Wnt signaling in periodontitis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway activity in gingival samples obtained from patients with periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients with stage III grade B (SIIIGB) and eleven with stage III grade C (SIIIGC) periodontitis were included and compared to 15 control subjects. ß-Catenin, Wnt 3a, Wnt 5a, and Wnt 10b expressions were evaluated by Q-PCR. Topographic localization of tissue ß-catenin, Wnt 5a, and Wnt 10b was measured by immunohistochemical analysis. TNF-α was used to assess the inflammatory state of the tissues, while Runx2 was used as a mediator of active destruction. RESULTS: Wnt 3a, Wnt 5a, and Wnt 10b were significantly higher in gingival tissues in both grades of stage 3 periodontitis compared to the control group (p < 0.05). ß-Catenin showed intranuclear staining in connective tissue in periodontitis, while it was confined to intracytoplasmic staining in epithelial tissue and the cell walls in the control group. Wnt5a protein expression was elevated in periodontitis, with the most intense staining observed in the connective tissue of SIIIGC samples. Wnt10b showed the highest density in the connective tissue of patients with periodontitis. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested that periodontal inflammation disrupts the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Periodontitis disrupts Wnt signaling in periodontal tissues in parallel with tissue inflammation and changes in morphology. This change in Wnt-related signaling pathways that regulate tissue homeostasis in the immunoinflammatory response may shed light on host-induced tissue destruction in the pathogenesis of the periodontal disease.

Expression of tight junction proteins in smokers and non-smokers with generalized Stage III periodontitis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), occludin (Occ), and tricellulin (Tric) in periodontitis, as well as their alterations due to smoking. BACKGROUND: Tight junctions (TJ), which consist of transmembrane and cytoplasmic scaffolding proteins, connect the epithelial cells of the periodontium. Occ, claudins, junctional adhesion molecules, and Tric are transmembrane TJ proteins found at the cell membrane. The transmembrane TJ proteins and the intracellular cytoskeleton are directly linked by cytoplasmic scaffolding proteins such as ZO-1. Although the functions and locations of these molecules have been defined, their behavior in periodontal inflammation is unknown. METHODS: The study included four groups: individuals with periodontal health without smoking (C; n = 31), individuals with generalized Stage III periodontitis without smoking (P; n = 28), individuals with periodontal health while smoking (CS; n = 22), and individuals with generalized Stage III periodontitis while smoking (PS; n = 18). Clinical periodontal parameters were recorded, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to examine ZO-1, Occ, Tric, and TNF-α levels in GCF. RESULTS: In the periodontitis groups, clinical parameters were significantly higher (p < .001). The site-specific levels of TNF-α, ZO-1, Tric, and Occ in the P group were statistically higher than those in the other groups (p < .05). TNF-α, probing pocket depth (PPD), and bleeding on probing (BOP) exhibited positive correlations with all TJ proteins (p < .005). CONCLUSIONS: Smoking could potentially affect the levels of epithelial TJ proteins in the GCF, thereby potentially playing a significant role in the pathogenesis of the periodontal disease.

Conservative treatment of a unicystic ameloblastoma by marsupialization with a favorable response: A case report and review of the literature.

Ameloblastoma is a benign tumor of odontogenic epithelium which is slow growing, locally invasive, expansive that may result with asymmetries of the face. Conservative treatment of odontogenic tumors with marsupialization is not common but can be done successfully in those with cystic pattern. The aim of this case and literature review is to propose marsupialization as an initial procedure for its treatment. We have presented a case of an ameloblastoma involving 56-year-old male patient. Orthopantomography and computed tomography showed the lesion extended between the right molar region and left molar region of mandible with both buccal and lingual expansion and root resorptions. On clinical examination, expansions of mandible and slight tooth mobilities were seen. An incisional biopsy was carried out and histopathologic examination revealed ameloblastoma although clinical features of lesion were more suggestive of cyst. Our case was treated by obturator marsupialization with a good healing. This case and review of the literature discusses the available treatment option according to macroscopic features of jaw lesions and emphasizes on the importance of the most conservative treatment option. Conservative treatment preserves integrity of bones while radical treatment can leave major cosmetic and functional sequelae such as pathologic fractures, complication with reconstruction plates.

Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma With Lymphomeningothelial Lesion of the Dura.

