Application of an ultrasonic bone knife combined with a dental electric motor in the extraction of mandibular middle and low impacted teeth.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical application of an ultrasonic bone knife (UBK) combined with a dental electric motor (DEM) in the extraction of mandibular middle and low impacted teeth. METHODS: From January 2022 to May 2023,200 patients with wisdom teeth were randomly divided into three groups: experimental group A (UBK combined with DEM), experimental group B (UBK combined with high-speed turbine mobile phone (HSTMP)), and the control group (bone chisel split crown (BCSC)). The operation time, psychological state during operation, pain, swelling, limitation of mouth opening and other complications on the first, second and third days after operation were recorded. RESULTS: The operation time of experimental group A (EAG) (12.95 ± 2.12) minutes was shorter than that of experimental group B (EBG) (17.06 ± 2.25) minutes and the control group (CG) (23.43 ± 2.18) minutes, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The psychological state of the EAG was significantly lower than that of the EBG and CG (P < 0.05). The postoperative pain, swelling, limitation of mouth opening and complications in the EAG were significantly lower than those in the EBG and CG (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: UBK combined with DEM in the extraction of mandibular middle and low obstructed teeth has good results, good prognosis, high safety, short operation time, better psychological status of patients, low postoperative pain, swelling, mouth opening restriction and complication rate, and is currently the preferred extraction method.

A novel mechanism of the lncRNA PTTG3P/miR-142-5p/JAG1 axis modulating tongue cancer cell phenotypes through the Notch1 signaling.

Tongue cancer is the most prevalent type of oral cancer. Our previous study revealed that JAG1 exerted an oncogenic effect on tongue carcinoma through the JAG1/Notch pathway. In this study, a lncRNA PTTG3P which was upregulated in tongue cancer, was found to be positively correlated with JAG1. In CAL-27 and SCC4 cells, PTTG3P silencing significantly decreased JAG1 proteins and the ability of tongue tumor cells to proliferate and migrate. PTTG3P overexpression exhibited the opposite effect on CAL-27 and SCC4 cells. PPTG3P directly bound miR-142-5p, and miR-142-5p directly bound 3'UTR of JAG1 and inhibited the expression levels of JAG1. As opposed to PTTG3P silencing, miR-142-5p inhibition increased JAG1 protein levels and tongue cancer cell proliferation and migration; moreover, miR-142-5p inhibition substantially reversed the effects of PTTG3P silencing. Finally, the PPTG3P/miR-142-5p axis regulated the level of NICD, Notch downstream c-myc, and cyclin D1, as well as EMT markers Snail, Twist, and Vimentin. In conclusion, the PTTG3P/miR-142-5p axis modulates tongue cancer aggressiveness through JAG1, potentially through a JAG1/Notch signaling pathway.

An individual patient data meta-analysis on the effect of chemotherapy on survival in patients with craniofacial osteosarcoma.

Chemotherapy improves the survival of patients with long bone osteosarcomas. However, the benefits of chemotherapy in the treatment of craniofacial osteosarcoma (CFOS) are still controversial. We searched PubMed and EMBASE from February 1997 to December 2016 to identify studies on CFOS. The individual patient data of these studies were pooled into a meta-analysis. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were performed. Thirteen studies with a total of 184 patients met our inclusion criteria. Positive resection margin was a poor prognostic factor for CFOS in the univariate and multivariate survival analyses. Chemotherapy improved overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) in patients with CFOS who had tumors in the maxilla, positive resection margins, or high-grade tumors. Patients with local tumor recurrence had better OS and DSS when treated with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy improves survival in patients with CFOS with adverse factors, such as tumors with positive margins, high-grade tumors, and recurrent tumors.

LncRNA UCA1/miR-124 axis modulates TGFß1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition and invasion of tongue cancer cells through JAG1/Notch signaling.

