CLIC4 Function in the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Epithelial Odontogenic Lesions.

BACKGROUND: Odontogenic lesions constitute a heterogeneous group of lesions. CLIC4 protein regulates different cellular processes, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition and fibroblast-myofibroblast transdifferentiation. This study analyzed CLIC4, E-cadherin, Vimentin, and α-SMA immunoexpression in epithelial odontogenic lesions that exhibit different biological behavior. METHODS: It analyzed the immunoexpression of CLIC4, E-cadherin, and Vimentin in the epithelial cells, as well as CLIC4 and α-SMA in the mesenchymal cells, of ameloblastoma (AM) (n = 16), odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) (n = 20), and adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT) (n = 8). Immunoexpressions were categorized as score 0 (0% positive cells), 1 (< 25%), 2 (≥ 25% - < 50%), 3 (≥ 50% - < 75%), or 4 (≥ 75%). RESULTS: Cytoplasmic CLIC4 immunoexpression was higher in AM and AOT (p < 0.001) epithelial cells. Nuclear-cytoplasmic CLIC4 was higher in OKC's epithelial lining (p < 0.001). Membrane (p = 0.012) and membrane-cytoplasmic (p < 0.001) E-cadherin immunoexpression were higher in OKC, while cytoplasmic E-cadherin expression was higher in AM and AOT (p < 0.001). Vimentin immunoexpression was higher in AM and AOT (p < 0.001). Stromal CLIC4 was higher in AM and OKC (p = 0.008). Similarly, α-SMA immunoexpression was higher in AM and OKC (p = 0.037). Correlations in these proteins' immunoexpression were observed in AM and OKC (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CLIC4 seems to regulate the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, modifying E-cadherin and Vimentin expression. In mesenchymal cells, CLIC4 may play a role in fibroblast-myofibroblast transdifferentiation. CLIC4 may be associated with epithelial odontogenic lesions with aggressive biological behavior.

Hamartomas, choristomas, and teratomas of the oral cavity: A 49-years cross-sectional study in an oral diagnostic service.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the incidence and demographic profile of hamartomatous, choristomatous, and teratoid lesions in a Brazilian population over a 49 years-period. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed, and data regarding demographic and clinical aspects were obtained from the medical records of a [removed for blind peer review] referral center (1970-2019). The collected data were submitted to descriptive analysis and Pearson's chi-square, Fisher's exact, and Kruskal-Wallis tests (p ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: In a total of 16,412 medical records analyzed, 300 (1.83 %) were hamartomatous, 2 (0.01 %) choristomatous, and 1 (0.01 %) teratoid lesions. Hamartomas were most diagnosed in females and adults. Statistical significance was observed between hamartoma and age group (p < 0.001). Odontoma was the most frequent hamartomatous lesion. In choristomatous and teratoid lesions, there was no occurrence in males. The jaws were the most affected anatomical site by hamartoma. Choristomas were observed on the mandible and tongue, while a teratoid lesion was seen on the floor of the mouth. CONCLUSIONS: Low occurrence of choristomatous and teratoid lesions over hamartomatous lesions and a heterogeneous occurrence profile regarding sex, age group, and anatomic site were observed. Hamartomas are relatively common and benign conditions that may cause damage and require special care during dental treatment. Thus, the dentist needs to be able to identify and treat them appropriately. Likewise, although choristomas and teratomas present no risk to patients and have a lower occurrence than hamartomas, they also require treatment.

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in the treatment of oral erythematous candidiasis: a controlled and randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical and microbiological efficacy of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in patients with erythematous candidiasis (EC). METHODS: This study was a controlled and randomized clinical trial in patients diagnosed with EC, who were allocated into a control group (CG) and experimental group (EG) treated with nystatin oral suspension and aPDT with methylene blue 0.1%, respectively. A clinical index was used to classify the EC lesions from mild to severe and assess the treatment efficacy. Microbiological samples were collected before and after aPDT session and analyzed by counting colony-forming units (CFUs) of Candida and Staphylococcus sp. RESULTS: A total of 41 patients (CG (n = 18); EG (n = 23)) were analyzed in our research. Of these, 16 (94.1%) of the CG and 16 (84.2%) of the EG exhibited complete remission of the lesions. Regarding the degree of the lesion, it was observed that the severe lesions were more difficult to present remission, while all the mild and moderate lesions showed complete regression (p = 0.001). The microbiological analysis showed that Candida albicans and Staphylococcus sp. were the most prevalent microorganisms, and the aPDT group showed a decrease in CFUs of these microorganisms after the first aPDT session (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: aPDT proved to be a clinically and microbiologically effective therapy for treating EC. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov; Set 12th, 2019; No. RBR-8w8599. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: aPDT is a promising alternative treatment since it presents satisfactory results and does not cause damage to oral tissues or develop resistance to the treatment.

Peripheral dentinogenic ghost cell tumor-report of two cases and review of the literature.

Peripheral dentinogenic ghost cell tumor (DGCT) is a rare and non-aggressive benign odontogenic tumor. They usually affect the elderly and are predominantly located in the anterior region of the jaws. Their differential diagnosis includes reactive/inflammatory gingival lesions. We report here two cases of peripheral DGCT in a 73-year-old female and a 48-year-old male patient and review the cases published in the literature. Both lesions presented as a nodular lesion in the mandible, and panoramic radiography showed no abnormalities. Microscopically, it was observed to be an ameloblastomatous epithelial proliferation associated with clusters of ghost cells and dysplastic dentin. Immunohistochemistry revealed positivity for cytokeratin 19 and a low Ki-67 proliferative index. Based on histopathological features and the absence of radiographic findings, a diagnosis of peripheral DGCT was rendered. The low number of cases published of peripheral DGCT makes case reports important in providing information that helps in their diagnoses and management.