A Comparison of Immunohistochemical Expression of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 in Dental Follicles with Different Radiographic Sizes.

Background: Odontogenic cysts and tumors develop from the dental follicle of asymptomatic impacted teeth. Odontogenic tissues express the epidermal growth factor receptor family (EGFR), which mediates cell proliferation, survival, and neoplastic differentiation. The present study aimed to compare the immunohistochemical expression of EGFR and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in the dental follicle of impacted wisdom teeth with normal and abnormal radiographic size. Methods: In this analytical study, immunohistochemical staining of EGFR and HER2 was performed on 30 normal and 30 abnormal follicles of impacted third molars. Follicles with a width of <2.5 mm were considered normal, whereas those with a width of ≥2.5 mm were regarded as abnormal. The immunoreactive score (IRS) was used to report the expression levels of EGFR and HER2. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS software. Age and sex were compared in normal and abnormal groups with independent t test and Chi square test, respectively. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The EGFR and HER2 overall expression was high in all normal and abnormal follicles. The comparison of the percentage of stained cells and intensity of EGFR and HER2 staining in normal and abnormal follicles were not significantly different (P=0.73, P=0.63, P=0.95, respectively). Conclusion: Due to the high expression of EGFR and HER2 in normal and abnormal follicles, as well as the lack of significant differences in these two groups, the radiographic size of dental follicles might not indicate the potential capabilities of their cells, and more research in this field is recommended.

A Comparative Immunohistochemical Expression of TRAP in Odontogenic Cysts.

Introduction: Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) is an acid phosphatase metalloprotein enzyme expressed in osteoclasts and is related to bone resorption. The molecular mechanisms involved in the different behavior of odontogenic keratocysts have not yet been fully elucidated. The purpose of this study was to compare TRAP expression in odontogenic keratocysts, radicular cysts, and dentigerous cysts. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we selected 60 samples, including 20 cases of each one of the odontogenic keratocysts (OKC), radicular cysts (RC) and dentigerous cysts (DC). The samples were stained with TRAP monoclonal antibodies using immunohistochemistry. The data were analyzed using the Chi-Square and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: In this study, TRAP expression was observed in the lining epithelium of 50% of OKC cases and 5% of RC cases, while it was negative in the lining epithelium of DC. This difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). Moreover, the TRAP staining intensity in the lining epithelium had a significant difference between the groups (P<0.001). TRAP expression in the connective tissue of OKC, RC, and DC was positive in 35%, 30%, and 20% of the cases, respectively. This difference was not statistically significant (P=0.788). Also, staining intensity of TRAP-positive cells in the connective tissue of the lesions was not significant (P=0.634). Conclusion: In this study, we found a higher expression of TRAP in the lining epithelium of OKC, which may be one of the reasons for the aggressive behavior of OKC compared to other cysts. This finding supports the classification of OKC as an odontogenic tumor.

Effect of CDH1 and CDH2 genes polymorphisms in oral squamous cell carcinoma susceptibility in a sample of Iranian population: A case-control study.

Background and Aims: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a global malignant epithelial neoplasm affecting the oral cavity. Cadherins, as an adhesion molecule, are involved in cell-cell interaction. We aim to study the effect of two cadherin polymorphisms on OSCC risk in southeast of Iran. Methods: In this case-control study, 94 individuals (47 OSCC cases and 47 controls), that referred to the Department of Oral Pathology, Faculty of Dentistry, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Iran were included. Cadherin single nucleotide polymorphisms CDH1 (rs16260) and CDH2 (rs11564299) were genotyped by the tetra-Amplification Refractory Mutation System-PCR technique. Results: N-cadherin genotyping showed that the AA, AG, and AG + GG were presented 78.7%, 17%, 21.3% versus 66%, 29.7%, 34% in the cases and the control group, respectively. AG genotype was more common in control than case (OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.17-1.29, p = 0.14). G allele was more prevalent in control (19.1%) than the case group (12.8%) (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.27-1.36, p = 0.23). In E-cadherin, AC, AA, and AC + AA genotypes frequency were 17%, 12.8%, and 29.8% in case versus 8.5%, 8.5%, and 17% in the control group. Allele A was more common in the case than the control group (OR = 1.84, 95% CI: 0.84-4.03, p = 0.12). Also, AA and CC, the codominant genotypes were common in CDH2 and CDH1 respectively in all histopathological grades, and no statically significant association was observed between OSCC different histopathological grades and cadherin genotypes (p = 0.39 in N-cadherin, p = 0.74 in E-cadherin). Conclusion: Our results showed a lack of association between CDH1 and CDH2 gene polymorphisms with OSCC risk in a population of Southeastern of Iran.

