Mast cells in oral lichen planus and oral lichenoid lesions related to dental amalgam contact

Abstract The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of mast cell markers toluidine blue, c-kit, and tryptase and presence of mononuclear inflammatory cells in oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral lichenoid lesions related to dental amalgam. Nineteen specimens of OLP, OLLC, and healthy oral mucosa were selected. Mononuclear inflammatory cells were analyzed. Histochemical and immunohistochemical analyses were performed using toluidine blue, anti-c-kit and anti-tryptase reagents, and the results were quantified in areas A and B of connective tissue. Mast cells of all OLP and OLLC samples were positive for toluidine blue, c-kit, and tryptase. The density of toluidine blue+, c-kit+ and tryptase+ mast cells was higher in tissue with OLP and OLLC compared with healthy controls (p < 0.05). No difference was noted in mast cells density between OLP and OLLC (p > 0.05). The density of tryptase+ mast cells was higher in the subepithelial region (area A) than the region below it (Area B) in OLLC (p = 0.047). The mononuclear inflammatory cell density was higher in OLLC compared to OLP, but without statistical significance (p > 0.05). A positive statistical correlation was found between mononuclear immune cells and density of c-kit+ and tryptase+ mast cells in OLP (r = 0.943 and r = 0.886, respectively). Our data demonstrate that the etiopathogenesis process of OLP and OLLC modulates the expansion and degranulation of mast cells; mast cells density, however, was similar between OLP and OLLC. The distribution of mast cells appears to vary along the lamina propria.

Lymphatic Vascular Density, the Expression of Podoplanin and Tumor Budding in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Notwithstanding recent advances in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) management, its mortality rate is still high. It is imperative to investigate new parameters that are complementary to clinical staging for OSCC to provide better prognostic insight. The presence of isolated neoplastic cells or small clusters of up to four cells at the tumor's invasive front, called tumor budding, is a morphological marker of OSCC with prognostic value. Increased lymphatic vascular density (LVD) and a high expression of podoplanin in neoplastic cells have also been associated with worse prognosis in OSCC. To investigate these markers in OSCC, we evaluated differences in LVD and the expression of podoplanin in neoplastic cells between tumors with high-intensity tumor budding versus low-intensity or no tumor budding. In the samples of high-intensity budding, differences in those parameters between the​​ budding area and the area outside the budding were also evaluated. Furthermore, the study assessed differences in LVD and in the expression of podoplanin in neoplastic cells concerning OSCC clinicopathological characteristics. METHODS: To those ends, we subjected 150 samples of OSCC to immunohistochemistry to evaluate the intensity of tumor budding (via multi-cytokeratin immunostaining). Moreover, the 150 samples of OSCC and 15 specimens of normal oral mucosa (used as a control) were employed to assess LVD and the expression of podoplanin (in neoplastic cells of OSCC and in the lining epithelium of normal oral mucosa), both via podoplanin immunostaining. Data were processed into descriptive and analytical statistics. RESULTS: No differences were observed neither in the LVD nor in the expression of podoplanin in neoplastic cells concerning sex, age, tobacco smoking, tumor location and tumor size. The LVD was greater in OSCC and in tumors with high-intensity budding than in normal mucosa but did not differ between normal mucosa and tumors with low-intensity or no tumor budding. The data analyses also revealed that LVD was greater in tumors with high-intensity tumor budding than in tumors with low-intensity or no budding and showed no difference in LVD between the budding area and the area outside the budding. When compared to the lining epithelium of the normal mucosa, the expression of podoplanin was greater in neoplastic cells of OSCC, tumors with high-intensity budding and tumors with low-intensity or no tumor budding. The expression of podoplanin in neoplastic cells was also greater in tumors with high-intensity budding and, within those tumors, greater in the budding area than in the area outside de budding. CONCLUSION: Those findings support the hypothesis that tumor budding is a biological phenomenon associated with the progression and biological behavior of OSCC.

Assessment of screening programs as a strategy for early detection of oral cancer: a systematic review.