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) was first described as low-grade lymphoma associated with the stomach mucosa. Although the stomach and ocular adnexa are the most common localizations of MALT lymphoma, it has also been described in many other organs, including the head and neck, lungs, thyroid, breast, bladder, saliva glands, conjunctiva, and tear glands. MALT lymphoma originating from the dura is rare. The case is here presented of an 83-year-old female operated on with an initial diagnosis of acute subdural hematoma. In the histopathological examination, there was seen to be lymphoplasmacytic infiltration of the dura and a lymphomeningothelial lesion. Immunohistochemically, low-grade MALT lymphoma showing B-cell phenotype was considered. This is the first reported case of lymphomeningothelial lesion in MALT lymphoma originating from the dura.

Oral lesions containing amyloid-like material.

During oral pathology daily practice, true amyloid may be identified in oral amyloidosis and several odontogenic tumors. However, histologic examination often reveals other oral and perioral diseases with similar eosinophilic, acellular, amorphous substances. These include extensive areas of collagenous sclerosis, fibrin deposition, elastic fiber degeneration, and dentinoid material, which may resemble amyloid under light microscopic examination. These materials are often termed "amyloid-like" due to their close histologic resemblance to true amyloid. The rarity of most of these conditions and their strong histologic similarity may hamper an accurate diagnosis. Definitive diagnosis of these lesions may require clinical correlation; laboratory evaluation; histochemical or immunohistochemical reactions; and, in some cases, genetic investigation. In this review, we describe the main clinicopathologic features of this group of diseases that may manifest in the oral and/or perioral regions and that have in common the presence of amyloid-like material deposition.

Desmoplastic fibroma of the jaw bones: A series of twenty-two cases.

Desmoplastic fibroma (DF) is an intraosseous counterpart of desmoid-type soft tissue fibromatosis. It is most frequently seen in the jawbones. The clinical and radiological features of the present cases were nonspecific. The accumulation of beta-catenin in the nuclei of neoplastic cells which is a diagnostic feature of desmoid-type soft tissue fibromatosis could not be detectED in the present DF series. The aim of this study is to report a series of 22 cases of DF involving either mandible or maxilla. A retrospective evaluation of desmoplastic fibroma and beta-catenin, smooth muscle actin, nestin, cyclin D1 immunostaining's patterns. Most of the DF cases expressed only cytoplasmic beta-catenin immunostainings. We suggest that nuclear beta-catenin staining may not be used as a corroborating the diagnosis of DF. Immunohistochemical staining difference of jaw bone desmoplastic fibromas from other soft tissue and bone lesions may be related to the origination of jaw bone from The neural crest. Strong nestin and cyclin D1 positivity in our series supported this. A combined clinical, radiological, and histopathological analysis of the DF cases is essential in the diagnosis and management.

Coexistence of sclerosing polycystic adenosis and dysgenetic polycystic disease of parotid, Report of a case.

Sclerosing polycystic adenosis (SPA) is a rare benign salivary gland lesion. Dysgenetic polycystic disease (DPD), which is a histologically similar lesion, may cause a lattice-like gross appearance with bilateral enlargement of the entire salivary glands. In this report, we present a case of SPA in the right parotid and coexistent DPD involving the both parotid.

Parenchymal changes of salivary glands adjacent to a variety of salivary gland disorders.

A fully developed tumor is the first manifestation of a typical salivary gland neoplasm. Identification of precursor lesions and the accompanying clinical findings may improve our understanding of these tumors. The frequency of possible precursor lesions of salivary gland tumors have not been systematically investigated to date. In this study, slides of 661 cases from three pathology laboratories in Ankara, Turkey were reviewed to search for possible precursor lesions. Salivary gland parenchymal changes adjacent to a variety of salivary gland disorders such as metaplastic changes, ductal epithelial hyperplasia, adenomatoid ductal hyperplasia, adenomatoid oxyphilic hyperplasia, adenomatoid hyperplasia of the minor salivary glands, myoepithelial sialadenitis and dysplasia were screened histologically as potentially precursor lesions. Nuclear protein Ki-67 and cellular tumor antigen p53 were also analyzed immunohistochemically in selected cases. Approximately 16% of the cases in this series contained various types of pathologic hyperplasia. Only a minority of these lesions were originally reported, so most of the findings in this study were not part of the original histology reports. The majority of these parenchymal changes were seen in parotids. Adenomatoid ductal hyperplasia was the most frequent possible precursor lesion, and it was found most frequently around pleomorphic adenomas. Although the biological significance of most of the lesions described in this report still remains to be understood completely, efforts to define and detect possible preneoplastic lesions should be intensified. We believe that detection and eradication of the precursors is the best way of decreasing the overall morbidity caused by salivary gland tumors.