A Comparative Evaluation of the Genotoxic Effects of Mobile Phone Radiation Using Buccal Micronucleus Assay.

Statement of the Problem: Mobile usage has increased worldwide over the past two decades. There are conflicting reports about the carcinogenic effects of cell phone radiation on the oral mucosa. Micronucleus (MN) is considered a reliable marker for genotoxic damage. Purpose: This study aimed to identify the impact of mobile phone radiation on the MN frequency in oral mucosal cells. Materials and Method: In this descriptive-analytical study, 50 mobile phone users between the age group of 20-38 years were included. Samples were obtained from the right and left cheek mucosa of each subject (a total 100 cell samples). Every participant filled out a questionnaire about his or her cell phone usage habits. Additionally, personal information such as age, gender, and body mass index (BMI) were assessed. The Feulgen and Papanicolaou staining methods were used for staining of the cell samples. A total of 1000 cells in each sample were evaluated for MNs. Results: The mean number of MN in exposed and non-exposed mucosa by Feulgen method was 0.71±1.13 and 0.57±1.36, respectively. Also in Papanicolaou staining, the mean number of MN in the exposed mucosa and non-exposed mucosa was 6.94±6.61 and 6.54±6.88, respectively, but these differences were not significant (p> 0.05). The frequency of MN in non-specific DNA staining was significantly (5- to 6-fold) higher than DNA-specific staining. We observed no statically significant differences between MN frequency according to age, gender, BMI, and other cell phone usage habits (p> 0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that cell phone use does not cause genotoxic effects in the buccal mucosa in the oral cavity. Moreover, using non-specific DNA staining methods can increase the frequency of MN by more than 5- to 6-fold.

Expression Patterns of E-Cadherin and N-Cadherin Proteins in the Periodontal Pocket Epithelium of Chronic Periodontitis.

Statement of the Problem: E-cadherin and N-cadherin are two types of cell adhesion molecules that are involved in organ development, wound healing, and pathological conditions through the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, their role has not yet been fully elucidated in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. Purpose: To determine the expression level of proteins associated with the EMT process (E-cadherin and N-cadherin) in chronic periodontitis. Materials and Method: In this cross-sectional study, 37 samples (19 cases with healthy gingival tissue and 18 cases with severe chronic periodontitis) that referred to the Periodontology Department of Zahedan Dental School, Zahedan, Iran, in 2018 were included. The samples were immunohistochemically stained with E-cadherin and N-cadherin monoclonal antibodies. Afterward, the percentage of stained cells and the staining intensity of the cells were evaluated. Finally, the obtained data were analyzed using by IBM© SPSS© Statistics version 21 using Mann-Whitney statistical test. Results: In this study, 89.5% of the healthy gingival tissue samples and 61.1% of samples with chronic periodontitis showed E-cadherin expression in more than 50% of cells. This difference between the two groups was not significant (p= 0.13); however, the E-cadherin staining intensity of the healthy gingival tissue was strong while that of the samples with chronic periodontitis was moderate (p= 0.002). The N-cadherin expression was negative in 68.4% of healthy gingival cases, while 50% of the cases with chronic periodontitis showed a high expression of N-cadherin. This difference was statistically significant (p= 0.04). Moreover, the N-cadherin staining intensity also had a significant difference between the two groups (p= 0.004). Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, the increased expression of N-cadherin and reduction of staining intensity of E-cadherin was found in chronic periodontitis compared to healthy gingival tissues. Therefore, EMT process may be involved in the pathogenesis of severe chronic periodontitis.