The present study is a systematic review of the evaluation of screening programs as a strategy for early detection of oral cancer. The aim of this study was to assess whether screening through visual inspection is able to identify injuries in early stages, to increase survival, and to decrease the incidence and mortality of oral cancer. Studies using visual inspection to screen for oral cancer and potentially malignant lesions in apparently healthy individuals over 18 years without previous diagnosis of the disease were included. The MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane databases Library, EMBASE, and LILACS, including manual search and gray literature, were searched through January 2021 with no language or date restrictions. The risk of bias and the methodological quality were evaluated according to the appropriate tool for each study design. The analysis of the results was narrative. Seventeen studies were reviewed that included cohort, accuracy, and randomized clinical trial studies. The tracking type performed was opportunistic and organized in a variety of environments. The age of participants ranged between 18 and 60 years old and, in some programs, only people with risk habits for oral cancer were included. The screeners were healthcare professionals, physicians, and dentists. Two studies reported data on the incidence rate of severe cases and mortality and showed a reduction when patients were at risk for the disease and participated in the program more than once. A limitation of this review was the great variability observed in the estimates of the screening effectiveness among the studies, which made comparisons difficult. If a screening program is continuous and able to ensure the inclusion of high-risk individuals, it can contribute to improvement in survival rates with a change of stage and can have a significant impact on incidence and mortality due to the disease. Registration in the Open Science Framebook (OSF) with the osf.io/zg8nr link.

Lip carcinoma mimicking keratoacanthoma: case reports / Carcinoma de lábio mimetizando queratoacantoma: relato de casos

ABSTRACT Oral amyloidosis is a disease characterized by extracellular and irreversible deposition of amorphous and fibrillar proteins in the oral cavity, being strongly associated with Multiple Myeloma. The objective of this study is to report a case of a 62-year-old woman diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma who, approximately 2 years after starting treatment for the underlying disease, presented a lesion on the lateral border of the tongue with exophytic growth, pinkish color, vascularized, painless, measuring 3cm in its largest diameter. After histopathological analysis through incisional biopsy, a final diagnosis of amyloidosis was obtained. As a local treatment, we opted for complete excision of the lesion. The patient evolved to death due to Multiple Myeloma influenced by the diagnosis of systemic amyloidosis. Oral amyloidosis is usually associated with the systemic presentation of the disease, making it necessary to conduct a thorough investigation of other organs. Its diagnosis is important since the prognosis is directly related and can negatively influence survival rates and treatment of the underlying disease.

RESUMO A amiloidose oral é uma doença caracterizada pela deposição extracelular e irreversível de proteínas amorfas e fibrilares na cavidade bucal, sendo fortemente associada com Mieloma Múltiplo. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar o caso de uma mulher com 62 anos de idade diagnosticada com Mieloma Múltiplo que, aproximadamente 2 anos após o início do tratamento para a doença de base, apresentou lesão em borda lateral de língua com crescimento exofítico, de coloração rósea, vascularizada, indolor, medindo 3 cm em seu maior diâmetro. Após análise histopatológica através de biópsia incisional, obteve-se diagnóstico final de amiloidose. Como tratamento local, optou-se pela exérese completa da lesão. A paciente evoluiu para óbito por consequência do Mieloma Múltiplo com complicações associadas à amiloidose sistêmica. A amiloidose oral geralmente está associada com a apresentação sistêmica da doença, tornando necessária uma investigação aprofundada nos demais órgãos. Seu diagnóstico é importante uma vez que pode influenciar diretamente no prognóstico e, consequentemente, negativamente nas taxas de sobrevida e no tratamento da doença de base.

Malignant lesion of clear cells: A diagnostic challenge of an unusual presentation mimicking a benign lesion.

