IL-10 and TGF-ß1 gene polymorphisms in Greek patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is one of the most frequent inflammatory disorders of the oral mucosa. Cytokines, which play an important role in RAS pathogenesis, participate directly or indirectly in normal, immunological and inflammatory processes and are secreted from cells belonging to innate and adaptive immunity as a consequence of microbial and antigenic stimuli. Gene polymorphisms in specific cytokines may predispose to RAS development. The aim of this study was the investigation and association of IL-10 and TGF-ß1 gene polymorphisms with RAS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Study's cohort consisted of 60 Greek patients diagnosed with RAS, including 40 patients with minor, 10 patients with major and 10 with herpetiform aphthous ulcers. Forty age- and sex-matched control subjects were included in this study. DNA was extracted from whole blood samples of all patients and sequence-specific primers (SSP)-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for genotyping. Gene polymorphisms for cytokines IL-10 at loci -592 and -819 and for TGF-ß1 at codon 10 were detected. RESULTS: Significant differences between patients with minor RAS and healthy controls were recorded for IL-10 genotypes distribution at position -592 (p=0.042) and -819 (p=0.045) with predominance of C/A and C/T genotypes in RAS patients, respectively. Also, in patients with minor and herpetiform aphthous ulcerations, heterozygous TGF-ß1 genotype C/T at codon 10 was associated with increased risk of RAS (p=0.044 and p=0.020, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: These data provide evidence that genetic predisposition for RAS and possibly its specific clinical variants is related with the presence of gene polymorphisms for specific cytokines, including IL-10 and TGF-ß1, which, in turn, may vary according to geographic origin and genetic background.

Myofibroma of the oral mucosa: a case report.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of coexisting irritation fibroma and myofibroma in oral mucosa. CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND INTERVENTION: One case with two painless, nodular masses, adjacent to each other in the buccal mucosa, was clinically examined with a provisional diagnosis of irritation fibroma, salivary gland tumors, neurofibroma and schwannoma. Histological examination of the smaller swelling showed features of irritation fibroma, while the features of the other mass were compatible with myofibroma or leiomyoma. Additional immunohistochemical examination established the diagnosis of myofibroma. CONCLUSION: This was a case of a myofibroma that was clinically similar to an adjacent irritation fibroma, which highlights the possibility of misdiagnosis of a myofibroblastic tumor and underlines the importance of histologic examination together with immunohistochemical and/or histochemical analysis if necessary to establish the accurate diagnosis.

Immunohistochemical study of fibroblasts and mast cells in chronic submandibular sialadenitis.

AIM: To further our understanding of the processes involved in fibrosis that occurs in chronic submandibular sialadenitis by investigating the distribution of myofibroblasts, CD34-positive fibroblasts and tryptase-containing mast cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty specimens of chronic submandibular sialadenitis with varying degrees of fibrosis and five normal submandibular glands were examined immunohistochemically for the presence of CD34, alpha-smooth-muscle-actin, desmin and tryptase. RESULTS: Myofibroblasts were not demonstrated by the techniques for alpha-smooth-muscle-actin or desmin. CD34-positive fibroblasts were found around normal and moderately atrophic acini, but were not found around extremely atrophic acini and duct-like structures or in periductal and interlobular fibrous tissue. Tryptase-containing mast cells were found around vessels in normal submandibular glands. They were found in increased numbers in chronic submandibular sialadenitis, particularly in glands with widespread fibrosis, in which they were found in the fibrous tissue, and in which the increase was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this investigation suggest that tryptase-containing mast cells are likely to be involved in the fibrosis of chronic submandibular sialadenitis, but myofibroblasts and CD34-positive fibroblasts are not.

The role of Candida in inflammatory papillary hyperplasia of the palate.

The objective of this study was to investigate the expression by immunohistochemistry of the major basement membrane (BM) components (laminin, collagen type IV, fibronectin) in specimens from the palatal mucosa lesions of patients with complete dentures and diagnosis of inflammatory papillary hyperplasia of the palate (IPHP). Furthermore to evaluate the potential role of candidal infection in patients with IPHP. Biopsies of palatal mucosa were obtained from patients with IPHP, generally healthy/orally healthy patients with dentures, and healthy subjects. Immunohistochemical studies performed with specific antibodies to BM proteins. Scrapings and swaps of oral lesions from all patients and control groups were taken from the palate, and Candida species colonization was assessed with mycology tests. Immunohistochemical expression of BM components revealed thin linear staining in the BM of healthy palatal mucosa. In IPHP discontinuities or disruptions in BM were observed at the interface between epithelium and the underlying connective tissue in the areas of severe inflammatory response. Our findings suggest an interaction between the expression of BM components and Candida involvement in the development of IPHP, a disorder involving inflammatory reaction and modification of soft tissues.

Verruciform xanthoma coexisting with oral discoid lupus erythematosus.