The Association of CCL4 rs1634507 and rs10491121 Polymorphisms with Susceptibility of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in an Iranian Population: A Case-Control Study.

Background & Objective: CCL4 (C-C chemokine ligand4) is a chemoattractant involved in tumors' development, progression, and metastasis. The relationship between the ccl4 gene polymorphisms and the risk of OSCC has not been studied in Iran. This study aimed to identify the effect of ccl4 gene polymorphism on OSCC susceptibility in the population of Southeastern Iran. Methods: In this case-control study, a total of 100 participants, 50 patients with OSCC who were referred to the Department of Oral Pathology, Faculty of Dentistry, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, and 50 healthy people were included. The DNA was extracted from the tissue blocks of OSCC patients. The rs10491121 and rs1634507 in the ccl4 gene were evaluated by the tetra-ARMS (Amplification Refractory Mutation System)- PCR technique. Data were analyzed in SPSS (version 21) using the Chi-square and logistic regression test. Results: CCL4 genotyping showed that AA+AG genotype in rs10491121 and AA+CA genotype in rs1634507 were slightly higher in control than in the case. Still, the risk of OSCC in both polymorphisms was not significantly different. The minor allele (A) in the rs10491121 and rs1634507 polymorphisms were more common in OSCC compared to the control group (OR = 1.2, 95% CI: 0.66 - 2.22, P=0.54) (OR = 1.6, 95% CI: 0.85-3.07, P=0.15). There was no association between OSCC histopathological grades and CCL4 genotypes at these two sites. Conclusion: Our results showed no association between ccl4 gene polymorphism and the risk of oral cancer in the population of Southeastern Iran.

Immunohistochemical Expression of Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition Proteins in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Epithelial-Mesenchymal transition (EMT) is known to be a possible mechanism in tumor progression; however, there is insufficient evidence to support the contribution of this process in human cancers. The present study aimed to evaluate the expression of EMT markers in normal oral epithelium and oral squamous cell carcinoma and also correlates with some clinicopathological parameters. METHODS: This study was conducted on 70 samples, including 20 cases of normal epithelium and 50 cases of Oral Squamous cell Carcinoma (OSCC). To examine the expression level of these proteins, immunohistochemical staining was performed for samples using E-cadherin and N-cadherin monoclonal antibodies. RESULTS: Reduced expression of E-cadherin was observed in 74% of OSCC and 15% of normal epithelium samples; this difference was statistically significant (P˂0.000). With the progression of SCC from well towards poor differentiation, the E-cadherin expression decreased; however, this difference was not statistically significant (P=0.642). Normal epithelial specimens were negative for N-cadherin expression in 75% of cases, whereas OSCC specimens showed high expression of N-cadherin in 46% of cases, this difference was statistically significant (P=0.01). Although 62.5% of poorly differentiated OSCC showed high expression of N-cadherin, the difference between the histopathological grades was not significant (P=0.586). No significant relationship was found between markers expression and patient's age, gender, and tumor location. CONCLUSION: This study showed that OSCC tissues showed high EMT phenotype (reduced E-cadherin expression and high expression of N-cadherin) compared to normal oral mucosa which may indicate the possible key role of EMT mechanism during oral carcinogenesis.

Cytomorphometric Assessment of Buccal Mucosa Cells and Blood Sugar Status in Diabetic Patients in Zahedan (2019).

