Unraveling the Molecular Complexity of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (ACC): A Comprehensive Exploration of Hub Genes, Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) Networks, microRNA (miRNA) Involvement, and Drug-Gene Interactions (DGIs).

Background Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) poses clinical challenges with its unique histology and potential for perineural invasion, recurrence, and distant metastases. Recent genomic advancements have unveiled key genetic alterations in ACC, offering insights into its pathogenesis. Aim This study aims to unravel the intricate molecular landscape of ACC through a comprehensive analysis of gene expression patterns. By integrating data from multiple microarray datasets, the study explores differentially expressed genes (DEGs), their functional enrichment, protein-protein interactions (PPI), hub genes, microRNA (miRNA) involvement, transcription factors, and potential drug-gene interactions. Methods Three microarray datasets (GSE88804, GSE153002, and GSE36820) related to ACC were selected from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) repository. DEGs were identified using GEO2R and further analyzed for commonalities and differences. Functional enrichment analysis, including Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), provided insights into biological processes, cellular components, molecular functions, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways associated with ACC. PPI networks and hub genes were identified using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) (STRING Consortium, Lausanne, Switzerland) database and Cytoscape (Cytoscape Consortium, California, United States). The study also explored miRNAs, transcription factors, and potential drug-gene interactions. Results The integrated analysis revealed 339 common upregulated and 643 downregulated DEGs in ACC. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses unveiled the involvement of these genes in critical cellular processes, signaling cascades, and pathways. The PPI network, comprising 904 nodes and 4139 edges, highlighted the complexity of interactions. Hub genes, including KIF11, BUB1, and DLGAP5, were identified, shedding light on their pivotal roles in cell cycle regulation. The study also identified miRNAs (e.g., hsa-mir-7-5p and hsa-mir-138-5p) and transcription factors (e.g., E2F1 and TP53) associated with ACC. Drug-gene interactions have identified potential therapeutic options, including amsacrine and rucaparib. Conclusions The ACC gene expression highlights a nuanced molecular landscape, identifying pivotal hub genes such as KIF11 and CDK1 as potential therapeutic targets for ACC, given their roles in cell cycle progression. The dysregulation of microRNAs and transcription factors adds complexity to ACC's molecular profile. Exploration of drug-gene interactions reveals promising therapeutic strategies, involving FDA-approved drugs such as amsacrine and rucaparib, providing avenues for personalized interventions.

Differential Expression of Heat Shock Protein 27 in Oral Epithelial Dysplasias and Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most devastating neoplasm with dramatic increase in morbidity and mortality. The detection and prognostic evaluation of precancerous lesions could aid in early control of cancer. Heat shock protein (HSP) 27 has found to be a biomarker and therapeutic target in different types of cancer. AIM: This study aims to investigate the role of HSP 27 as prognostic molecular indicator of malignant transformation in oral epithelial dysplasias. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty samples of epithelial dysplasia (10 mild dysplasia, 10 moderate dysplasia, and 10 severe dysplasia/carcinoma in situ cases), 10 samples each of well-differentiated OSCC and normal oral mucosa were routinely processed, formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded, and analyzed for HSP27 expression by immunohistochemistry. Statistical analysis was done by one way-ANOVA and Mann-Whitney test to assess the differences between two individual groups. RESULTS: Normal mucosa showed intense, but nonuniform, expression of HSP27. An initial decline was noted in dysplasias. A significant correlation of HSP27 expression was observed with the severity of dysplasia and well-differentiated OSCC (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Low HSP 27 expression can be considered as early molecular indicator of initial dysplastic change in normal mucosa. An overexpression of HSP 27 in clinically and histologically confirmed dysplasia could indicate likely transformation to well-differentiated OSCC and could be of prognostic value. However, further studies with a larger sample size are required to confirm the role of HSP 27 as predictive indicator.

Calretinin expression in odontogenic cysts and odontogenic tumors and the possible role of calretinin in pathogenesis of ameloblastoma.

INTRODUCTION: Histopathological diagnosis of odontogenic cysts and tumors is a task mostly accomplished with hematoxylin and eosin staining. However, the use of additional diagnostic modalities such as immunohistochemistry may be necessary in histologically similar lesions. The reports of studies which have used calretinin as an immunohistochemical marker for ameloblastoma have been conflicting. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of calretinin as a specific diagnostic marker for ameloblastoma and observe its expression in odontogenic cysts and other odontogenic tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections were taken from the archives which included 15 cases each of dentigerous cyst, radicular cyst, odontogenic keratocyst and ameloblastoma five cases of adenomatoid odontogenic tumor and three cases of ameloblastic carcinoma. Immunohistochemistry was done with calretinin antibody. RESULTS: All ameloblastomas were positive for calretinin, whereas no other tumor or cyst showed positivity. Differences in proportion of calretinin expression were statistically significant with P = 0.000. CONCLUSION: Calretinin can be considered as a specific marker for ameloblastomas.