In the oral cavity, a broad spectrum of differential diagnostics includes lesions composed of clear cells. Under this umbrella, Clear Cell Odontogenic Carcinoma (CCOC) and Hyalinizing Clear Cell Carcinoma (HCCC) are rare malignancies that arise from different histological origins. However, the histology is similar; therefore, differentiation of CCOC and HCCC lesions is difficult and, in some cases, impossible to distinguish morphologically and immunohistochemically. Herein, we report an unusual presentation of a well-defined nodular lesion affecting the maxillary gingiva in a 19-year-old female, which presented clinically as a benign or reaction etiology lesion. Microscopic evaluation showed a tumor composed of cell sheets with clear cytoplasm, separated by septa of fibrous tissue and invading the connective tissue. Tumor cells were positive for p63 and AE1/AE3 and negative for PAX8, smooth muscle actin (AML) and estrogen receptor. The diagnosis was carcinoma with a clear cell pattern, and it was not possible to distinguish between HCCC and CCOC. In this study, clinicopathologic, histologic, and immunohistochemistry features of CCOC and HCCC were discussed due to the challenging histological diagnosis. Radical surgical treatment and rehabilitation of the patient through graft and dental implants were performed. The patient is under follow-up with no signs of recurrence.

Oral and oropharyngeal lymphomas: A multi-institutional collaborative study.

BACKGROUND: Lymphomas in the oral and oropharyngeal regions are relatively uncommon, and their diagnosis is challenging and complex due to the myriad histopathological subtypes. Herein, we report a large series of oral and oropharyngeal lymphomas and compare our data with the currently available literature. METHODS: All cases diagnosed as lymphomas affecting the oral and oropharyngeal regions were retrospectively retrieved from seven Brazilian institutions. Clinicodemographic data and histopathological features were evaluated and described, while a comprehensive literature review was undertaken in order to compare our findings. RESULTS: A total of 304 cases of oral and oropharyngeal lymphomas were obtained, mostly affecting individuals aged 60-69 years (n = 68) with a mean age at diagnosis of 54.2 ± 20.1 years. Males and females were equally affected. Mature B-cell neoplasms (87.2%) were the most common group, followed by mature T- and NK-cell neoplasms (11.2%) and precursor lymphoid neoplasms (1.6%). The most frequent subtypes in each group were diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, not otherwise specified (n = 99), extranodal NK/T-cell lymphomas, nasal type (n = 12), and B-lymphoblastic leukaemia/lymphomas, not otherwise specified (n = 4). The most commonly involved sites were the palate (26.3%), mandible (13%), and maxilla (10.5%). CONCLUSION: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified, remains the most common subtype of lymphomas in the oral and oropharyngeal region. Older patients are the most affected, with no gender predilection and the palate and jaw are usually affected.

Oral and oropharyngeal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and high-grade B-cell lymphoma: A clinicopathologic and prognostic study of 69 cases.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to describe the clinicopathological, molecular, and prognostic features of oral/oropharyngeal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and high-grade B-cell lymphoma. STUDY DESIGN: All cases were retrieved from 7 Brazilian institutions. Immunohistochemical reactions were performed to confirm the diagnoses and to categorize the tumors. In situ hybridization was used to detect Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and fluorescence in situ hybridization was used to identify gene rearrangements. RESULTS: Most cases involved the oral cavity (76.8%). Males and females, with a mean age of 60 years, were evenly affected. Tumors mostly presented as painful swellings. Forty cases represented germinal center B-cell type (58%). Five cases presented double-hit translocation and 3 harbored rearrangement for MYC/BCL2/BCL6. EBV was detected in 3 cases (4.3%). The 5-year overall survival was 44.4%. Female sex, presence of pain and ulcer, microscopic "starry sky pattern" and necrosis, co-expression of c-Myc/Bcl2, and translocation of MYC were associated with a lower survival in univariate analysis (P = .05, P = .01, P = .01, P = .03, P = .05, P = .006, P = .05, respectively). CONCLUSION: Patients affected by oral/oropharyngeal DLBCL have a low survival rate. High-grade B-cell lymphoma (17.7%) and EBV-positive DLBCL, not otherwise specified (4.3%) account for a small number of cases.

Thrombocytopenia-Absent Radius (TAR): Case report of dental implant and surgical treatment.