Background: Diabetes mellitus is one of the major global health threats. Diabetes can cause adverse cytopathological changes in cells and predispose them to pathological lesions. The present study aimed to investigate the cytopathological changes of oral mucosal cells in type 1 and 2 diabetes patients and its relationship with blood sugar status. Methods: This study descriptive-analytical was performed on 40 type-1 diabetes patients, 40 type-2 diabetic patients, and 20 non-diabetic individuals (control group) with simple sampling in Zahedan (2019). Their buccal mucosa was sampled by a cytobrush and the microscope slides were prepared with Papanicolaou staining. The nuclear and cytoplasmic area and cytoplasmic-nuclear ratio were calculated. Furthermore, the relationship of hemoglobin A1C and fasting blood sugar with these parameters were also examined. Data was analyzed with one-way-ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, Post Hoc Tukey, Mann-Whitney, Pearson correlation and Spearman correlation tests. In this regard, the statistical software SPSS (version 21) was used and a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Based on the findings, only the nuclear area was significantly larger in type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients, compared to the control group (p<0.001 and p=0.010), respectively. Moreover, the comparison of cytomorphometric changes between type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients did not show a significant difference. In addition, the hemoglobin A1C levels were merely associated with the cytoplasmic area in type 2 diabetes patients (p=0.011), while fasting blood sugar levels were not associated with any of the parameters in type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients (p>0.050). Conclusion: Diabetes, as an independent factor, can cause cytomorphometric changes in the buccal mucosal cells of type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients. It seems that the type of diabetes does not affect these changes. hemoglobin A1C levels were correlated with cytoplasmic area in type 2 diabetes patients.

A comparative study of osteopontin and MMP-2 protein expression in peripheral and central giant cell granuloma of the jaw / Estudo comparativo da expressão das proteínas osteopontina e MMP-2 no granuloma central e periférico de células gigantes de mandíbula

Abstract Introduction: Oral peripheral and central giant cell granulomas are lesions with little-known etiology and pathogenesis. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare matrix metalloproteinases-2 and osteopontin protein expression in the multinucleated giant cells and mononuclear cells of the peripheral and central giant cell granuloma lesions. Methods: In this retrospective study, the presence of matrix metalloproteinases-2 and osteopontin in 37 cases of central giant cell granuloma and 37 cases of peripheral giant cell granuloma paraffin blocks were assessed by streptavidin-biotin immunohistochemistry. Independent sample t-test, Chi-square, Mann-Whitney tests and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient were used. Results: The osteopontin was expressed in both multinucleated giant cells and mononuclear cells in all cases of peripheral and central giant cells granulomas. However, the matrix metalloproteinases-2 expression was positive in 86.5% of giant cells and it was positive in all of mononuclear cells in peripheral giant cells granuloma. In central giant cells granulomas, 91.8% of giant cells and all mononuclear cells were positive for matrix metalloproteinases-2 marker. Percentage and Intensity of staining were significantly higher in central than peripheral giant cells lesions, for both markers (p ˂ 0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that the expression of osteopontin in giant cells supports the theory of osteolcastic nature of these cells. Also, the presence of osteopontin and matrix metalloproteinases-2 in mononuclear cells may indicate the monocyte-macrophage origin of these cells, as the differentiation of the precursors of the mononuclear stromal monocyte/macrophage to osteoclasts is possibly affected by the expression of osteolytic factors. Also, may be differences in biological behaviors of these lesions are associated with the level of osteopontin and matrix metalloproteinases-2 expression.

