Mutations in the genes for keratin-4 and keratin-13 in Swedish patients with white sponge nevus.

BACKGROUND: White sponge nevus is a rare autosomal dominant disorder that affects the non-keratinised stratified squamous epithelium. Mutations in the genes that encode mucosa-specific keratin-4 and keratin-13 are strongly linked to the manifestation of white sponge nevus. This study involved mutational analysis of the genes encoding keratin-4 and keratin-13 in two Swedish families with white sponge nevus. METHODS: The diagnosis of white sponge nevus was based on disease history, clinical characteristics of the lesions and, in the majority of the cases, histopathological examination. Samples were collected from the affected buccal mucosa using buccal swabs. DNA was subsequently extracted and amplified using touchdown-PCR. The keratin-4 and keratin-13 genes were sequenced, and a genetic analysis was performed. RESULTS: A novel heterozygous missense mutation was identified in exon 1A of the keratin-4 gene in Family 2. In addition, previously reported heterozygous missense mutations were identified in the keratin-4 (E449K, A72V, Q156R, R208H) and keratin-13 (L115P) genes in both families. CONCLUSION: We describe a novel heterozygous missense mutation in the keratin-4 gene of a Swedish family with white sponge nevus. Our results support the notion that mutations in keratin-4 and keratin-13 are the underlying cause of white sponge nevus.

Telemedicine--a complement to traditional referrals in oral medicine.

INTRODUCTION: Introducing telemedicine into clinical practice has not been without difficulties. Within the framework of the European Union project "Health Optimum," telemedicine consultations with specialists at the Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at Uppsala University Hospital (Uppsala, Sweden) have been offered to dentists in the public dental health service. The aim is to streamline the consultation process, improve/develop the skills of the participating dentists and dental hygienists, and save time and money for patients, healthcare authorities, and society. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Patient records are collected in a database for demonstration and discussion, and the system is also available for referrals. Both medical and dental photographs and x-rays are digitized in the same system. These can be viewed during telemedicine rounds and by the consultants at the hospital prior to a consultation. Secure, interactive conferencing software is used, which provides a quick, easy, and effective way to share video and data over the Internet. Both parties can demonstrate different parts of an image using a pointer or a drawing system. Conference phones are presently used for verbal communication. RESULTS: Ten patients were discussed during telemedicine rounds (3 males and 7 females), all of whom would normally have been referred to a specialist. As a result of the telemedicine round, 2 were referred to a specialist, whereas diagnoses were made for the other 8, and treatment was suggested. The dental health clinic could thus provide treatment without the need for referral to a consultant. CONCLUSIONS: The telemedicine system described here allows patient care to be provided rapidly and more economically. Future plans include "live" rounds using a videocamera, providing the possibility to relay real-time information about the intraoral situation. A camera is being developed and should preferably be permanently installed chair side.

Localized IgG4-related disease manifested on the tongue: a case report.

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is an immune-mediated fibroinflammatory condition that can affect multiple organs. IgG4-RD may show a variety of initial symptoms. In the oral mucosa, lesions present as inflammatory fibrosis with a large number of IgG4-positive plasma cells. Evaluating treatment is a well-known problem in IgG4-RD due to the absence of an established assessment system. There are difficulties in defining the severity of the disease, which is why treatment is primarily based on its clinical manifestations. We present a case report of localized IgG4-RD with ulcerative and proliferative manifestations on the tongue, which clinically mimicked oral squamous cell carcinoma. A tumor-like lesion on the tongue can indicate something else other than the malignant or reactive changes commonly found in the oral mucosa. Multiple differential diagnoses of these atypical oral lesions, including localized IgG4-RD, should be considered.

Combined Testing of p16 Tumour-suppressor Protein and Human Papillomavirus in Patients With Oral Leukoplakia and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Oral leukoplakia (OL) is a potentially malignant oral mucosal disorder. A casual association between OL, oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has been suggested, but no conclusive evidence has been presented. p16, a tumour-suppressor protein, is used as a surrogate marker for HPV infection. The aim of this study was to investigate how overexpression of p16 correlates with HPV infection in OL and in OSCC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy-four patients with OL and 13 with OSCC with p16 overexpressed, were analyzed by immunohistochemistry visualizing p16 and a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 52, 56, 58 and 59. RESULTS: Overexpression of p16 was observed in 18% of patients with OL. None of the HPV subtypes were detected by PCR analysis in patients with OL. In the p16-positive OSCC specimens, 38% were also HPV16-positive. CONCLUSION: Overexpression of p16 was not found to be a reliable biomarker for HPV infection in patients with OL and OSCC.