Oral manifestations of sporotrichosis: A neglected disease.

Sporotrichosis is an uncommon subacute or chronic infection caused by Sporothrix spp. In some urban areas of Latin America, sporotrichosis has been considered an emergent cosmopolitan disease of zoonotic transmission by domestic cats. There are four different clinical forms of the disease: fixed cutaneous, lymphocutaneous, multifocal or disseminated cutaneous, and extracutaneous. The oral mucosa is rarely involved, usually as unspecified chronic ulcers in the context of multifocal or disseminated cutaneous form of systemic sporotrichosis. Microscopical features include chronic granulomatous inflammation containing microabscesses and fungal hyphae positive for Periodic acid Schiff and silver-based stains. The diagnosis of sporotrichosis is usually based on culture detection and strict correlation of clinical, microscopical and laboratorial data. We herein contribute with two additional illustrative cases of oral manifestation of sporotrichosis in immunocompromised patients from an endemic urban area from Rio de Janeiro-Brazil. Key words:Sporotrichosis, ulcer, oral cavity, immunosuppression.

Are salivary flow rates associated with histopathologic aspects in patients with rheumatoid arthritis?

The aim of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to verify the association between salivary flow rates (SFR) and the histopathologic aspects of labial salivary glands (LSG) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patients presenting rheumatologic diseases referred for oral evaluation were included in the study if they had RA and had SFR measured and LSG biopsy performed. Patients were excluded if they had systemic conditions that affect SFR or if they were being treated for hyposalivation. Cases without enough material for histopathologic analysis were also excluded. Data were collected through questionnaires, oral examination, resting and stimulated SFR, and LSG biopsies. A histopathologic reevaluation was carried out in order to seek for additional histopathologic aspects. Fifty-one patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 53.5 years (25-77), and 94.1% were women. The median resting and stimulated SFRs were 0.24 mL/min and 1.02 mL/min, respectively. The presence of lymphocytic focus and fibrosis were significantly associated with stimulated SFR, but not with resting SFR. The odds ratio of patients who had hyposalivation for presenting a positive lymphocytic focus was 7.33 (confidence interval CI: 1.53-35.23) by the stimulated technique, and 2.56 (CI: 0.57-11.40) in resting SFR. In the medical records, 14 (31.80%) patients had been diagnosed with secondary Sjögren's syndrome. In conclusion, stimulated SFR represent a good screening test to predict lymphocytic focus in LSG in patients with RA, which represents the most specific test to diagnose Sjögren's syndrome.

Eficácia da intervenção educacional à distância na capacitação de cirurgiões-dentistas da rede pública sobre o uso consciente da tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico: um ensaio clínico controlado quase-experimental / Efficacy of distance educational intervention in training public dentists on the conscious use of cone beam computed tomography: a quasi-experimental controlled clinical trial

Objetivo: Verificar a eficácia da intervenção educacional por videoconferência, para dentistas de um serviço público de saúde, sobre aquisição de conhecimentos em tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico. Materiais e Métodos: Trata-se de um ensaio clínico controlado, com aplicação de questionários estruturados sobre uso criterioso da tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico, antes e depois da intervenção educacional. Os participantes do estudo foram divididos em grupos controle (aula presencial) e experimental (aula por videoconferência). Participaram desta pesquisa 133 dentistas no pré-teste (questionário aplicado antes da intervenção) e 129 no pós-teste (questionário aplicado após a intervenção). As análises foram executadas para avaliar as variáveis da metodologia de ensino e comparar a proporção das respostas corretas e "não sei" entre os tempos, discriminadas pela especialidade odontológica dos participantes. O nível de significância adotado foi de 0,05. Foram utilizados os testes de qui-quadrado e o modelo de regressão logística binária e, quando significativo, foi aplicado o teste post-hoc de Bonferroni. Resultados: A análise das respostas "não sei" e respostas corretas entre as modalidades de ensino presencial e por videoconferência demonstrou que não houve mudança significativa dos resultados. O resultado das respostas "não sei" evidenciou uma grande diferença entre os tempos, onde o percentual dessas respostas, após a intervenção, variou de 23,6% para 4,7% (p<0,001). Em todas as especialidades, essa redução foi significativa nas questões referentes ao conhecimento sobre radioproteção. O aumento de respostas corretas foi de quase 10% (p<0,001). Conclusão: A capacitação profissional através do método de videoconferência mostrou-se eficaz e comparável ao método presencial para a aquisição de conhecimentos em tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico.