Tongue cancer remains a massive threat to public health due to the high rate of metastasis. Tumor cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which can be induced by transforming growth factor ß1 (TGFß1), has been regarded as a significant contributor to cancer invasion and migration. In our previous study, long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) MALAT1/miR-124/JAG1 axis modulates the growth of tongue cancer. In addition to metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1), another lncRNA, urothelial cancer associated 1 (UCA1), can promote EMT and cancer metastasis. In the present study, UCA1 was overexpressed in tongue cancer tissues and cell lines. UCA1 overexpression was correlated to the poorer prognosis of patients with tongue cancer. UCA1 knockdown significantly suppressed TGFß1-induced tongue cancer cell invasion and EMT by decreasing vimentin and increasing E-cadherin. Regarding the molecular mechanism, UCA1 could directly bind to microRNA-124 (miR-124) and negatively regulate each other. UCA1 knockdown ameliorated, whereas miR-124 inhibition exacerbated TGFß1-induced EMT and invasion in tongue cancer cells through miR-124 downstream jagged 1 (JAG1) and Notch signaling. Moreover, miR-124 inhibition partially impaired the effect of UCA1 knockdown. In tongue cancer tissues, miR-124 expression was remarkably decreased, whereas JAG1 mRNA expression was increased. miR-124 was negatively correlated with UCA1 and JAG1. UCA1 and JAG1 were positively correlated. In summary, we provided a novel mechanism by which the EMT process and cancer cell invasion in tongue cancer could be modulated from the perspective of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulation.

Treatment of oral and maxillofacial dog bites in children / 口腔疾病防治

Objective @#To summarize experience treating dog bites in the oral and maxillofacial regions of children and provide a reference for clinical practice.@*Methods @#Nineteen children with dog bite wounds in the maxillofacial region were treated from July 2011 to June 2018 with primary debridement and suturing. A rabies vaccine, tetanus vaccine and human immunoglobulin as a passive immune agent were given via intramuscular injection. Anti-inflammatory therapy with amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium or other antibiotics. Follow-up observation and a retrospective analysis of the treatment effect were carried out.@*Results@#After treatment, among the 19 pediatric patients, 18 cases showed primary healing and 1 case showed secondary healing. The follow-up period ranged from six months to seven and a half years. No cases of rabies occurred.@*Conclusion @#For the treatment of patients with maxillofacial dog bite wounds, the first stage debridement and suture can reduce the scar after operation and is beneficial to the recovery of face.

[Retracted] Long non­coding RNA MALAT1 interacts with miR­124 and modulates tongue cancer growth by targeting JAG1.

We wish to retract our research article entitled "Long non­coding RNA MALAT1 interacts with miR­124 and modulates tongue cancer growth by targeting JAG1" published in Oncology Reports 37 2087­2094, 2017. Following the publication of this article, it was drawn to our attention that this paper bore numerous similarites with an article published previously in the journal OncoTargets and Therapy. Although all the data reported in our study were original, we recognize that it was not appropriate that we should have modelled our paper on previously published articles as a template on which to base the writing of our paper. Therefore, we have agreed to follow the Editor's recommendation that this paper be retracted from the publication. All the named authors agree to this retraction. We sincerely apologize to the Editor and the readership of the Journal for our action, and regret any inconvenience this has caused. [the original article was published in the Oncology Reports 37: 2087­2094, 2017; DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5445].

Clinical application of an interaction retention method for multi-implant-supported fixed bridges in posterior teeth / 口腔疾病防治

Objective @#To research the feasibility and preliminary clinical effect of an implant-supported fixed bridge based on interactions with the posterior interocclusal space deficiency. @*Methods@#Four patients with multiple implant-supported fixed-bridge restorations for interocclusal space deficiency in posterior teeth were included in this study. The 8 total implant sites had an average interocclusal space size of 3.3 mm. Two abutments with an undercut area were performed, the fixed bridge was placed by rotating it without a common path of insertion, and the abutment screw was then tightened. In the production process, the interaction retention concept and methods were fully communicated to the technician. The abutments and bridges on the implants were placed, and the clinical effect was observed. @*Results@#The prosthesis was fixed well and presented appropriate functioning. At the 3-month and 18-month follow-up examination, the prosthesis and abutments were not loose, and the abutments did not release or break. No swelling or tenderness was observed in the margin of the implants.@*Conclusion @#The interaction retention is a good method of resolving the problem of interocclusal space deficiencies in the posterior teeth.

Long non-coding RNA MALAT1 interacts with miR-124 and modulates tongue cancer growth by targeting JAG1.

Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1), a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), was the earliest discovered to be correlated with cancer and contributes to the initiation and development of several types of tumors. Dysregulation of MALAT1 expression is frequently observed in many types of cancer such as gastric cancer, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and glioma. To date, the role of MALAT1 and the underlying mechanisms in tongue cancer development remain unclear. In the present study, we studied the influence of MALAT1 on tongue cancer cell lines and clinical tongue cancer samples so as to detect its function and the underlying mechanism. In the present study, lncRNA-MALAT1 was specifically upregulated in tongue cancer cell lines and overexpression promoted tongue cancer cell growth by targeting miR-124. Knockdown of MALAT1 suppressed the growth and invasion of human tongue cancer cells and inhibited metastasis in vitro and in vivo. In addition, miR-124-dependent jagged1 (JAG1) regulation was required for MALAT1-induced tongue cancer cell growth. Our data revealed that MALAT1 inhibited tongue cancer cell growth and metastasis through miR-124-dependent JAG1 regulation. In conclusion, we revealed that MALAT1 may play an oncogenic role by increasing proliferation and metastasis of tongue cancer and is a potential therapeutic target in human tongue cancer.

TGFß1-Smad3-Jagged1-Notch1-Slug signaling pathway takes part in tumorigenesis and progress of tongue squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: TGFß1 and Smad3 play an important role in the process of EMT. TGFß1 regulates the expression of Jagged1 by modulating Notch signaling. Jagged1 is related to tumor invasion, metastasis, chemotherapy resistance, and tumor immune escape. The aims of this study are to examine deregulation of TGFß1-Smad3-Jagged1-Notch1-Slug signaling in TSCC and to investigate its roles in TSCC progression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Notch1, Smad3, Jagged1 and Slug proteins and mRNA expression were detected in specimens from 89 cases of patients. We analyzed the correlation between their expressions and histological grade, clinical stage and lymph node metastasis. RESULTS: Notch1, Smad3, Jagged1 and Slug mRNA expressions in TSCC were higher than normal tissue (P <0.05). The protein expression of Notch1 and Smad3 in TSCC were higher (χ(2) =7.30, P <0.01 and χ(2) = 5.84, P <0.05). Notch1 and Smad3 expressions were correlated with clinical stage (χ(2) =18.81, P<0.01; χ(2) =22.29, P<0.01), but not Jagged1 (χ(2) =0.53, P>0.05). The Slug protein expression was correlated with clinical stage. The positive rate of Notch1 was higher in lymph node metastases positive cases (χ(2) =7.30, P<0.01). Moreover, higher expression of Jagged1 was found in lymph node positive cases (χ(2) =10.82, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The key protein expression in TGFß1-Smad3-Jagged1-Notch1-Slug signaling pathway significantly correlated with the clinicopathological features of TSCC patients. It's potential as a biomarker and a novel therapeutic target for TSCC patients at risk of metastasis. It may play an irreplaceable role in TSCC progression which may attribute to promoting EMT which enhances cell migration, invasion and metastasis.

A meta-analysis on selective versus comprehensive neck dissection in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients with clinically node-positive neck.

OBJECTIVE: Properly management of cervical lymph node metastases is a critical treatment for patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However there is no consensus on the optimal treatment for oral cancer patients with clinically node-positive (cN+) neck. This study aims to access the feasibility of selective neck dissection in oral cancer patients with cN+neck. METHOD: We searched PubMed and EMBASE up to April 2015 to identify the studies which compared selective neck dissection (SND) with comprehensive neck dissection (CND) in OSCC patients with cN+neck. Data were extracted by two authors. The meta-analysis was conducted with regional recurrence and disease specific death as primary endpoints. RESULT: Five studies with a total of 443 patients met our inclusion criteria. No significant difference was found regarding regional recurrence, disease specific death or overall death between the SND and CND group. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that cN+OSCC patients treated with SND in conjunction with adjuvant therapy got comparable clinical outcome to CND.

