Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs): clinical-pathological parameters in squamous cell carcinomas of the lower lip.

The objective of this study was to analyze the presence of tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) subpopulations M1 and M2 in squamous cell carcinoma of the lower lip (SCCLL) by immunohistochemitry, and to evaluate the possible role of these subtypes in the development of regional lymph node metastasis and their association with clinical and pathological parameters. Forty-two cases of SCCLL were divided into two groups (21 with and 21 without regional lymph node metastasis). The histopathological grade of malignancy was determined and the material was submitted to double staining with anti-CD68/anti-CD163 and anti-CD68/anti-HLA-DR monoclonal antibodies. The results were analyzed statistically using the Wilcoxon signed-rank and Spearman correlation tests. The M1 and M2 subpopulations were observed in all cases studied. No significant difference was observed between the quantities of M1 and M2 TAMs regarding tumor size (p > 0.05). A significantly larger number of M2 compared to M1 TAMs was observed in tumors without regional lymph node metastasis, tumors in early stages, and low-grade tumors (p < 0.05). No significant difference between the numbers of M1 and M2 TAMs was observed in tumors with regional lymph node metastasis, tumors in advanced stages, and high-grade tumors (p > 0.05). There was a positive weak correlation between M1 and M2 TAMs (r = 0.361; p = 0.019). The results suggest a more important role of M2 TAMs in early stages than advanced stages of lip carcinogenesis. The progression of SCCLL does not seem to be related to an imbalance of macrophage polarization in the microenvironment of these tumors.

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs): clinical-pathological parameters in squamous cell carcinomas of the lower lip

Abstract The objective of this study was to analyze the presence of tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) subpopulations M1 and M2 in squamous cell carcinoma of the lower lip (SCCLL) by immunohistochemitry, and to evaluate the possible role of these subtypes in the development of regional lymph node metastasis and their association with clinical and pathological parameters. Forty-two cases of SCCLL were divided into two groups (21 with and 21 without regional lymph node metastasis). The histopathological grade of malignancy was determined and the material was submitted to double staining with anti-CD68/anti-CD163 and anti-CD68/anti-HLA-DR monoclonal antibodies. The results were analyzed statistically using the Wilcoxon signed-rank and Spearman correlation tests. The M1 and M2 subpopulations were observed in all cases studied. No significant difference was observed between the quantities of M1 and M2 TAMs regarding tumor size (p > 0.05). A significantly larger number of M2 compared to M1 TAMs was observed in tumors without regional lymph node metastasis, tumors in early stages, and low-grade tumors (p < 0.05). No significant difference between the numbers of M1 and M2 TAMs was observed in tumors with regional lymph node metastasis, tumors in advanced stages, and high-grade tumors (p > 0.05). There was a positive weak correlation between M1 and M2 TAMs (r = 0.361; p = 0.019). The results suggest a more important role of M2 TAMs in early stages than advanced stages of lip carcinogenesis. The progression of SCCLL does not seem to be related to an imbalance of macrophage polarization in the microenvironment of these tumors.

Immunohistochemical expression of metallothionein in pleomorphic adenoma of minor salivary glands: a role in the control of apoptosis?

Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common benign neoplasm of both the major and minor salivary glands. The histological features are diverse and are characterized by the involvement of epithelial-myoepithelial structures. Metallothionein is a cysteine-rich protein present in myoepithelial cells of several benign and malignant neoplasms. The function of metallothionein is associated with DNA protection, oxidative stress and apoptosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression of metallothionein in pleomorphic adenoma of the minor salivary glands. Additionally, we investigated the association of the clinicopathological features of the lesions with metallothionein, specifically its association with Bcl-2, in an attempt to evaluate the role of metallothionein in the control of apoptosis. Thirty-five cases of pleomorphic adenoma were selected and immunohistochemistry was performed for metallothionein and Bcl-2 proteins. The proteins were quantified by the Quickscore method. The samples showed epidemiological characteristics similar to those described in the literature. We did not find an association between the clinicopathological characteristics of pleomorphic adenomas and the proteins studied, but an association between metallothionein and Bcl-2 was demonstrated. The results suggest that metallothionein may have a role in the control of apoptosis in pleomorphic adenoma.