Objective: To verify the effectiveness of an educational intervention by videoconference, for dentists of a public health service, on acquiring knowledge in cone-beam computed tomography. Materials and Methods: This is a controlled clinical trial with structured questionnaires on the judicious use of cone-beam computed tomography, before and after the educational intervention. Study participants were divided into control (faceto-face class) and experimental (videoconference class) groups. A total of 133 dentists participated in the pre-test (questionnaire applied before the intervention) and 129 in the post-test (questionnaire applied after the intervention). The analyzes were performed to evaluate the variables of the teaching methodology and to compare the proportion of correct and "I do not know" answers between times, broken down by the dental specialty of the participants. The level of significance adopted was 0.05. The chi-square tests and the binary logistic regression model were used and, when significant, the Bonferroni post-hoc test was applied. Results: The analysis of the answers "I don't know" and correct answers between the teaching modalities showed no significant change in the results. The result of the "I don't know" answers showed a significant difference between the times, where the percentage of these answers, after the intervention, varied from 23.6% to 4.7% (p<0.001). In all specialties, this reduction was significant in questions related to knowledge about radioprotection. The increase incorrect answers were almost 10% (p<0.001). Conclusion: Professional training through the videoconference method proved effective and comparable to the face-to-face method for acquiring knowledge in cone-beam computed tomography.

Are salivary flow rates associated with histopathologic aspects in patients with rheumatoid arthritis?

Abstract The aim of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to verify the association between salivary flow rates (SFR) and the histopathologic aspects of labial salivary glands (LSG) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patients presenting rheumatologic diseases referred for oral evaluation were included in the study if they had RA and had SFR measured and LSG biopsy performed. Patients were excluded if they had systemic conditions that affect SFR or if they were being treated for hyposalivation. Cases without enough material for histopathologic analysis were also excluded. Data were collected through questionnaires, oral examination, resting and stimulated SFR, and LSG biopsies. A histopathologic reevaluation was carried out in order to seek for additional histopathologic aspects. Fifty-one patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 53.5 years (25-77), and 94.1% were women. The median resting and stimulated SFRs were 0.24 mL/min and 1.02 mL/min, respectively. The presence of lymphocytic focus and fibrosis were significantly associated with stimulated SFR, but not with resting SFR. The odds ratio of patients who had hyposalivation for presenting a positive lymphocytic focus was 7.33 (confidence interval CI: 1.53-35.23) by the stimulated technique, and 2.56 (CI: 0.57-11.40) in resting SFR. In the medical records, 14 (31.80%) patients had been diagnosed with secondary Sjögren's syndrome. In conclusion, stimulated SFR represent a good screening test to predict lymphocytic focus in LSG in patients with RA, which represents the most specific test to diagnose Sjögren's syndrome.

Epithelial Dysplasia in Actinic Cheilitis: Microscopic Study of 70 Cases from Brazil.

To compare two grading systems of epithelial dysplasia-World Health Organization (WHO) and binary system (BS) -in actinic cheilitis (AC). Seventy cases diagnosed as AC in an Oral Pathology Laboratory from Brazil in the last 12 years were retrospectively retrieved, including the demographic data of each patient. All conventionally stained slides were reviewed, and epithelial dysplasia was evaluated by two independent observers using both WHO and BS grading systems. Data correlation was performed using kappa and chi-square tests (p < 0.05). Most patients were white men with a mean age of 57 years old and history of chronic exposure to sunlight. Most of the lesions were clinically described as whitish plaques with irregular surface located in the lower lip semi-mucosa. Most cases were microscopically graded as severe epithelial dysplasia and low-risk by both observers. The interobserver and intraobserver agreement between systems was slight. All reddish lesions were graded as severe epithelial dysplasia, showing an equal distribution between low and high-risk grading. Most ulcerated lesions showed severe epithelial dysplasia but was graded as low-risk of malignant transformation. Statistical significance was observed among the presence of "irregular stratification", severe epithelial dysplasia and high-risk lesions (p < 0.05) likewise among the presence of "loss of polarity of basal cells" and "drop-shaped ridges" (p < 0.05) with high-risk lesions. The absence of "increased mitotic figures", "dyskeratosis" and "keratin pearls" (p < 0.05) were strongly correlated to low-risk lesions. The presence of "hyperchromasia" was statistically significant with severe epithelial dysplasia (p < 0.05) as well the absence of "atypical mitotic figures" with low-risk lesions (p < 0.05). Although there was slight agreement between microscopic grading systems, microscopic analysis indicated that architectural epithelial changes individually may be the more reliable criteria to indicate the risk of malignant transformation in AC in both grading systems.

Myeloid sarcoma of the oral cavity: A case report and review of 89 cases from the literature.