[The expression and significance of the Notch signaling pathway molecules in tongue squamous cell carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the expression of Notch signaling receptors Notchl, Notch3 and its ligand Jaggedl, Jagged2 in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC). METHODS: mRNA and protein expression levels of tissue samples from 74 cases of tongue cancer patients and human tongue cell line Cal-27 were detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Its relationship with cell proliferation and clinical pathology was analyzed. RESULTS: mRNA and protein expression were detected in tongue cancer tissues, adjacent tissues and cell lines. Notchl and Notch3 protein expression in tongue cancer was higher than the adjacent tissues. Jaggedl and Jagged2 protein expression in tongue cancer and adjacent tissues had no difference. Notchl and Notch3 protein had correlation with tongue cancer clinical staging. Pathway protein expression had no correlation with pathological grade, age, gender. Notchl protein expression in lymph node metastasis-positive cases was higher than in lymph node metastasis-negative cases. The expression of Notch3 and Jagged2 had correlation. Jaggedl expression grade in metastasis-positive cases was higher than in negative cases. CONCLUSION: Notch signaling molecules have active expression in TSCC and may play important roles in tongue cancer development.

Disruption of mediator complex subunit 19 (Med19) inhibits cell growth and migration in tongue cancer.

BACKGROUND: Mediator complex subunit 19 (Med19) is a critical subunit of the mediator complex that forms a bridge between the transcription factors and RNA polymerase II. Although it has been reported that Med19 plays an important role in stabilizing the whole mediator complex, its biological importance in tongue cancer cell proliferation and migration has not been addressed. METHODS: By using MTT, BrdU incorporation, colony formation, flow cytometric, tumorigenesis and transwell assays, We tested the Med19 role on tongue cancer cell growth and migration. RESULTS: We demonstrated that lentivirus-mediated Med19 knockdown could arrest tongue cancer cells at G1 phase, inhibit tongue cancer cell proliferation and migration in vitro. The tumorigenicity of Med19 short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-expressing lentivirus infected tongue cancer cells were decreased after inoculating into nude mice. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that Med19 plays an important role in tongue cancer proliferation and migration, and suggest possible applications for tongue cancer therapy.

Suppression of tongue squamous cell carcinoma growth by inhibition of Jagged1 in vitro and in vivo.

BACKGROUND: The changes in Notch signaling are closely related to the occurrence and development of many cancers. We have investigated Notch signaling receptor and its ligand expressions in TSCC cell lines, tissues and its significance. We clarified Notch signaling pathway in TSCC and its mechanism. We regulated Notch signaling pathway of tumor cells, thereby inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and differentiation. METHODS: We detected Jagged1 protein and mRNA expression levels in specimens (tongue cancer and adjacent tissues) from 74 patients with tongue cancer and in TSCC cell line. The Jagged1-targeted lentiviral vector RNAi system was constructed, and its suppressive effects on the proliferation and invasion of tongue carcinoma cells in in vivo and ex vivo were determined. RESULTS: Jagged1 was expressed in tongue squamous cell cancer tissues and cell line, but there were differences in its expression. Jagged1 was knocked down and the tumor growth was inhibited accompanying cell cycle changes. Animal studies also showed that the tumor growth was inhibited. CONCLUSIONS: Jagged1 may be involved in the differentiation and proliferation of tongue cancer. Targeting Jagged1 RNA interference lentiviral vector can effectively lower Jagged1 mRNA and protein expression levels of Tca8113 cells, thereby preventing the proliferation of TSCC cells. Jagged1 is expected to be a promising new target for curing tongue cancer. In-depth study of the interaction between Jagged1 and other molecules of Notch signaling pathway in the process of carcinogenesis has important theoretical guidance and clinical significance in revealing the mechanism of Jagged1 and its application in the therapy for tongue cancer.

Mandible reconstruction assisted by preoperative virtual surgical simulation.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we evaluated the clinical efficacy of mandible reconstruction with preoperative virtual planning, which focused on esthetics and occlusion. STUDY DESIGN: A series of 9 patients were enrolled prospectively to undergo mandibulectomy and simultaneous reconstruction. Preoperative spiral CT scans of the maxillofacial region and the fibula region were performed. Virtual surgery of tumor resection and fibula reconstruction was performed in the Mimics platform. The reconstructed mandible models were fabricated with CAD/CAM technique. The reconstruction plate and the positioning template were accommodated to the stereolithographic model as the surgical template. RESULTS: Surgery was performed accurately according to the templates. All the fibula flaps survived. The appearance and occlusion of the patients were satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: With preoperative virtual planning, the spatial relationship of the mandible and the fibula graft can be planned individually, which helps achieve optimum appearance and occlusion relationship.