Resumo Introdução: Os granulomas periféricos e centrais de células gigantes são lesões com etiologia e patogênese pouco conhecidas. Objetivo: Comparar a expressão das proteínas metaloproteinases da matriz-2 e osteopontina nas células gigantes multinucleadas e células mononucleares no granuloma periférico e central de células gigantes. Método: Neste estudo retrospectivo, a presença de metaloproteinases da matriz-2 e osteopontina em 37 casos de granuloma central de células gigantes e 37 casos de granuloma periférico de células gigantes em blocos de parafina foi avaliada por imuno-histoquímica pela estreptavidina-biotina. Foram usados teste t para amostra independente, teste de qui-quadrado, Mann-Whitney e coeficiente de correlação de Spearman. Resultados: A osteopontina foi expressa em células gigantes multinucleadas e células mononucleares em todos os casos de granuloma periférico de células gigantes e granuloma central de células gigantes. No entanto, a expressão de metaloproteinases da matriz-2 foi positiva em 86,5% de células gigantes e foi positiva em todas as células mononucleares em granuloma periférico de células gigantes. Em granuloma central de células gigantes, 91,8% das células gigantes e todas as células mononucleares foram positivas para o marcador metaloproteinases da matriz-2. A porcentagem e intensidade de coloração em granuloma central de células gigantes foram significantemente maiores do que em granuloma periférico de células gigantes para ambos os marcadores (p ˂ 0,05). Conclusão: Este estudo mostrou que a expressão de osteopontina em células gigantes apoia a teoria da natureza osteoclástica dessas células. Além disso, a presença de osteopontina e metaloproteinases da matriz-2 em células mononucleares pode indicar a origem dos monócitos-macrófagos dessas células, uma vez que a diferenciação dos precursores do monócito/macrófago estromal mononuclear em osteoclastos é possivelmente afetada pela expressão de fatores osteolíticos. Além disso, as diferenças nos comportamentos biológicos dessas lesões estão associadas ao nível de expressão de osteopontina e metaloproteinases da matriz-2.

A comparative study of osteopontin and MMP-2 protein expression in peripheral and central giant cell granuloma of the jaw.

INTRODUCTION: Oral peripheral and central giant cell granulomas are lesions with little-known etiology and pathogenesis. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare matrix metalloproteinases-2 and osteopontin protein expression in the multinucleated giant cells and mononuclear cells of the peripheral and central giant cell granuloma lesions. METHODS: In this retrospective study, the presence of matrix metalloproteinases-2 and osteopontin in 37 cases of central giant cell granuloma and 37 cases of peripheral giant cell granuloma paraffin blocks were assessed by streptavidin-biotin immunohistochemistry. Independent sample t-test, Chi-square, Mann-Whitney tests and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient were used. RESULTS: The osteopontin was expressed in both multinucleated giant cells and mononuclear cells in all cases of peripheral and central giant cells granulomas. However, the matrix metalloproteinases-2 expression was positive in 86.5% of giant cells and it was positive in all of mononuclear cells in peripheral giant cells granuloma. In central giant cells granulomas, 91.8% of giant cells and all mononuclear cells were positive for matrix metalloproteinases-2 marker. Percentage and Intensity of staining were significantly higher in central than peripheral giant cells lesions, for both markers (p˂0.05). CONCLUSION: This study showed that the expression of osteopontin in giant cells supports the theory of osteolcastic nature of these cells. Also, the presence of osteopontin and matrix metalloproteinases-2 in mononuclear cells may indicate the monocyte-macrophage origin of these cells, as the differentiation of the precursors of the mononuclear stromal monocyte/macrophage to osteoclasts is possibly affected by the expression of osteolytic factors. Also, may be differences in biological behaviors of these lesions are associated with the level of osteopontin and matrix metalloproteinases-2 expression.

Immunohistochemical Expression of Stromelysin-2 (St-2) In Patients with Oral Lichen Planus and Its Clinical Significance.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disorder with various clinical features; however, its pathogenesis is still unknown. In OLP, destruction of the basement membrane and migration of T-cell may be mediated by matrix metalloproteinases. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the role of stromelysin-2 (ST-2) expression in pathogenesis of OLP. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A retrospective analysis of 46 samples including 26 patients with OLP and 20 control patients with oral irritation fibroma was performed. All samples were stained employing immunohistochemistry method. After immunohistochemical staining for ST-2 marker and microscopic examination of the samples, the expression levels of ST-2 were evaluated. The data were analyzed by SPSS (V.21) and applying Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: The strength of ST-2 expression was seen in most cases of OLP group, whereas control group did not show ST-2 expression. Mean expression of ST-2 in connective tissue was 1.7±1.10 and in the epithelium of the OLP samples was 1.6±1.06. Likewise, the ST-2 expression in connective tissue and epithelium of the OLP erosive lesions was significantly higher in comparison with reticular lesions (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, we suggest that ST-2 may be involved in the formation of OLP lesions and it may play a key role in the transformation of reticular to erosive form of OLP.

