Comparative evaluation of immunohistochemical expression of MCM2 and Ki67 in oral epithelial dysplasia and oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Aim and Objectives: The aim and objective of the study were to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of proliferative markers, Ki67, and MCM2 in oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), to compare the relationship of their staining patterns, and to look for correlation between them, if any. Materials and Methods: Thirty archival paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of previously diagnosed cases of OED, OSCC each, and 10 normal oral mucosa were used in the study. Immunohistochemical staining for MCM2 and Ki67 markers was done and the slides were individually evaluated for MCM2 and Ki67 expression, with immunopositivity determined on the basis of dark brown staining of the nucleus. The number of positively stained nuclei was counted in 10 representative areas and the data were charted and statistically analyzed. Results: The overall mean expression of both the proteins increased progressively from normal mucosa to OED to OSCC. In normal mucosa, all positively stained nuclei were seen in the basal compartment of the epithelium, while in dysplastic cases, expression was seen toward the surface of squamous epithelium. In OSCC, the frequency of expression of MCM2 and Ki-67 proteins showed an inverse correlation with the degree of tumor differentiation. In well-differentiated cases, the positivity of either marker was restricted to the outermost layer of the tumor cells. In moderately differentiated cases, an expression of Ki-67 was more diffuse in inner layers, whereas the MCM2 antigen was found to be more intense and diffuse in both the inner and outer layers. Whereas in poorly differentiated SCC, positive expression was seen in most of the tumor cells, the mean expression of MCM2 was found to be higher than that of Ki67 in all cases. Conclusion: MCM2, as a proliferation marker, is superior to Ki67 as it indicates the capacity of proliferation and the ability of DNA replication of a cell.

Insight into the molecular pathogenesis of odontogenic lesions.

BACKGROUND: Odontogenic tumors, derived from epithelial, ectomesenchymal, and/or mesenchymal elements of the tooth-forming apparatus, constitute a heterogeneous group of lesions, including hamartomas, benign and malignant neoplasms with metastatic capabilities. HIGHLIGHT: This review provides a comprehensive overviewof the pathogenesis of odontogenic tumors and explains the associated molecular events in the context of hallmarks of cancer established by Hanahan D and Weinberg RA. Diagrammatic representations depicted in the article would facilitate easier understanding. CONCLUSION: A better understanding of the pathogenesis of the lesions may assist in determining patient's prognosis and devising better targeted therapeutic treatment, thus, reducing the morbidity and mortalityof patients.

Assessment of lactate dehydrogenase enzyme levels in saliva and serum of oral submucous fibrosis and leukoplakia patients.

BACKGROUND: Pathology involving the oral epithelium may alter the level of salivary concentration of LDH. Thus its estimation can be used as a non invasive screening tool for the early detection of OPMDs and also to predict its malignant transformation especially in high risk population. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the salivary and serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in patients having of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) and leukoplakia and compare it with healthy individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 120 subjects were selected and divided into three groups comprising clinically diagnosed cases of OSMF and leukoplakia and healthy subjects as controls. Unstimulated whole saliva and blood samples were collected under aseptic conditions for biochemical estimation of LDH by Semiautomatic Analyzer using LDH kit utilizing enzymatic UV-Kinetic method. The values obtained were statistically analyzed using the SPSS software version 20.0. P-value < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The mean salivary LDH level in Group I (OSMF) was 631.67 + 7.67, Group II (Leukoplakia) was 492.28 + 16.17 and Group III (Healthy Control) was 140.62 + 8.87. There was a statistically significant difference between the Serum and salivary LDH levels among the various groups of study population. A positive correlation between salivary LDH and serum LDH level was seen and the regression equation for OSMF and leukoplakia was computed. CONCLUSION: A significant difference was found between mean salivary LDH Levels and serum LDH levels in patients with leukoplakia, OSMF and health controls. A positive correlation was also established between salivary and serum LDH levels in patients with OSMF and leukoplakia patients making saliva a potent non invasive tool for early prediction and detection of PMOD and its malignant transformation.

Assessment of knowledge of oral pathologists and postgraduate students on safe laboratory practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Oral pathologists are involved in laboratory diagnosis and receive specimens of biopsy, oral cytologic smears and samples for hematology, biochemistry and microbiology and thus are at a risk for laboratory-acquired infections, which may occur inadvertently and can be considered as an occupational hazard. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic to assess the knowledge of oral pathologists and oral pathology postgraduate students regarding the safe laboratory practices, procedures and guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was a cross-sectional online questionnaire-based study. Questions were framed to evaluate the knowledge on specimen/sample collection, its handling, disposal and protective measures for laboratory personnel. The study population comprised oral pathologists and oral pathology postgraduate students of various dental colleges in India. A Google Doc format was used to create an effective computerized questionnaire system, and the link was forwarded to around 500 participants. The survey was fielded online between August 29, 2020, and September 5, 2020. Three hundred and twelve responses were received, which were downloaded as spreadsheets for subsequent data analysis. RESULTS: Mean value of right answers for the oral pathologists was 8.11 ± 2.02 and for postgraduate students was 7.38 ± 1.75. When the knowledge score between the two groups was compared, a statistically significant difference was found. CONCLUSION: This article compares and highlights the knowledge lacunae among the oral pathologists and oral pathologists postgraduate students in relation to guidelines to be followed for safety in the laboratory. Adhering to these biosafety regulations reduces occupational health hazards and enhances a safe working environment in the laboratory.