A series of 240 odontogenic keratocysts: Should we continue to use the terminology of 'keratocystic odontogenic tumour' for the solid variant of odontogenic keratocyst?

Most of the odontogenic keratocysts show an indolent behaviour like non-neoplastic lesions. For this reason, the odontogenic keratocyst was reclassified within the odontogenic cysts category in the WHO 2017 classification. Some odontogenic keratocysts may contain satellite cysts or solid squamoid islands within their wall. Recently, a solid form of odontogenic keratocyst has also been described which is composed entirely of multiple epithelial islands and small cysts in a collagenous stroma. The true nature of this variant is unclear yet. In this article, we present a series of 204 odontogenic keratocyst cases. Clinical and histologic findings of the cases in this series were described. These were also categorised according to the presence of satellite lesions. Additionally, the features of two cases of the solid form of odontogenic keratocysts were compared with those of the previous reports and other histologically similar odontogenic lesions. Current evidence suggests that this variant may be neoplastic and it differs from other odontogenic keratocysts, at least histologically. We believe diagnosing a solid lesion as a cyst is counterintuitive and the term "keratocystic odontogenic tumour" better describes this particular variant.

Lamellation in fibrous dysplasia: A clinicopathologic study.

BACKGROUND: Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a maturation defect characterized by immature woven bones and stroma. However, especially in craniofacial bones, lamellation can be seen and this is associated with the maturation. AIM: To show maturation in FD and discuss the factors that may affect the maturation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-five FD cases were divided into three subgroups according to the lamellation percentage as Groups 1, 2 and 3 (low, moderate and high lamellation, respectively). Each group was compared in terms of the peritrabecular clefting (PTC), stromal cellularity and the age. The lesions under pressure and the ones that are not were compared in terms of lamellation percentage. RESULTS: A significant statistical difference was found between Groups 1 and 3 in terms of PTC, stromal cellularity, histologic pattern suggesting maturation (p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.002, respectively). CONCLUSION: The findings suggested a strong relation between lamellation and maturation. Lamellation was more prominent in the bones under pressure than the others. Considering lamellation as a finding of maturation, it is possible to establish a relation between maturation and pressure. Therefore, future studies should focus on the question if the pressure could be a factor for maturation and it could be used for treating FD.

Metastasis of a Renal Collecting Duct Adenocarcinoma to the Oral Cavity After Tooth Extraction.

Metastatic tumors rarely occur in the oral cavity. The most common of the oral metastases are lung cancers in males, and breast and genital cancers in females. The most common primary tumor metastasis to the oral cavity is from the lung, kidney, liver, prostate, and colorectal cancers. The metastatic lesions are similar to oral lesions such as pyogenic granuloma, giant cell lesions, gingival polyps, hemangioma, peripheral fibroma, and adenoid squamous cell carcinoma. Therefore, the diagnosis of primary tumors is challenging. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case to feature metastasis of a renal collecting duct adenocarcinoma to the oral cavity after tooth extraction.

Histological evaluation of the possible transformation of peripheral giant cell granuloma and peripheral ossifying fibroma: A preliminary study.

AIMS: The objective of this study is to describe shared morphological features of peripheral giant cell granuloma (PGCG) and peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF) in detail and discuss the possible relationship between them. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten intermediate cases with features resembling to both POF and PGCG were selected and type 3 and 1 collagen immunostainings were performed for evaluation of the connective tissue maturation. Immunohistochemical staining percentage (SP) for stromal cells in the slides of POF and PGCG counterparts of intermediate lesions was scored as 1 when the SP was above 10%, 2 when the SP was above 25%, 3 when the SP was above 50% and 4 when the SP was above 75%. Staining intensity (SI) of immunuhistochemical staining was graded and scored as 1 - mild, 2 - moderate, and 3 - severe. An immunoreactivity score was calculated by multiplying SP and SI. RESULTS: All intermediate lesions comprised osteoclast type multinucleated giant cells and partly mineralized hard tissue component. Parts of intermediate lesions resembling POF showed higher type 1 collagen immunoreactivity compared to the PGCG counterparts of intermediate lesions (P < 0.05). PGCG counterparts showed higher type 3 collagen immunoreactivity compared to the POF counterparts of the intermediate lesions (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: POF may be a later stage lesion with morphologically more mature components. A possible transformation may be considered for these two lesions.

Soft Tissue Schwannomas of the Hard Palate and the Mandibular Mentum.