We describe an unusual case of verruciform xanthoma on the lingual surface of the gum that coexisted with oral discoid lupus erythematosus.

Immunohistochemical detection of E-cadherin in certain types of salivary gland tumours.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the topography of E-cadherin and its possible correlation with the histological phenotype of salivary gland tumours. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Archival formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections of 54 benign and 56 malignant tumours and 24 samples of normal and inflamed salivary gland tissue were studied immunohistochemically using an Envision/horseraddish peroxidase (HRP) technique. RESULTS: In normal and inflamed salivary gland samples, E-cadherin was expressed at the membrane of acinar, myoepithelial and ductal cells located at cell-cell contact points. Reduction and/or absence of E-cadherin was only observed in pleomorphic adenoma at the peripheral cells of the duct-like or island structures, or in the cells exhibiting plasmacytoid or stromal differentiation. Neoplastic epithelium in Warthin's tumours and in myoepithelial and oncocytic adenomas was strongly positive. Furthermore, a weak to moderate loss of expression which was related to tissue tumour subtype was seen in malignant tumours such as: adenoid cystic carcinomas; polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinomas; acinic cell carcinomas; and mucoepidermoid low-grade, epithelial-myoepithelial, lymphoepithelial and squamous low-grade carcinomas. Moderate to extreme loss or alternative cytoplasmic non-functional expression were observed in cases of salivary ductal carcinoma, carcinosarcoma, myoepithelial carcinoma, oncocytic adenocarcinoma, unspecified adenocarcinoma and squamous high-grade carcinomas. CONCLUSION: This study suggests a direct association of E-cadherin expression with neoplastic histologic phenotype, which is lost in the more undifferentiated and invasive epithelial salivary gland tumours.

Testicular embryonal carcinoma metastatic to the labial mucosa of the upper lip.

An unusual case of testicular embryonal carcinoma metastatic to the labial mucosa of the upper lip is reported. The clinical features and the management of the metastatic oral lesion are presented. In patients with known systemic malignancy, oral swellings may be an indication of a metastatic deposit.

Bilateral metastatic breast angiosarcoma to the mandibular gingiva: case report.

Metastases to the jaws and oral soft tissues are rare. A case of breast angiosarcoma metastatic to the mandible and the gingiva, bilaterally in the premolar area is presented. The clinical, histological features and the management of the metastatic oral lesions are reported. Our case emphasises the possibility that in patients with history of breast angiosarcoma, oral inflammatory-like lesions may be an indication of a metastatic deposit.

Tumor-associated glycoprotein 72 (TAG-72) expression in salivary gland neoplasia: an immunohistochemical study using the monoclonal antibody (MAb) CC49.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate immunohistochemically the expression of tumor-associated glycoprotein 72 (TAG-72) using the monoclonal antibody (MAb) CC49 in salivary gland neoplasia and normal salivary glands in an attempt to determine the potential usefulness of MAb CC49 in diagnostic and therapeutic applications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-six specimens (21 benign tumors, 41 malignant, and 24 normal salivary glands), fixed in 10% formalin and embedded in paraffin, were retrieved from the files of the Department of Oral Medicine and Oral Pathology at the Dental School of Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece, and were retrospectively studied with hematoxylin and eosin and with the streptavidin-biotin-complex method using the MAb CC49. RESULTS: Strong immunoreactivity for TAG-72 was observed in salivary duct carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, papillary cystadenocarcinoma, low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma, normal submandibular, sublingual, and minor salivary glands. Weak or no immunoreactivity was found in adenoid cystic carcinoma, basal cell adenocarcinoma, polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma, and normal parotid gland. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest the potential use of MAb CC49 in the differential diagnosis of some salivary gland neoplasms in which their histopathologic features overlap, and in the radiation immunolocalization and immunotherapy of malignant tumors that are localized in the parotid gland.

Immunohistochemical detection of insulin-like growth factor-I in the labial salivary glands of patients with Sjögren's syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the presence of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) in the labial salivary glands of patients with Sjögren's syndrome and healthy controls and to determine if there are any differences between these two groups. DESIGN: An immunohistochemical study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients with Sjögren's syndrome, 20 healthy controls and 20 patients with mucoceles of the lip were used in this study. All individuals underwent a systemic evaluation and a lip biopsy. Sections from the lip biopsies were stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E). Immunohistochemical staining was also performed using a three-step indirect immunoperoxidase for IGF-I. RESULTS: The light microscopic examination revealed the presence of a mononuclear infiltration in the labial salivary glands of patients with Sjögren's syndrome. Most of the infiltrates were lymphocytes. Immunohistochemically an intense staining result was apparent in the same group. In contrast sections of labial salivary glands of healthy individuals and of patients with mucoceles revealed very weak staining. CONCLUSIONS: The above findings and the fact that both lymphocytic infiltration and IGF-I were predominantly seen in ductal regions, suggest that IGF-I may be a target of autoimmunity in Sjögren's syndrome.

