Clinical Utility of Serum Homocysteine and Folate as Tumor Markers in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma - A Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is a common malignancy involving head and neck. Identifying the markers of molecular levels or biochemical markers involving the various metabolic reactions associated with the initiation and biological behavior of individual tumors are very important in diagnosis and prognosis. AIM: To measure and compare the levels of serum Homocysteine (Hcy) and serum folate in OSCC patients, smoking group and healthy subjects and also to assess the clinical utility of serum Hcy as a potential tumor marker in OSCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group comprised of 60 subjects, of whom 30 were classified as OSCC cases (GROUP I) and 15 were classified as smokers without OSCC (GROUP II). The control group included 15 healthy individuals without smoking habit (Group III). Hcy was measured with High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Folate estimation was done by Chemiluminiscence Immuno Assay (CLIA). Comparison of mean Hcy and folate values among the groups was done using ANOVA with Post-Hoc Games Howell test. Gender was compared using Chi-square test. Comparison of mean age was using ANOVA with Post-Hoc Tukey's test. RESULTS: The mean serum folate level in OSCC patients was 5.34ng/mL, 7.68ng/mL in smoking group and 10.99ng/mL in control group. There was a significant difference in the mean serum folate levels among the three study groups (p<0.001). The mean serum Hcy in OSCC patients was 23.58µmol/L, 17.46µmol/L, in smoking group and 10.76µmol/l in controls. There was a significant difference in the mean serum Hcy levels among the three study groups (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The present study found an interesting association with serum Hcy and folate levels in OSCC which could be useful as a biochemical "Tumor Marker" and thereby providing insights into the onset and progression of the disease.

Ameloblastic fibroma of the maxilla with bilateral presentation: report of a rare case with review of the literature.

Ameloblastic fibroma (AF) is an uncommon benign odontogenic tumour, with both epithelial and mesenchymal neoplastic proliferation. It occurs most frequently in the posterior region of the mandible, while its occurrence in the maxilla is extremely rare. They are usually encountered in children, emphasizing it as an important diagnostic consideration. Herein, we report the first case of a bilateral maxillary ameloblastic fibroma in a 2-year-old female child patient who presented with a chief complaint of swelling in the right mid facial region.

A novel approach for treatment of an unusual presentation of radicular cysts using autologous periosteum and platelet-rich fibrin in combination with demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft.

Radicular cysts are the most common cystic lesions affecting the jaws. They are most commonly found at the apices of the involved teeth. This condition is usually asymptomatic but can result in a slow-growth tumefaction in the affected region. The following case report presents the successful treatment of radicular cysts using autologous periosteum and platelet-rich fibrin with demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft.

Comparative evaluation of resistance failure in nonprecious metal-ceramic restoration at the incisal edge with varying thickness under different application of load: an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the resistance failure value of nonprecious metal-ceramic restorations at the incisal edge with varying thickness under different application of load. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An Ivorian central incisor was prepared to receive metal-ceramic crown, which was further duplicated, invested, casted and 72 metal dies were fabricated in Co-Cr alloy. Metal dies were relieved with die spacer, lubricated and wax patterns were prepared for metal copings, which were further invested and casted and 72 metal copings were fabricated. The ceramic materials were used for the study viz. Vita/VMK, IPSd SIGN, and superporcelain. Ceramic built-up was carried out according to manufacturer instructions. Incisal ceramic built-up was carried out with increasing thickness from 2.00 to 2.5 and 3.00 mm. RESULTS: A total of 72 samples, prepared for the study, were divided into two groups, i.e. group I (36 samples) and group II (36 samples), as per the direction of application of load. The samples were mounted on acrylic block (6 samples/block). A total 12 acrylic blocks were prepared. All the samples were tested using universal testing machine (MTS/USA). The load was applied with crosshead speed of 5 mm/min. CONCLUSION: Fracture resistance was found to be highest for the 2.00 mm and lowest for 3.00 mm incisal ceramic thickness samples regardless of the ceramic material in both groups. There was a gradual decrease in fracture resistance as the incisal ceramic thickness increased from 2.00 to 3.00 mm in all samples. Fracture resistance was marginally higher for incisal ceramic build-up of 3 mm thickness on group II metal copings than on group I copings. Fracture resistance was highest for IPSd SIGN followed by that of Vita/VMK-95 and superporcelain. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: A 3.00 mm incisal ceramic thickness offered greater fracture resistance in comparison to lower values of incisal thickness; IPSd SIGN offered greatest fracture resistance followed by that of Vita/VMK-95 and superporcelain.