Thrombocytopenia-absent radius (TAR) syndrome is a congenital malformation in which affected individuals present reductions in the number of platelets, hypoplasia, or absence of radial bone unilaterally or bilaterally. Hematologic, skeletal, cardiac (particularly tetralogy of Fallot and septal-atrial defects), and gastrointestinal anomalies are most commonly associated with TAR syndrome. Skeletal changes result in a higher risk of dental and craniofacial trauma in patients with the syndrome. Thus, it is important for the dentist to be aware of the characteristics of TAR syndrome and its clinical management for better care of these patients. The objective of this study is to describe a case report of a 26-year-old patient with TAR syndrome with a history of trauma and root fracture of tooth 11 and alveolar bone ridge. During anamnesis, root fractures requiring the extraction of the 11 tooth, alveolar bone ridge fracture in the adjacent region, and dental trauma were observed. A hematological evaluation and blood and radiological examinations were performed. Osseointegrated implant was performed using the guided surgery and flapless technique, as well as prosthetic rehabilitation in the affected region. This report discusses the importance of careful planning, such as the use of incisions and conservative surgery, techniques for alveolar ridge preservation, gingival manipulation, and prosthesis confection. The patient was attended by a hematologist throughout the treatment. Key words:TAR syndrome, absent radii and thrombocytopenia, dental implants, oral surgery.

Prótese e implante sobre enxerto alógeno: análise histológica e acompanhamento clínico: radiográfico por 8 anos / Prosthesis and implant on allogenic graft: histological analysis and clinical: radiographic follow-up for 8 years

Este relato de caso clínico tem como objetivo descrever a utilização de osso alógeno na reconstrução de maxila atrófica para posterior reabilitação com prótese fixa metalocerâmica sobre implantes, fazer uma análise histológica do tecido ósseo enxertado e descrever o acompanhamento clínico e radiográfico por 8 anos. Uma paciente de 54 anos, com edentulismo parcial e atrofia moderada-a-severa na maxila, apresentou-se para tratamento demonstrando muito interesse em receber prótese sobre implantes. Após exame clínico e radiográfico, foi realizada montagem dos modelos de estudo em ASA para enceramento diagnóstico e obtenção de um guia multifuncional (tomográfico/ cirúrgico). A tomografia indicou a necessidade de reconstrução óssea maxilar. Procedeuse então à aposição de blocos de osso alógeno para aumento horizontal nas regiões anterior e posterior da maxila. Um dos blocos foi triturado e utilizado para levantamento do assoalho do seio maxilar no lado esquerdo. Dez meses depois, uma nova tomografia foi solicitada, utilizando o mesmo guia inicial, e os implantes instalados, utilizando o guia multifuncional como guia cirúrgico. Neste momento, material ósseo foi coletado na interface osso enxertado/osso nativo com uma broca trefina. Os resultados histológicos demonstraram viabilidade das células ósseas no enxerto, além da presença de vasos sanguíneos. Após o tempo necessário para osseointegração, procedeu-se com tratamento protético. Nenhuma complicação foi relatada até oito anos de controle. A sequência de tratamento proposta forneceu bons resultados estéticos e funcionais. Concluiu-se, então, que o emprego de osso alógeno é uma alternativa viável para a reconstrução de rebordos alveolares severamente reabsorvidos(AU)

This clinical case report aims to describe the use of allogeneic bone in the atrophic maxilla reconstruction for subsequent rehabilitation with a fixed metal-ceramic prosthesis on implants; to perform a histological analysis of the grafted bone tissue; and to describe the clinical and radiographic monitoring for 8 years. A 54-year-old patient, with partial edentulism and moderate-to-severe atrophy in the maxilla showed great interest in receiving implant prostheses. After c linical and radiographic examination, the ASA study models were assembled for diagnostic waxing and a multifunctional guide (tomographic / surgical) was obtained. Tomography indicated the need for maxillary bone reconstruction. Allogeneic bone blocks were then placed for horizontal enlargement in the anterior and posterior regions of the maxilla. One of the blocks was crushed and used to lift the floor of the maxillary sinus on the left side. Ten months later, a new tomography was requested, using the same initial guide, and the implants installed, using the multifunctional guide as a surgical guide. At this time, bone material was collected at the grafted bone / native bone interface with a trephine drill. Histological results demonstrated viability of bone cells in the graft, besides the presence of blood vessels. After the necessary time for osseointegration, a prosthetic treatment was performed. No complications were reported up to eight years of control. The propose treatment sequence provided good aesthetic and functional results. It was concluded, then, that the use of allogeneic bone is a viable alternative for the reconstruction of severely reabsorbed alveolar edges(AU)

Two rare cases of oral metastasis arising from lung adenocarcinoma and esophageal carcinoma.