Dental Health Status of HIV-Positive Patients and Related Variables in Southeast Iran.

BACKGROUND: Different factors can be responsible for the increased prevalence of dental caries and missing teeth in HIV-positive patients. OBJECTIVES: This study evaluates dental health status and its relationship with social, behavioral, and medical factors in HIV-positive patients under the coverage of Zahedan University of Medical Sciences in Southeast Iran. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, the dental health status of 119 HIV-positive patients was assessed in accordance with WHO indices and included decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT). A questionnaire on different social, behavioral, and medical variables was filled out for every case and the relationship and correlation of the variables to dental health status were investigated using One-way ANOVA, the Kruskal Wallis test, the t-test, the Mann-Whitney test, Spearman's rho correlation coefficient, and Pearson correlation. RESULTS: The mean value of DMFT index was 11.87 ± 8.08, where the mean values of decayed and missing teeth were 8.42 ± 5.44 and 3.43 ± 4.07, respectively. DMFT index, decayed, and missing teeth correlated only with age (P < 0.0001, P = 0.009, P < 0.0001) and duration of HIV involvement (P = 0.004, P = 0.031, P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: The dental health status of HIV-positive patients in this region was almost inappropriate. Most social, behavioral, and medical factors had no influence on dental health; only a correlation between dental health, age, and duration of HIV involvement was observed.

Differential immunohistochemical expression of matrix metalloproteinase-10 (MMP-10) in non-melanoma skin cancers of the head and neck.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) are two common skin malignancies with different potentials for invasion and metastasis. The mechanism responsible for various growth patterns observed in SCC and BCC is still not fully understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-10 in non-melanoma skin cancers, including BCC and SCC of the head and neck. The study group consisted of 60 specimens, including 30 BCC and 30 cutaneous SCC of the head and neck. Sections of tumor biopsy samples were immunohistochemically examined for the expression of MMP-10. Data were analyzed by SPSS (V.21) using Mann-Whitney and Kruskal Wallis tests. We found higher immunohistochemical expression of MMP-10 in tumor epithelium and stroma of SCC as compared with BCC. However, this difference was significant only in tumor epithelium (P=0.000). Moreover, the level of MMP-10 expression in tumor epithelium of grades III and II of SCC was significantly greater compared to grade I tumors (P<0.05).Our results suggest that the level of the MMP-10 expression in tumor epithelium of cutaneous SCC and BCC may contribute to the different invasive patterns observed in these tumors. Also, the expression of MMP-10 is associated with tumor differentiation in cutaneous HNSCC.

Comparative Study of Mast Cell Count in Oral Reactive Lesions and Its Association with Inflammation.