Immunohistochemical expression of EGFR in oral leukoplakia: association with clinicopathological features and cellular proliferation.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the immunoexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in a sample of oral leukoplakias (OL) and to determine the receptor' s association with dysplasia, tobacco consumption, lesion site, and proliferation rate. Although EGFR should be overexpressed in some oral leukoplakias, the factors that may interfere with this expression and the influence of this receptor on epithelial proliferation have yet to be investigated. STUDY DESIGN: Samples of oral leukoplakias (48) and of normal oral epithelium (10) were immunohistologically examined for expression of EGFR. Immunohistochemistry for Ki-67, and p27 were also performed in leukoplakias. EGFR expression was associated with clinical and pathological features. RESULTS: EGFR was positive in 62.5% of the leukoplakias and 50% of normal oral epithelium. The number of EGFR positive OL located in high-risk sites was significantly higher than EGFR positive OL located in low-risk sites. Most of the p27 negative leukoplakias were EGFR positive, and the p27 index in the parabasal layer was diminished in the presence of dysplasia. Positivity for EGFR was not associated with dysplasia, tobacco exposure, or Ki-67. CONCLUSION: EGFR is expressed in leukoplakia regardless of dysplasia, but EGFR positivity should be more frequent in lesions sited in areas of high cancer risk. The association between EGFR and p27 may represent an important mechanism in the control of cellular proliferation and malignant progression of oral epithelium and therefore warrants further investigation.

Análise comparativa do perfil dos usuários e acesso aos serviços de diagnóstico bucal de duas universidades de Minas Gerais, Brasil / Comparative analysis of the profile of users and access to oral diagnostic services in two universities of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Objetivo: Comparar o perfil dos usuários dos serviços de diagnóstico bucal, levando em consideração a autopercepção sobre a presença de lesão bucal, e o acesso ao serviço de estomatologia de duas universidades de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Materiais e Métodos: Realizou-se estudo exploratório, transversal. Foi aplicado um questionário, por uma acadêmica, em cada universidade, aos pacientes que haviam sido atendidos nas clínicas de estomatologia entre setembro de 2006 e agosto de 2007. Resultados: Responderam ao questionário 200 usuários, 50% em cada um dos serviços, sendo 62% mulheres e 38% homens, com idade média 47,7±16,2 anos. Verificaram-se diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre as duas instituições quanto à renda, ocupação do usuário, encaminhamento ao serviço, meio de transporte utilizado para chegar ao local do atendimento, identificação inicial da lesão e automedicação (p<0,05). A lesão foi percebida em mais de 50% dos casos pelo próprio paciente, sendo que 70% deles foram encaminhados para as clínicas de estomatologia por dentistas. O intervalo de tempo entre o surgimento da lesão e a procura pelo serviço foi demais de seis meses para 43% dos pacientes. A maioria dos usuários não conhecia o serviço de estomatologia das universidades (87%). A resolubilidade foi de 93% para os que tiveram acesso ao serviço. Conclusão: Há semelhança entre o perfil dos usuários e seu acesso aos serviços de estomatologia nas duas universidades. Os usuários não conheciam os referidos serviços, porém não se observou dificuldades em encontrá-los.

Genetic polymorphisms of carcinogen metabolizing enzymes are associated with oral leukoplakia development and p53 overexpression.

BACKGROUND: Genetic polymorphisms of carcinogen-metabolizing enzyme genes have been associated with the risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma and oral leukoplakia. The overexpression of p53 protein is the most common genetic alteration in head and neck cancer. In the present study the combined or isolated presence of glutathione S-transferases GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1, and the cytochrome P450 oxidases CYP1A1 and CYP2E1 polymorphisms and oral leukoplakia development in a Brazilian sample of individuals was investigated, together with the effect of these polymorphisms on p53 overexpression in the lesions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The GSTM1, GSTT1 and CYP1A1 genotypes of 80 smoking patients with oral leukoplakia and 80 age and gender matched control subjects were studied by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and CYP2E1 and GSTP1 polymorphisms by PCR and digestion. Immunohistochemical reactions were performed for p53 staining in paraffin embedded histological sections of oral leukoplakia lesions. RESULTS: The GSTM1 null genotype was associated with an increased risk of oral leukoplakia development, independently of the other genes (OR 2.10). The simultaneous presence of GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes was associated with an increased risk of oral leukoplakia development, independently of the other genes (OR 4.36). The oral leukoplakia lesions of patients with the GSTT1 null genotype showed a 6-fold increased risk of p53 overexpression (OR 6.61). CONCLUSION: A positive association exists between the isolated or combined null genotype of GSTM1 and GSTT1 and oral leukoplakia development and the null GSTT1 genotype shows increased risk of p53 overexpression, in oral leukoplakia.