Metastasis to the oral cavity are rare, representing only 1% of all oral malignancies, and originate from various sites such as the breast, prostate, lung and kidney. Clinically, they can simulate reactive and inflammatory lesions common in the oral cavity, and the clinical and microscopic diagnosis of these metastasis is a challenge. In this article, we report two new cases of esophageal and lung metastasis to oral tissues, highlighting their clinical characteristics and the process of diagnostic elucidation. We emphasize the importance for clinicians to consider the possibility of metastatic lesions in the oral cavity in patients previously diagnosed with malignant lesions in distant tissues and organs. Key words:Diagnosis, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma of lung, oral cavity, metastasis.

Oral metastasis intraosseous mimicking periapical lesion: a case report / Metástase oral intraóssea mimetizando lesão periapical: um relato de caso

ABSTRACT Jaw metastasis can be mistaken for inflammatory or infectious diseases. Then, they should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unknown jaw lesions. Study reported here involved metastasis of breast cancer in the mandible of a 45-year-old woman. The most important differential diagnostic was a reactive lesion in an unusual periapical location associated with a nonvital tooth. However, given patient's medical history and because paresthesia and pain were observed a few days after pulpectomy, metastasis of breast cancer could not be ruled out. When bone scintigraphy suggested the metastasis of a malignant bone tumor, incisional biopsy was performed. Histopathologic examination and immunohistochemical reaction confirmed the diagnosis of metastasis of breastcancer, and chemotherapy was thus performed as well. Unfortunately, patient died 2 years after diagnosis. Dentists as well as general physicians should therefore consider presence of oral metastasis in cases involving atypical symptoms, especially in patients with known malignant disease.

RESUMO As metástases mandibulares podem ser confundidas com doenças inflamatórias ou infecciosas. Sendo assim, elas devem ser consideradas no diagnóstico diferencial de lesões desconhecidas na mandíbula. Esse relato de caso envolveu metástase de câncer de mama na mandíbula de uma mulher de 45 anos. O diagnóstico diferencial mais importante foi uma lesão reacional, em uma localização periapical incomum, associada a um dente não vital. No entanto, dado o histórico médico da paciente e uma vez que parestesia e dor foram observadas alguns dias após a realização da pulpectomia, a metástase de câncer de mama não foi descartada. Quando a cintilografia óssea sugeriu a metástase de um tumor ósseo maligno, uma biópsia incisional foi realizada. O exame histopatológico e a reação imunohistoquímica confirmaram o diagnóstico de metástase do câncer de mama, e a quimioterapia foi então realizada. Infelizmente, a paciente morreu 2 anos após o diagnóstico. Portanto, dentistas e médicos generalistas devem considerar a presença demetástases oral em casos que envolvam sintomas atípicos, principalmente em pacientes com doença maligna conhecida.

The angiotensin converting enzyme 2/angiotensin-(1-7)/Mas Receptor axis as a key player in alveolar bone remodeling.