OBJECTIVE: Reactive hyperplastic lesions are one of the most common lesions of the oral cavity. Mast cells can be found in various oral lesions. However, the exact role of mast cells in oral reactive lesions is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to compare the mast cells count in various oral reactive lesions and to evaluate the correlation between the mast cells number and the intensity of inflammation. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This cross-sectional study was performed on 80 samples of oral reactive lesions including irritation fibroma, pyogenic granuloma, peripheral giant cell granuloma and peripheral ossifying fibroma (20 for each). Eight samples of normal oral mucosa were selected as the control group. To determine the mast cells count and the intensity of inflammation, Toluidine blue and Hematoxylin & Eosin staining was performed respectively. The data was analyzed with SPSS (V.21), Kruskal-Wallis, Tukey and Spearman's correlation coefficient tests. RESULTS: In this study, a significant increase in mast cells count was found in oral reactive lesions compared to normal oral mucosa (p < 0.001). Difference of mast cell count between irritation fibroma and the peripheral giant cell granuloma groups (p=0.023), peripheral ossifying fibroma and peripheral giant cell granuloma groups (p=0.001) was statistically significant. There was a significant correlation between mast cell count and the intensity of inflammation in the irritation fibroma and pyogenic granuloma groups. CONCLUSION: The finding of this study showed that mast cells count in peripheral ossifying fibroma and irritation fibroma were significantly higher than normal oral mucosa, so mast cells may have some role in the induction of fibrosis in oral reactive lesions.

Protein Expression of Stromelysin-2 in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas.

BACKGROUND: Some matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in invasion and metastasis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, there are few studies on association between stromelysin-2 (ST-2) and invasive behavior of HNSCC. The purpose of this study was to investigate Stromelysin-2 expression by immunohistochemistry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted on 81 specimens, including 61 HNSCC and 20 non neoplastic epithelium. Sections with 5 micron thickness were prepared and stained with immunohistochemistry technique. Then expression of ST-2 was evaluated according to percentage of stained cells and intensity of staining. Data were analyzed by SPSS (V.21) using Kruskal-Wallis and Tukey tests (P<0.05). RESULTS: The 61 HNSCC specimens were grades I 36.1%, II 34.4% and III 29.5%. The level of ST-2 expressions were moderate (++) and intensive (+++) in 21.3% and 78.7% of tumors, respectively. The ST-2 expression level was only significant between the tumors with grade I and grade III (P=0.016). Tumors presented ST-2 expression with staining intensity of mild 6.6%, moderate 26.2% and strong 67.2%. Staining intensity of ST-2 in grade I tumors was significantly lower than grade II and grade III (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between grades II and III (P=0.99). CONCLUSIONS: According to this study, the expression of ST-2 is associated with histopathological grade and tumor differentiation in HNSCCs.

Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-10 at Invasive Front of Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Verrucous Carcinoma in the Oral Cavity.

BACKGROUND: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc metalloproteinases capable of degrading components of connective tissues. MMP-10 is frequently expressed in human cancers. The aim of this study was to immunohistochemically evaluate its expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and verrucous carcinoma (OVC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 73 samples (31 OSCC, 22 OVC and 20 non-neoplastic epithelium) was performed. All samples were immunohistochemically stained with monoclonal MMP-10 antibody and expression levels and staining intensity were evaluated with respect to microscopic features. Data were analyzed by SPSS (V.21), Mann-Whitney and Kruskal Wallis tests. RESULTS: MMP-10 was detected in all OSCC and OVC cases. The expression of MMP-10 in OSCC was intensive (score 3) and in OVC was low and moderate (score 1 and score 2) more frequently. Non- neoplastic epithelium did not show MMP-10 expression. Differences between groups was statistically significant (p<0.05). However, the expression of MMP- 10 was not obviously different between various grades of OSCC. CONCLUSIONS: According to our study, MMP-10 protein can be important possible factor in the transformation of normal oral epithelium to OVC and OSCC, also the level of MMP-10 expression at invasion front of the lesions can be helpful in the differentiation of OVC and OSCC.

Human Cytomegalovirus in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Southeast of Iran.

BACKGROUND: Carcinogenesis is a multi-step process and the role of infectious agents in this progression has not been fully identified. Since human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is frequently presented in the gingival sulcus fluid, we hypothesized that this virus would be important in the pathogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of active HCMV in different histopathological grades of OSCC in southeast of Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty eight individual specimens were evaluated in this study. Serial sections were obtained from paraffin-embedded tissue samples of OSCC biopsies. The frequency of HCMV was investigated using the real-time polymerase change reaction method after DNA extraction from biopsies. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients (66.7% female and 33.3% male) was 58.6 years. Only three cases (6.3%) of the grade I, OSCC biopsies, were positive for active HCMV with average load of 57.7 × 10(3). CONCLUSIONS: According to the low prevalence of HCMV in OSCC, it seems that this virus plays a minor role in this kind of cancer at least in southeast of Iran. More comprehensive studies are needed to investigate the oncomodulatory effect of this virus on OSCC.