High expression of the autophagy gene Beclin-1 is associated with favorable prognosis for salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Although autophagy is universally involved in tumorigenesis and tumor progression, the roles of autophagy and autophagy-regulating genes in salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the expression of the autophagy-regulating genes Beclin-1, death-associated protein kinase-1, ultraviolet radiation resistance-associated gene, and phosphatase and tensin homolog in salivary gland ACC samples. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to analyze the expression of these genes in 89 ACC samples and normal salivary gland tissue samples. The relationship of their expression with clinicopathological features was analyzed. RESULTS: The data showed significantly lower expression of these genes in the tumor samples than in normal salivary gland tissue samples. Furthermore, Beclin-1 expression was significantly correlated with histological pattern of ACC (P<0.05), and high expression of ultraviolet radiation resistance-associated gene was associated with distant metastasis (P<0.05). Most importantly, univariate and multivariate survival analyses suggested that Beclin-1 protein and mRNA expression in cancer cells were independent prognostic indicators for ACC. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that autophagy-regulating genes may participate in the pathogenesis of salivary gland ACC. Further research will be required to gain a better understanding of autophagy in ACC.

Improvement in the delivery system of bone morphogenetic protein-2: a new approach to promote bone formation.

Much research has been focused on developing bone morphogenetic protein-2(BMP-2) delivery systems to enhance bone formation in bone defect repair and bone tissue engineering. However, many of these current systems have several drawbacks associated with low loading efficiencies and reduced biological activities after release. Collagen scaffolds can be used as in delivery systems because of their biocompatibility. However, growth factors have naturally low affinity to collagen, which is disadvantageous for maintaining a sufficient growth factor concentration at the delivery sites. To enhance BMP-2 binding to collagen scaffolds, we chose a porous collagen scaffold that was chemically modified using Traut's reagent. The modified collagen scaffold allows cross-linking of the collagen fibers and is able to immobilize more BMP-2 after treatment with Sulfo-SMCC. We demonstrated that cross-linking led to a slower release rate of BMP-2, but did not reduce its biological activity. Moreover, more ectopic bone formation was induced by subcutaneous implants of cross-linked collagen treated with BMP-2. We concluded that collagen scaffolds chemically conjugated with BMP-2 using Traut's reagent and Sulfo-SMCC was an effective delivery system for use in bone defect repair and in bone tissue engineering.

Foxp3 expressed by tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells correlates with clinicopathologic features and overall survival in tongue squamous cell carcinoma patients.

The forkhead transcription factor, Foxp3, has been identified as a key player in CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) function and a definitive marker of Tregs. Recently, it was reported that Foxp3 could be expressed by tumor cells themselves. The present study was to investigate the expression of Foxp3 in tongue squamous cells carcinoma (TSCC) cells and its clinical significance. In this study, the expression of Foxp3 by TSCC cells was demonstrated in TSCC tissue samples and three TSCC cell lines using immunohistochemical staining, realtime-PCR and Western blotting, and its clinical significance were statistically analyzed. The immunohistochemical assay in TSCC paraffin-embedded samples showed positive staining in 48 of 81 (59.3%) cases. The expression was significantly associated with pathologic differentiation (P=0.040) and T stage (P=0.000), and furthermore, inversely associate with patient survival (P=0.021). Multivariate analysis (Cox regression) suggested that Foxp3 expression in TSCC cells was an independent prognostic indicator for TSCC (P=0.032).

