miRNA 21: Diagnostic Prognostic and Therapeutic Marker for Oral Cancer.

The vast majority of cancer epigenetic research is now focused on micro RNA (miRNA). Though thousands of miRNA have been identified, the validation of their role is a continuous process. AIM: the aim of this paper is to comprehensively review the role of miRNA 21 in Oral cancer as a marker for diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic target. METHOD: The data was collected from major search engines like PubMed, Science Direct, Cochrane library and Google Patents with the key words miRNA 21, miRNA and Oral Cancer, miRNA 21 prognostic role, miRNA therapeutic target etc. The articles published in the period of 2001 to 2016 in English language only were considered for this review. Articles in other language and focusing cancer other than oral cancer were beyond the scope of review and were excluded. Articles pertaining to Oral squamous cell carcinoma only were included in this review. The data synthesized was comprehensively categorized in to diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic role along with targets of miRNA 21. CONCLUSION: miRNA 21 mainly targets the tumour suppressor genes and thus affects the process of carcinogenesis. The identification of expression of various markers associated with carcinogenesis will help in diagnosis of lesion. miRNA 21 expression is negatively correlated with prognosis of Oral cancer. The addition of nucleic acid constructer along with vector carrying anticancer agents in the promoter sequence of miRNA 21 has lot of therapeutic potential.

Quantitative analysis of agnor counts of buccal mucosal cells of chewers and non chewers of gutkha: A comparative cytologic study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The present study was taken up to evaluate the AgNOR counts in the buccal mucosa cells of gutkha chewers and compare that with the sex-matched controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In all, 100 gutkha chewers and 50 sex-matched non-chewers (controls) were chosen. None of the patients in both groups had any clinical oral lesions or systemic diseases. After rinsing with 0.9% sodium chloride, cytologic smears were prepared and stained using the AgNOR method and observed in immersion oil at 1000 × magnification. Finally, 50 cells were selected at random; AgNOR dots were counted and their mean was recorded. The student t-test was used for analysis of data. RESULTS: Comparison between mean AgNOR counts of gutkha chewers (2.68 ± 0.23) and non-chewers (2.01 ± 0.14) was found to be statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Cytology associated with AgNOR staining can effectively detect the early molecular changes within buccal mucosa cells of oral mucosa.

Intraosseous mucoepidermoid carcinoma of maxilla: a rare entity.

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is the malignant salivary gland neoplasm chiefly occurred in minor salivary gland. One of the rare variant of MEC is intra-osseous variant found in the jaws known as central mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Presently in this case report, we described a 28-year-old male diagnosed with central low grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma subsequently with the presence of asymptomatic swelling with a history of trauma. Clinically mimicking a cystic lesion and radiographically gives an idea of mixed radio-opaque radiolucent lesion which creates a confusion to render a final diagnosis. The site, duration and history of the case are uncommon for the occurrence of intra-osseous malignant lesion of salivary glands. Present case adds new dimensions to the present knowledge about the clinical and radiographical picture that a central mucoepidermoid carcinoma can mimic.

Quantitative evaluation of micronuclei in oral squamous cell carcinoma and oral submucous fibrosis patients: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: The forte of research today aims at determining genotoxic changes in human cells as rapidly as possible. Micronuclei estimation in exfoliated cells is an easy, noninvasive and a reliable method to monitor genotoxic changes due to various reasons in oral mucosal cells. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To identify, quantify and compare micronuclei in exfoliated buccal mucosal cells of healthy, oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) participants. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In the present study, buccal smears from the 60 participants (30 each of OSMF and OSCC) and 30 age and sex matched controls were obtained and stained using Papanicolaou (PAP) staining method and observed under 100X magnification to identify and quantify micronuclei in the exfoliated cells of oral mucosa. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in micronuclei count from control to OSMF to OSCC. Also, a significant increase in the micronuclei frequency is observed with the different clinical stages and histological grades of OSMF and different histological grades of OSCC. CONCLUSION: Micronucleus assay can be used as an easy and consistent marker for genotoxic evaluation in higher risk groups and can be used for better treatment evaluation and prognosis in cases of OSMF and OSCC. Some relevant patents are also outlined in this article.

Drug induced erythema multiforme: two case series with review of literature.

Erythema Multiforme, (EM) an uncommon, acute inflammatory reactive mucocutaneous disorder and primary allergies confined to the oral mucosa. However the subsequent attacks can produce more severe forms of EM involving the skin. Manifestations of EM are varied and present a diagnostic dilemma because infections (particularly herpes simplex and mycoplasma pneumoniae) and drugs seem to predispose towards development of EM. We report two cases of EM in which drugs (Dioclofenac sodium & Amoxycilline) seems to be precipitating factor. In addition, the article reviews various aspects of EM as relevant to dental practice and highlight the associated potential etiologic agents, pathogenic mechanisms and therapies.

Palatal rugae patterns in orthodontically treated cases, are they a reliable forensic marker?

BACKGROUND: The specialization of forensic odontology is fast emerging as a branch that helps in personal identification of both living as well as dead individuals and also in crime scene investigations. Establishing a person's identity can be a challenging task in cases of road accidents or acts of terrorism or mass disaster scenario. It is an established fact that palatal rugae are unique for each individual and can be reliably used in the forensic field for personal identification. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the post-treatment stability of palatal rugae pattern in individuals subjected to orthodontic treatment with and without extractions and palatal expansion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 137 pre- and post-orthodontically treated casts of patients were obtained from our institute, which were divided into 50 cases each of extraction and non-extraction, 37 cases of palatal expansion involving both extraction and non-extraction. Palatal rugae patterns of all the cases were compared pre- and post-treatment. RESULTS: Chi-square test was applied for comparison of changes with respect to shape of rugae patterns. Maximum changes were seen in palatal expansion and extraction group and minimum changes in non-extraction group both on right and left sides. All three groups were compared involving all three parameters by Chi square test. About 89.19% and 84% of the study group showed changes in palatal expansion and extraction cases respectively. Although, a 62% of study subjects showed changes in non-extraction group with a P = 0.00041. CONCLUSION: Orthodontic treatment has an impact on the stability of palatal rugae so investigator should be aware of this fact when analyzing for identification reasons.