Schwannomas are benign, slow growing, encapsulated tumours that originate from the Schwann cells. Intraoral schwannomas are rare, and most of these tumours involve the tongue. They are rarely located in the hard palate or in the facial soft tissue. Herein, we present the clinical and histological features as well as the prognoses of two male patients with schwannoma, one of which was localized to the hard palate and the other to the facial soft tissue around the mandibular mentum and caused swelling.

Preauricular pilomatricoma: An uncommon entity in a dental pediatric patient.

INTRODUCTION: Pilomatricomas are benign follicular skin appendage tumors, commonly occurring in children and young adults. Most patients admit to dermatologists to seek treatment and are well known by them; however, dental professionals, especially pediatric dentists are not familiar with these tumors. PRESENTATION OF CASE: This report presents a 16-year-old female with preauricular pilomatricoma, located beneath the overlying skin of the temporomandibular region. Clinical examination revealed an asymptomatic lump, the overlying skin revealed no abnormalities. Patient was unaware of the lesion. DISCUSSION: Pilomatricomas are commonly encountered in the maxillofacial region, although not considered in differential diagnosis by dental professionals. They usually present as, asymptomatic, subcutaneous masses; although symptomatic cases have been reported. In literature, common differential diagnosis for head and neck pilomatricoma includes sebaceous cyst, ossifying hematoma, giant cell tumor, chondroma, dermoid cyst, foreign body reaction, degenerating fibroxanthoma, metastatic bone formation, and osteoma cutis. We are of the opinion that temporomandibular joint disease should also be considered in differential diagnosis for preauricular pilomatricoma. CONCLUSION: Pediatric dentists should be aware of the condition and consider it in the differential diagnosis of pediatric conditions involving the temporomandibular joint.

Treatment of Maxillary Glandular Odontogenic Cyst Involving the Same Place of Previously Treated Traumatic Bone Cyst.

Glandular odontogenic cyst is a rare developmental odontogenic cysts of the jaws having an aggressive behavior. The most common site of occurrence is the anterior mandible, and it is widely seen in middle-aged people. It is suggested that trauma could be a precipitating factor for its occurrence. This article presents the diagnosis and treatment of a case of glandular odontogenic cyst at anterior maxilla that occurred at the same localization of a traumatic bone cyst, 5 years after its management.

Thymoma with immunodeficiency with multiple recurrent oral herpetic infections.

Thymomas with immunodeficiency (formerly Good's syndrome) are a rare acquired disease of combined T- and B-cell immunodeficiency accompanying a thymoma. Recurrent opportunistic infections associated with disorders of both humoral and cell-mediated immunity frequently accompany this rare primary, adult-onset immunodeficiency. This is a report of a case of a thymoma with immunodeficiency in a 65-year-old male patient who developed recurrent oral herpetic infections. He consulted us about recurrent vesiculo-ulcerative lesions on his tongue, lower lip, and buccal mucosa. Results of laboratory examinations indicated hypogammaglobulinemia accompanied by diminished B cells in the peripheral blood, which is consistent with the characteristic features of a thymoma with immunodeficiency. After a diagnosis confirming herpes simplex virus infection, systemic antiviral therapy was administered, which was effective for his vesiculo-ulcerative lesions at follow-up. When an intractable infection accompanied by a thymoma is encountered, increased awareness about the clinical and immunological profiles of this primary immunodeficiency may help in its early diagnosis, thereby preventing mortality.

Graphite Tattoo on the Gingiva: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Graphite tattoos may easily be confused with amalgam tattoos and have been reported on infrequently in relevant literature. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first case report in which the incineration method was used for the histopathologic diagnosis of a graphite tattoo on the gingiva. CASE PRESENTATION: A 24-year-old female patient was referred to the periodontology department of Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey, for evaluation of an asymptomatic pigmented lesion on the maxillary anterior gingiva. A gray-blackish, irregularly shaped macule was observed on the maxillary anterior attached gingiva between the left central and lateral incisors. Radiographs showed no radiopaque foreign particles or pathologic changes in alveolar bone and related teeth. The pigmented area was removed using an excisional incision. The incineration method was used as a differential diagnosis for the histopathologic examination. There was no additional recurrence of the problem by the end of a 1-year follow-up examination. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of pigmented lesions of the oral cavity and gingiva shows different variations. It is not always possible to distinguish a benign pigmented lesion from an early melanoma on the basis of clinical features alone. A biopsy is usually recommended for focal oral pigmented lesions that cannot be explained by local factors. The incineration method can be used for differential diagnosis between melanin and graphite tattoo accumulation because carbon can be eradicated with this method. However, the same cannot be said for melanin.