Influence of zinc oxide and eugenol sealer on concentration of zinc, calcium and copper in rat tissues.

A zinc oxide and eugenol root canal sealer (Roth 811) and sterile saline solution were injected into the dorsal thoracic midline of 70 male Wistar-Furth rats. Every day for the next 7 days, 10 animals were sacrificed by either inhalation. The liver, heart, kidneys and brain were removed from the animals and analysed for zinc, calcium and copper concentrations by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The tissue around the injection site was also surgically removed and prepared for histological evaluation under a microscope. The injection of Roth 811 significantly affected the concentrations of zinc, calcium and copper in some of the examined organs, especially on the 4th and 5th day. The inflammatory reaction adjacent to the material was severe during the first 3 days while on the 7th day the presence of connective tissue with collagen formation was observed.

Tumor-associated glycoprotein (TAG-72) in chronic submandibular sialadenitis and normal minor salivary glands defined by monoclonal antibody B72.3.

Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples of three normal minor salivary glands, 10 chronic submandibular sialadenitis, and three normal submandibular glands were studied immunohistochemically using the monoclonal antibody (Mab) B72.3 in order to have a better understanding of the distribution of tumor-associated glycoprotein (TAG-72). Diffuse expression of TAG-72 was observed in the mucous cells of normal minor salivary glands, and in the ducts with goblet cell metaplasia and/or hyperplasia of chronic submandibular sialadenitis (eight of 10). Focal expression of TAG-72 was seen in the acinar mucous cells of normal submandibular gland (three of three), and in the mucous cells of normal or atrophic acini of chronic submandibular sialadenitis (eight of 10). These results should be considered in the cytologic diagnosis of the mucoepidermoid carcinoma using the Mab B72.3 as a diagnostic aid, as well as in future studies for the radiation immunolocalization and immunotherapy of submandibular gland tumors.

Immunohistochemical evaluation of TGF-beta and extracellular matrix proteins expression in rat squamous cell carcinomas.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to establish a possible association between the degree of differentiation of squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) derived from rat oral tissues treated in vivo with carcinogen 4NQO, and the expression of TGF-beta on epithelial cells and the distribution of extracellular matrix proteins (laminin-collagen type IV). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A parent tumor showing a spectrum of differentiation was used to establish clonal subpopulations that formed differentiated SCC and undifferentiated (spindle cell phenotype) tumours following transplantation to athymic mice. RESULTS: Immunohistological findings revealed the absence of TGF-beta staining on epithelial cells and extracellular matrix proteins in spindle cell tumours. In contrast, staining of SCC revealed a significant number of TGF-beta positive cells and the presence of extracellular matrix proteins. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggested that there is a positive correlation between histological differentiation, TGF-beta expression and the elaboration of extracellular matrix proteins.

Experimental study of the biocompatibility of four root canal sealers and their influence on the zinc and calcium content of several tissues.

Four root canal sealers (AH-26, Roth 811, CRCS, and Sealapex) were tested for tissue biocompatibility in rat connective tissue. Each sealer was placed in Teflon tubes and implanted subcutaneously in Wistar-Furth rats. The implants were removed after 7, 14, and 21 days, fixed, and histologically prepared for microscopical evaluation. Brain, liver, kidneys, and uterus were removed from the animals killed at the first experimental period (7 days) and analyzed for zinc and calcium concentration by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. In total, 100 specimens were examined. At the seventh day, the most irritant material was seen to be AH-26, but this inflammatory reaction decreased with time. Roth 811 and Sealapex caused moderate-to-severe inflammatory reaction, whereas CRCS caused mild to moderate. CRCS and Roth 811 induced redistribution of zinc, whereas AH-26 induced changes in calcium content in some organs.

Loss of expression of basement membrane proteins reflects anomalies of chromosomes 3 and 12 in the rat 4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide model of oral carcinogenesis.

This study examined the cytogenetic characteristics of keratinocyte cell lines derived from rat oral tissues treated in vivo with the carcinogen 4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide. A parent tumour with a spectrum of differentiation was used to establish clonal subpopulations that formed differentiated (squamous cell carcinomas; SCCs) and undifferentiated (spindle cell phenotype) tumours following transplantation to athymic mice. By contrast to spindle cell tumours, SCCs elaborated basement membrane proteins (laminin and collagen IV). Both diploid and tetraploid subpopulations formed either SCCs or spindle cell tumours. An unbalanced 10q+ translocation was common to all cell lines. Anomalies of chromosomes 3 and 12 (gain, loss, deletions, translocations) were present only in cell lines that formed spindle cell tumours and were absent in keratinocytes forming SCCs. The results suggest that proto-oncogenes and/or tumour suppression genes located to rat chromosomes 3 and 12 may control tumour cell differentiation.