Stress recognition in dental students using smartphone sensor and a software: A pilot study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: A dental student in his/her life goes through several academic stresses. Mild stress may be beneficial in cognitive tasks and performance, while persistently high stress may lead to anxiety and depression. Thus, the aim is to compare the stress levels in students appearing for previva and postviva during university examinations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out on 70 3rd year Bachelor of Dental Surgery students who were appearing for their university practical examination. Heart rate, oxygen saturation and stress levels were measured using Android S-HEALTH software. The data were compared and tabulated. Results obtained were statistically analyzed using paired "t"-test. RESULTS: Heart rate, oxygen saturation and stress levels were statistically high in previva of all the students. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that examination is a situational stress resulting in anxiety due to increased levels of plasma cortisol reflected by an increased heart rate, oxygen saturation and stress levels. It is important for students to use stress-reducing measures or to reduce them as much as possible to avoid factors that can affect themselves and their patients in stressful way.

Significance of micronuclei in buccal smears of mobile phone users: A comparative study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The present study was designed to evaluate the frequency of micronuclei (MN) in the buccal exfoliated cells of mobile phone users. In addition, comparison of MN frequency between high and low mobile phone users was also done. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 male and 30 female participants between the age group of 20-28 years were selected from the Outpatient Department of Navodaya Dental College and Hospital, Raichur, Karnataka. The participants were divided into two groups: Group A - low mobile phone users and Group B - high mobile phone users. Cell sampling and preparation was done on the slide. All the slides were observed for a total of 1000 cells for the presence and number of MN in each cell. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the mean MN count in Group B in comparison to the Group A. There was highly significant difference in the mean MN count of participants using (code division multiple access) CDMA than (global system for mobiles) GSM mobile phones. The MN mean count was found to be significantly increased in nonheadphone users in comparison to headphone users. In Group B, the MN count on the side of mobile phone use was found to be statistically significantly elevated in comparison to the opposite side. CONCLUSION: Mobile phone radiation even in the permissible range when used for longer duration can cause significant genotoxicity. The genotoxicity accentuates when mobile phones are frequently used on the same side which may be due to more amount of radiation and increase in the temperature. Headphone usage reduces the genotoxicity of mobile phone radiation to some extent.

Mounting ground sections of teeth: Cyanoacrylate adhesive versus Canada balsam.

INTRODUCTION: Hard tissues can be studied by either decalcification or by preparing ground sections. Various mounting media have been tried and used for ground sections of teeth. However, there are very few studies on the use of cyanoacrylate adhesive as a mounting medium. AIMS: The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of cyanoacrylate adhesive (Fevikwik™) as a mounting medium for ground sections of teeth and to compare these ground sections with those mounted with Canada balsam. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ground sections were prepared from twenty extracted teeth. Each section was divided into two halves and mounted on one slide, one with cyanoacrylate adhesive (Fevikwik™) and the other with Canada balsam. Scoring for various features in the ground sections was done by two independent observers. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Statistical analysis using Student's t-test (unpaired) of average scores was performed for each feature observed. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found between the two for most of the features. However, cyanoacrylate was found to be better than Canada balsam for observing striae of Retzius (P < 0.0205), enamel lamellae (P < 0.036), dentinal tubules (P < 0.0057), interglobular dentin (P < 0.0001), sclerotic dentin - transmitted light (P < 0.00001), sclerotic dentin - polarized light (P < 0.0002) and Sharpey's fibers (P < 0.0004). CONCLUSIONS: This initial study shows that cyanoacrylate is better than Canada balsam for observing certain features of ground sections of teeth. However, it remains to be seen whether it will be useful for studying undecalcified sections of carious teeth and for soft tissue sections.

Rushton bodies: an update.

Rushton bodies are peculiar, eosinophilic, linear, curved or straight, polycyclic, glassy structures occurring with variable frequency in the epithelial lining of odontogenic cysts, whose presence occasionally contributes to the diagnosis. Presence of these structures depends upon the sectioning plane of specimen. They are easily identifiable by their peculiar morphological and staining patterns. There is considerably ambiguity about the nature and epithelial, vascular, odontogenic or keratinous origin of these hyaline bodies. This article highlights the occurrence, light and electron microscopic features and histogenesis of Rushton bodies.