic odontogenic tumor: relation to tumor angiogenesis.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the presence of M2-polarized macrophages and their relationships to angiogenesis in keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT). M2-polarized macrophages were detected in KCOT samples by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Meanwhile, microvessel density measured with antibody against CD31 was closely correlated with the presence of M2-polarized macrophages. In addition, macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) significantly contributed to the activation of M2-polarized macrophages. Moreover, the results of in vitro wound healing, cell migration and tube formation assays further revealed the pro-angiogenic function of M2-polarized macrophage-like cells. This function might be associated with secretion of angiogenic cytokines, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) and matrix metalloprotein-9 (MMP-9). This study demonstrates for the first time that M2-polarized macrophages are prevalent in KCOT, and their presence is dependent on M-CSF expression. More importantly, these tumor-supportive cells can also promote tumor angiogenesis by secreting angiogenic cytokines.