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS), aside its classical hormonal properties, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory disorders. The angiotensin converting enzyme 2/angiotensin-(1-7)/Mas Receptor (ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/MasR) axis owns anti-inflammatory properties and was recently associated with bone remodeling in osteoporosis. Thus, the aim of this study was to characterize the presence and effects of the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/MasR axis in osteoblasts and osteoclasts in vitro and in vivo. ACE2 and MasR were detected by qPCR and western blotting in primary osteoblast and osteoclast cell cultures. Cells were incubated with different concentrations of Ang-(1-7), diminazene aceturate (DIZE - an ACE2 activator), A-779 (MasR antagonist) and/or LPS in order to evaluate osteoblast alkaline phosphatase and mineralized matrix, osteoclast differentiation and cytokine expression, and mRNA levels of osteoblasts and osteoclasts markers. An experimental model of alveolar bone resorption triggered by dysbiosis in rats was used to evaluate bone remodeling in vivo. Rats were treated with Ang-(1-7), DIZE and/or A-779 and periodontal samples were collected for immunohistochemistry, morphometric analysis, osteoblast and osteoclast count and cytokine evaluation. Human gingival samples from healthy and periodontitis patients were also evaluated for detection of ACE2 and MasR expression. Osteoblasts and osteoclasts expressed ACE2 and MasR in vitro and in vivo. LPS stimulation or alveolar bone loss induction reduced ACE2 expression. Treatment of bone cells with Ang-(1-7) or DIZE stimulated osteoblast ALP, matrix synthesis, upregulated osterix, osteocalcin and collagen type 1 transcription, reduced IL-6 expression, and decreased osteoclast differentiation, RANK and IL-1ß mRNA transcripts, and IL-6 and IL-1ß levels, in a MasR-dependent manner. In vivo, Ang-(1-7) and DIZE decreased alveolar bone loss through improvement of osteoblast/osteoclast ratio. A-779 reversed such phenotype. ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/MasR axis activation reduced IL-6 expression, but not IL-1ß. ACE2 and MasR were also detected in human gingival samples, with higher expression in the healthy than in the inflamed tissues. These findings show that the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/MasR is an active player in alveolar bone remodeling.

Immunolocalization of Cancer Stem Cells Marker ALDH1 and its Association with Tumor Budding in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Tumor budding is a prognostic marker for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) characterized by the presence of isolated or small clusters of neoplastic cells at the tumor invasive front. Aldehyde dehydrogenase-1 (ALDH1) is associated with tumorigenesis, linked to treatment resistance and shown to identify cancer stem cells (CSC)-like cells. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of ALDH1 and its association with tumor budding in OSCC. Immunohistochemistry was employed in 163 OSCC samples to identify pancytokeratin (AE1/AE3) and ALDH1. While pancytokeratin (AE1/AE3) identified squamous tumor buds, the CSC-like cells were identified using ALDH1. A Chi square test was used to evaluate association between ALDH1 expression and tumor budding, while McNemar's test was used to identify differences in ALDH1 expression between the budding area and the area outside the budding. A positive expression of ALDH1 was observed in 47.24% of the samples and in 70% of anatomic locations affected. No association was observed between ALDH1 expression and tumor budding (p > 0.05). In tumors with high-intensity tumor budding, ALDH1 expression was higher in the budding area than in the area outside the budding (p < 0.05). The finding that tumor bud cells in OSCC show phenotypic characteristics of CSC-like cells reinforces the relevance of tumor budding in determining the biological behavior of this malignant neoplasm. Moreover, the presence of CSC-like cells in nearly half of evaluated samples of OSCC and in most of the affected anatomic locations is in accordance with the CSC model of oral carcinogenesis.

Mast cell degranulation in periodontal disease from HIV-infected individuals

Aim: The objective was to compare the density and degranulation of mast cells on specimens obtained from individuals diagnosed with gingivitis or chronic periodontitis who were either non-HIV-infected or HIV-infected patients treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Methods: Gingival samples were taken from 16 non-HIV-infected individuals and 17 HIV-infected individuals diagnosed with gingivitis and chronic periodontitis. The samples were processed and tained with 0.3 percent o-toluidine blue. Densities (cells/mm²) and percentages of intact and degranulated mast cells were obtained. Results: No statistically significant differences were observed in the mast cell density and the percentage of degranulated mast cells between non-HIV-infected and HIV-infected individuals diagnosed with gingivitis and chronic periodontitis. Mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate was weakly correlated with the percentage of mast cells degranulated for both groups. Conclusions: There are no differences of the density and degranulation of mast cells in gingival tissue between non-HIV-infected and HIV-infected patients undergoing HAART, both groups with diagnosis of gingivitis or chronic periodontitis. This may be a result of the recovery of the immunologic system by HAART treatment.