Activation of Notch signaling in human tongue carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Involvement of Notch signaling in several tumors is well known, but its role in tongue squamous cell carcinoma remains poorly characterized. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the roles of Notch signaling in the oncogenesis of tongue carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tumor specimens and adjacent non-neoplastic tongue tissues from 74 patients with tongue carcinoma and human tongue carcinoma cell line Tca8113 were examined using immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR to determine the expressions of Notch1, Notch3, Jagged1, and Jagged2. RESULTS: The mRNA expressions of Notch1, Notch3, Jagged1, and Jagged2 were detected in Tca8113, tongue carcinoma, and adjacent non-neoplastic tongue tissues. The expression levels of mRNAs in tongue carcinoma were higher than those in adjacent non-neoplastic tongue tissues (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemical examination showed that the Notch signal molecules were expressed in Tca8113, tongue carcinoma, and adjacent non-neoplastic tongue tissues. The expression rates of Notch1 and Notch3 protein in tongue carcinoma were higher than those in adjacent non-neoplastic tongue tissues (χ² = 6.10, P = 0.013; χ² = 3.94, P = 0.047). Notch1 and jagged1 were significantly more highly expressed in lymph node metastasis-positive tongue carcinoma (χ² = 6.108, P = 0.013; χ² = 7.354, P = 0.025). In addition, expressions of Notch3 and Jagged2 were highly correlated in tongue carcinoma tissues (χ² = 42.130, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Expressions of Notch receptors and ligands in tongue carcinoma and adjacent non-neoplastic tongue tissues suggest that Notch signaling may control cell differentiation and proliferation of carcinoma cells. The disorder of Notch signaling may be a mechanism of the tongue carcinoma development.

Digital subtraction angiography-guided percutaneous sclerotherapy of venous malformations with pingyangmycin and/or absolute ethanol in the maxillofacial region.

PURPOSE: The present study evaluated the safety and efficacy of digital subtraction angiography-guided percutaneous sclerotherapy of venous malformations (VMs) with pingyangmycin and/or absolute ethanol in the maxillofacial region. We present our safe and novel method for treating venous malformations. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 20 patients (21 locations) diagnosed with VMs were enrolled in the present trial. Evaluated by preoperative digital subtraction angiography, the lesions were categorized into 4 types according to the venous drainage features. Of the 20 patients, 5 had type I VMs, 5 had type II, 6 had type III and 3 had type IV VMs. One patient had type I and type III VMs in different locations of the maxillofacial region. For types I and II lesions, pingyangmycin sclerotherapy was performed. Multistage sclerotherapy with absolute ethanol and pingyangmycin was performed on types III and IV lesions. RESULTS: After evaluation and guided by preoperative digital subtraction angiography, all the patients were treated successfully and safely. Of the 20 patients, the clinical outcome was excellent in 13, good in 6, and fair in 1. No disease recurrence was noted during the follow-up evaluations (range 6 to 25 months, median 13.55). The complications were fever in 5 patients after the first session of sclerotherapy, incomplete facial paralysis in 1, swelling in 1, and ulceration in 3. No major complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Digital subtraction angiography-guided phlebography of VMs in the maxillofacial region is one of the approaches to classify VMs using anatomic and hemodynamic features. A strong association was seen between the type of VM and the approach of sclerotherapy. Percutaneous sclerotherapy using pingyangmycin and/or absolute ethanol is a safe and effective method of treating symptomatic VMs.

Detection of Notch signaling molecules in cemento-ossifying fibroma of the jaws.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the roles of Notch signaling in the oncogenesis and cytodifferentiation of cemento-ossifying fibroma, the expressions of Notch receptors and ligands were detected in COF and normal jaw bones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expressions of Notch1, Notch3, Jagged1, and Jagged2 were detected by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry respectively in 16 cases of normal bone tissues and 12 cases of COF of the jaws. RESULTS: The mRNAs expressions of Notch1, Notch3, Jagged1, and Jagged2 were detected in all specimens. The expression levels of mRNAs in COF were higher than those in normal bones. In COF, Notch proteins staining were showed extensively distribution in fibroblasts and osteoblasts. In normal bone tissue, Notch proteins were expressed in osteoblasts, whereas proteins staining were weaker than those in COF, but no detection in fibroblast-like bone marrow stroma cells. The expressions of Notch receptors and ligands were not detected in cementum-like products or bone matrices. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that Notch signaling may participate in controlling cell differentiation and proliferation in normal bone and COF of the jaws. Notch signaling disorder may be a molecular incident in COF occurrence and development.