Employing Dimensional Disparity of Teeth to Establish the Gender in Odisha Population: A Dimorphic Study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Determination of sex is one of the most important and crucial steps in forensic science. Sexual dimorphism using odontometric analysis is found to vary in different populations making it necessary to attain values of a specific population which helps the identification possible. This present study attempts to establish sexual dimorphism using odontometric analysis in Odisha population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 200 subjects (100 male and 100 female) between ages 18 and 25 years were included in the study. Intraoral Mesiodistal (MD) and Buccolingual (BL) dimensions of 28 teeth (maxillary and mandibular) excluding third molar were taken using digital Vernier calipers. Data were charted and decrypted and statistical analysis was done using SPSS Software version 20. RESULTS: Our study showed larger dimensions of tooth in males when compared to females (maxillary right and left central incisor, 1st and 2nd molar). Interestingly, reverse dimorphism was also observed in few teeth. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study showed that the linear (MD and BL) dimensions of teeth played a major role in the determination of gender in individuals. The variations or reverse dimorphism could be a result of geographic variations.

Candida Species Diversity in Oral Cavity of Type 2 Diabetic Patients and their In vitro Antifungal Susceptibility.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and compare the species variation and Colony Forming Units of the species and antifungal susceptibility from oral rinse samples of individuals in poorly-controlled, moderately-controlled and well controlled diabetes patients with control group. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Study group comprised of well-controlled, moderately-controlled and poorly controlled Type II diabetic patients grouped according to the level of glycated hemoglobin concentration with 50 patients in each group and 50 healthy individuals. Oral rinse samples were collected in a sterile container with phosphate-buffered saline and then transported immediately for various mycological investigations and antifungal susceptibility tests. Statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in frequency of Candida in poorly controlled diabetes when compared to moderately controlled diabetes, well controlled diabetes and normal patients (P = 0.045). A higher number of colony count was seen among poorly controlled diabetes than well controlled, moderately controlled and non diabetic subjects. A comparatively low number of non-albicans were seen in healthy individuals. C. albicans showed an increased resistance to fluconazole in DM patients in comparison to control group (P = 0.001). Other species showed a variable sensitivity pattern. CONCLUSION: The decreased immunity and change in oral habitat in diabetic patients creates a diversification in various species of Candida. These non albicans vary in their susceptibility and pathogenesis. A definite identification of these diverse species in the oral cavity of such patients and their susceptibility mandates proper management to avoid recurrence and drug resistance.

Digital cytopathology.

The advancements in the fields of technology and networking have revolutionized the world including the fields of medicine and dentistry. Telemedicine and its various branches provide a broad platform to medical professionals for consultations and investigations and can also act as a valuable educational aid. This review highlights the components, methods employed, clinical applications, advantages, disadvantages of telepathology and telecytology.

Oral Health Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Among Dental and Medical Students in Eastern India - A Comparative Study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare oral health knowledge, attitude, and practices among dental and medical students in a Health care centre at Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and fifty BDS and MBBS students each from Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences and Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences of KIIT University, Bhubaneswar respectively, were invited to participate in this survey using a self-administered structured questionnaire in English comprising 27 questions, which was designed to evaluate the oral health knowledge, attitude, and practices. The obtained data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20 software. RESULTS: On comparison of the scores of knowledge, attitude, and practice, the mean knowledge score was significantly higher among dental students than medical students. The study also showed that female students (both dental and medical) had better oral health knowledge and showed better oral health practices than male students. Karl Pearson's correlation coefficient test showed that, although dental students had better knowledge and attitude towards oral health, there was a lack of adequate practice among them. CONCLUSION: Further emphasis on oral health is necessary in undergraduate training to improve oral health knowledge, attitude, and practice among dental and medical students as they will act as role models for oral health education among individuals and community at large.