Reactive hyperplastic lesions of the oral cavity.

INTRODUCTION: Peripheral reactive lesions of soft tissue are common oral lesions that dentists face during routine examinations. Diagnosis and development of a treatment plan is difficult if dentists are not aware of the prevalence and clinical symptoms of these lesions. The frequency of these lesions differs across various populations. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and distribution of oral reactive lesions over a period of 7 years (2006-2012). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, available records from the archives of the Department of Pathology, Dental School and the two main hospitals in southeast of Iran (Zahedan) over a period of 7 years (2006-2012) were reviewed. Information relating to the type of reactive lesion, age, gender and location was extracted and recorded on data forms. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software (V.18) using the chi-square and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Of 451 oral lesions, 91 cases (20.2%) were reactive hyperplastic lesions. The most common lesions were pyogenic granuloma and irritation fibroma, respectively. These lesions were more frequent in women (60%) than men (40%). The most common locations of involvement were the gingiva and alveolar mucosa of the mandible, and lesions were more common in the 21-40-year age group. The relationship between age group and reactive lesions was statistically significant (P=0.01). CONCLUSION: The major findings in this study are broadly similar to the results of previous studies, with differences observed in some cases. However, knowledge of the frequency and distribution of these lesions is beneficial when establishing a diagnosis and treatment plan in clinical practice.

Oral Non Squamous Cell Malignant Tumors in an Iranian Population: a 43 year Evaluation.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of non-squamous cell malignant tumors of the oral cavity has not been evaluated in Iran extensively. The aim of this study was to evaluate epidemiological aspects of the oral malignancies with non-squamous cell origin during a 43-year period in the Faculty of Dentistry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, the records of all patients referred to dental school of Mashhad university of medical sciences in northeast of Iran, during the period 1971-2013 were evaluated. All confirmed samples of oral non squamous cell malignant tumors were included in this study. Demographic information including age, gender and location of the lesions were extracted from patient's records. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical soft ware, Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: Among 11,126 patients, 188 (1.68%) non squamous cell malignant tumors were found, with mean age of 39.9 years ranging from 2 to 92 years. The most common tumors were mucoepidermoid carcinoma (33 cases) and lymphoma (32 cases). Non squamous cell malignant tumors occurred almost equally in men (94 cases) and women (93 cases). Most (134 cases) of them were located peripherally with high frequency in salivary glands (89 cases) and 52 cases were centrally with high frequency in the mandible (38 cases). CONCLUSIONS: More findings in this survey were similar to those reported from other studies with differences in some cases; it may be due to variation in the sample size, geographic and racial differences in tumors.

Human herpesvirus-6 and epstein-barr virus infections at different histopathological grades of oral squamous cell carcinomas.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and viral load of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) in different histopathologic grades of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). METHODS: Forty-five formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue section of OSCC patients were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction for detection of EBV and HHV-6. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 58.6 years, 69% of whom were female, and 31% were male. Overall, the positive rate for EBV and HHV-6 were 16.7% and 27.1%, respectively; and the mean viral load EBV was 27.9 × 10(3) and 38.5 × 10(3) for HHV-6. No correlation was demonstrated between the viral load of EBV DNA (P = 0.35) and HHV-6 (P = 0.38) at the different OSCC histopathologic grades. CONCLUSIONS: These findings neither lend support to the hypothesis that EBV and HHV-6 are directly involved in OSCC nor rule out the possibility that these viruses play an indirect role in carcinogenesis in this area.