Expression of PTCH gene in ameloblastoma and odontogenic keratocyst: A comparative study.

Aim: This is a cross-sectional comparative study, aimed to quantify the expression of patched (PTCH) gene in ameloblastoma, odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) and also the comparison of both the expressions. Materials and Methods: Genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted and quantified, and the expression of the PTCH gene was done in 17 cases of ameloblastoma and 17 cases of OKC by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Results: It was observed that there was an overexpression of the PTCH gene in both ameloblastoma and OKC with a good mean cycle threshold (CT) value of 32.71 ± 2.432 and 34.69 ± 1.875, respectively. When comparing the PTCH expression between the two, ameloblastoma showed higher expression than the OKC and the difference is statistically significant with P value of 0.025. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that there is overexpression of PTCH in ameloblastoma and OKC, but it is highly expressed in ameloblastoma when compared to OKC. Overexpression of PTCH may constitute the activation of the Sonic Hedgehog pathway and may suggest the mechanism for the development of ameloblastoma and OKC. Hence it can be used as a valuable marker for early diagnosis and in the identification of therapeutic targets.

Role of a dentist in early diagnosis of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis: A rare case report.

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a rare multisystem disease characterized by a triad of necrotizing granulomas affecting the upper and lower respiratory tract, vasculitis and glomerulonephritis. Oral lesions are seen in 6-13% of cases, although not life threatening but might be the first symptoms reported by the patient. Here we present a case of gingival growth, later diagnosed as GPA owing to the timely recognition by the dentist. A 33-year-old female reported for evaluation of soft tissue growth in her lower left back tooth region present for past 3 months. She had no relevant medical or family history. Clinically it looked like a benign hypertrophic gingival enlargement. The histopathological picture was suggestive of vasculitis and nonspecific granuloma formation. On further examination altered Renal Function Test and cavitating granulomas were noted in her lungs along with a positive cytoplasmic ANCA (c-ANCA) test which led to the diagnosis of GPA.