Mature dendritic cell density is affected by smoking habit, lesion size, and epithelial dysplasia in oral leukoplakia samples.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the densities of CD1a + immature and CD83+ mature dendritic cells, and inflammatory infiltrate cells between smokers and non-smokers with oral leukoplakia. Parameters associated with malignant transformation were also evaluated. DESIGN: 21 smokers and 23 non-smokers diagnosed with oral leukoplakia were obtained. Densities of inflammatory infiltrate cells were calculated in H&E sections. Immunohistochemistry using anti-CD1a and anti-CD83 was performed and densities were calculated. Comparisons and statistical analyses were performed among the groups and parameters as gender, lesion size, site, and presence of cell dysplasia were analyzed. RESULTS: A lower density of CD83+ cells was observed in smokers compared to non-smokers (P < 0.05). For samples of smokers, a lower density of CD1a + cells, CD83+ cells, and inflammatory infiltrate cells was observed in samples with <10 mm compared to samples ≥10 mm of diameter (P < 0.05), and a lower density of CD83+ cells was also observed between samples without dysplasia compared to samples with dysplasia (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In oral leukoplakia samples, dendritic cell density decreases in the presence of smoking habit, and increases in larger lesions and with epithelial dysplasia. Smoking habit is an external factor that contribute to alteration of the anti-tumoral immune defense system in lesions of oral leucoplakia, reinforcing that smoking elimination is important to control the development of this disease.

CD1a+ dendritic cells in oral lichen planus and amalgam lichenoid reaction.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the number of CD1a+ dendritic cells (DCs) in oral lichen planus (OLP), amalgam lichenoid reaction (ALR), and normal oral mucosa (NOM). STUDY DESIGN: Fourteen cases of OLP and ALR, diagnosed both clinically and histologically, were obtained from an archive of an oral pathology service. Seven specimens of NOM were collected and served as controls. Immunohistochemistry was used to identify CD1a+ DCs. Densities were calculated using specimens of epithelium and lamina propria. For OLP and ALR, specimens of lamina propria included cells from inflammatory infiltrate (region A), and from below inflammatory infiltrate (region B). Comparisons and statistical analyses were performed among OLP, ALR, and NOM. RESULTS: A higher density of CD1a+ DCs was observed in OLP compared to ALR in region A (P < .05) and regions A+B (P < .05). A higher density of CD1a+ DCs was also observed in OLP compared with NOM in the regions A+B (P < .05). Statistically significant differences were not observed for analyses involving epithelial tissue. CONCLUSIONS: The observation that there is a lower quantity of DCs in ALR specimens compared with specimens from individuals with OLP suggests that the role for DCs in the 2 diseases may be different. The difference in cell density could be used in the differential diagnosis of these 2 diseases, but the overlapping intervals in the statistical analysis may limit the application of this approach in surgical practice.

Effect of smoking on immunity in human chronic periodontitis.

AIM: Evaluate the effects of smoking on dendritic cells (DCs), cytokines, clinical periodontal parameters, and number of teeth in samples of human chronic periodontitis (CP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Gingival samples were obtained from 24 smokers and 21 non-smokers with CP. Periodontal examination was carried out. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to identify Factor XIIIa+ immature, CD1a+ immature, and CD83+ mature DCs. The inflammatory infiltrate was counted, and IL-2, IL-10, IL-4, IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-17A were measured using the cytometric bead array (CBA). Inflammatory infiltrate, DCs, cytokines, classification of CP, clinical periodontal parameters, number of teeth, smoking habit in years (SH/years), and number of cigarettes smoked per day (C/day) were correlated and compared. RESULTS: CD83+ mature DCs decreased in the smokers group. Negative correlations could be observed between the number of C/day with levels of IL-17A and number of teeth. Correlations between smoking, periodontal disease status, and other cytokines were not observed. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking decreases mature DCs in chronic periodontitis. Moreover, a dose-dependent relation can be observed between C/day and number of teeth and levels of IL17A observed. Smokers show a different modulation of the CP immune response.