Clinicopathological Profile and Malignant Transformation in Oral Lichen Planus: A Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze the histopathologically diagnosed cases of oral lichen planus (OLP) in terms of age, gender, clinical variant, site, hyperpigmentation, systemic illness, grade of dysplasia, and associated malignant transformation. This study also intended to do a review of reported cases of OLP with malignant transformation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and forty-three cases of histopathologically diagnosed OLP between 2010 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic and clinicopathological data including malignant transformation were obtained. The data obtained were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software for Windows version 20.0 (IBM SPSS, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). A review of published literature on OLP with malignant transformation was also done from 1988 to 2017 and tabulated. RESULTS: OLP in this study showed a male predilection with most of the patients in the third decade. The buccal mucosa (bilateral presentation) was the most common site (79.72%), and reticular type was the most common clinical type (79.02%) followed by erosive type (20.98%). The majority (92.31%) of cases were diagnosed with OLP without dysplasia. The rest (7.69%) of dysplastic cases were predominantly seen in the buccal mucosa of 58 years and above, female patients manifesting mainly as erosive type. Two patients (1.4%) previously diagnosed clinically and histopathologically as OLP developed oral squamous cell carcinoma. CONCLUSION: The present investigation revealed the predominance of OLP among middle-aged male population and the prevalence of bilateral involvement of buccal mucosa. Two of our cases showed malignant transformation over an average period of 3.5 years. The outcome of this study emphasizes the role of clinical follow-up of patients with OLP.

Oral Mucosal Lesions Associated with Smokers and Chewers - A Case-Control Study in Chennai Population.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the association of oral mucosal lesions in a group of Chennai population aged 15 years and above with smoking and chewing habits. To also determine the dose-response relationship of these habits associated with the risk of oral mucosal lesions. MATERIALA AND METHODS: The study was undertaken with 450 subjects with smoking and/or chewing habits aged 15 years and over gathered through random selection in Chennai, India. Subjects with alcohol intake were excluded from the study. Based on the habits the study group was categorized into smokers, chewers and mixed (smoking+chewing). One hundred and fifty subjects diagnosed with oral mucosal lesions designated as "cases" and 300 lesion-free "controls", frequency matched for age, sex, habit and family income were assessed during the study. The study protocol included a visual oral soft tissue examination and a questionnaire-based interview. In addition, those requiring further examination, scalpel biopsies were performed to establish a definitive diagnosis. RESULTS: Irrespective of the type of habit, 78% of cases smoked and/or chewed for more than 10 years as compared to 37.4% of the control group. Similarly, 71.3% of cases smoked and/or chewed more than 5 times per day as compared to 25.6% of the control group. Eleven habits related mucosal lesions of the oral cavity were encountered. Smoker's melanosis was the most common oral mucosal lesion followed by Oral submucous fibrosis and Leukoplakia. Dose-response relationships were observed for both duration and frequency of habits on the risk of oral mucosal lesions. CONCLUSION: The result of the present study provides information on the association of oral mucosal lesions in smokers, chewers and patients with mixed habits. The mucosal lesions encountered included a few potentially malignant conditions and oral squamous cell carcinoma. Habits were more prevalent in men thus more lesions were encountered in males than in females. Moreover, increase in the duration and frequency of habits was significant predictors of risk in the case population.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Induced Head & Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Retrospect.

Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma accounts for the sixth most common malignancy occurring worldwide with tobacco and alcohol being the two well established risk factors. In the recent years, substantial evidence has been obtained that Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) associated head and neck cancers are on the rise. This article provides an insight into the structure of HPV genome, molecular pathogenesis, detection methods and clinical implications of HPV positive Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Oral Candidal and Streptococcal carriage in Down syndrome patients.

AIM: We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of Candida and Streptococci species in the oral cavity of Down syndrome patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 50 children/adolescents with Down syndrome with a karyotype of 47 XX, 21+ (female) and 47 XY, 21+ (male), and 50 normal children/adolescents were included in our study. Oral swab/saliva was used to culture and identify Candida and Streptococci species based on gram and periodic acid schiff staining. RESULTS: Of the 50 study group samples, which were cultured, 37 (74%) showed growth of Candida colonies, whereas in the 50 control samples only 18 (36%) were positive for Candida growth. In 4 Sabouraud's dextrose agar culture slopes of the study group, more than one morphological type of colonies were observed. 23 out of 50 samples in our study group had Streptococcus viridans colonies. In the 23 samples positive for Streptococci 16 had many streptococcal colonies, and 7 had few streptococcal colonies in the primary culture. 32 out of 50 samples from the control group had S. viridans colonies. In these 32 samples positive for Streptococci, 29 had predominantly streptococcal colonies while 3 had few streptococcal colonies in the primary culture. CONCLUSION: The oral cavity is an environment heavily colonized by microorganisms, however, the Down syndrome patients run a greater risk of having opportunistic infections especially from Candida species. Hence to improve the quality of life of an individual with Down syndrome, it is necessary to diagnose and treat these infections by more frequent oral microbial assessment.