Myeloid sarcoma is a tumor mass of immature myeloid or granulocytic cells that affects extramedullary anatomic sites, including uncommonly the oral cavity. A 24-year-old female was referred for evaluation of a fast growing painful gingival swelling lasting 2 weeks, associated with fever, fatigue, and cervical lymphadenopathy. Intraoral examination showed a bluish swelling on the right posterior lower gingiva exhibiting necrotic surface. Incisional biopsy of the gingival lesion displayed diffuse infiltration of undifferentiated tumor cells with granulocytic appearance, strongly immunopositive for CD99, myeloperoxidase and Ki-67 (60%), and negative for CD20, CD3, CD34 and TdT. Blood tests presented a severe pancytopenia, and genetic analysis confirmed the diagnosis of acute promyelocytic leukemia. The final diagnosis was of oral myeloid sarcoma associated with acute promyelocytic leukemia with t(15;17). The patient was submitted to chemotherapy but died of the disease one month later. The clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical features of the present case are compared with the 89 cases of oral myeloid sarcoma previously reported in the English-language literature. Key words:Myeloid sarcoma, chloroma, granulocytic sarcoma, gingiva, oral, acute promyelocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia.

Enhanced Expression of Hedgehog Pathway Proteins in Oral Epithelial Dysplasia.

The aim of this study was to characterize the profile of the proteins involved in the Hedgehog signaling pathway to aid in the understanding of the pathogenesis of oral epithelial dysplasia (OED). The proteins SHH, PTCH1, HHIP, SUFU, GLI1, and cyclin D1 were evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 25 cases of OED, 4 of non-neoplasic oral mucosa, 8 of inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia and 5 of hyperkeratosis. SHH proteins were predominant in OED cases. Although PTCH1 protein was observed in all cases, this molecule was more highly expressed in OED. The inhibitor protein SUFU was present in OED and HHIP protein was overexpressed in OED. GLI1 proteins were predominantly found in the nuclei of epithelial cells in OED. Basal and suprabasal cells in the epithelial lining were positive for cyclin D1 only in OED. In conclusion, comparative analysis of the proteins involved in the Hedgehog pathway suggests that enhanced expression of these proteins can play an important role in the biological behavior of OED.

Clinicopathological characteristics of tumours of the intraoral minor salivary glands in 170 Brazilian patients.

Tumours of the minor salivary glands are relatively uncommon, and publications from around the world normally include tumours of both the minor and major salivary glands, making it difficult to assess their prevalence and distribution. Our aim was to evaluate retrospectively the clinicopathological features of a series of tumours of the intraoral minor salivary glands from two universities in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and to compare the data with those from other epidemiological studies. A total of 170 such tumours were diagnosed from 1942 to 2012, and were selected from two university departments of oral pathology. Eighty-nine of the tumours were benign (52%). Pleomorphic adenoma (n=75) and mucoepidermoid carcinoma (n=23) were the most common benign (44%) and malignant tumours (14%), respectively. There were 104 female patients (61%) and both benign and malignant tumours affected more women than men. Significantly more tumours were in the palate (n=95, 56%; p=0.001). We conclude that these tumours had features similar to those from other studies from North and Latin America, but differ from the results presented from Asia. Further studies should be designed to highlight possible geographical and population-specific characteristics of these tumours.

Uncommon true isolated macrodontia of a maxillary tooth.

Macrodontia is a rare dental anomaly which consists on the presence of any tooth or teeth larger than the average. In the present report the case of a child with an uncommon true isolated macrodontia of a maxillary central incisor is presented. The maxillary left central incisor was considered a macrodontic tooth since its mesiodistal crown dimension was 12.41 mm while the mesiodistal crown dimension of the maxillary right central incisor was 10.06 mm. The radiographic examination confirmed an enlarged maxillary left central incisor and a normal developing dentition. The patient did not report esthetic complaints, however, due the presence of anterior open bite and crowding, he was referred to orthodontic clinic. Thus, it must be point out the importance of the radiographic diagnosis to support the clinical findings, helping to plan and provide better treatment for the patient.

Clinicopathologic analysis and syndecan-1 and Ki-67 expression in calcifying cystic odontogenic tumors, dentinogenic ghost cell tumor, and ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Benign and malignant tumor cells can express altered adhesion properties, and these features can be associated with their proliferative and invasive characteristics. This study aimed to evaluate syndecan-1 and Ki-67 expression in ghost cell-containing odontogenic tumors. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical data were retrieved from laboratory records, and hematoxylin-eosin-stained slides and sections, labeled with monoclonal antibodies anti-syndecan-1 and anti-Ki-67 using the immunoperoxidase technique, were evaluated. RESULTS: Included were 21 central calcifying cystic odontogenic tumors (CCOTs) (4 associated with odontoma), 2 peripheral CCOTs, 1 dentinogenic ghost cell tumor, and 1 ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma (GCOC). Syndecan-1 was mainly expressed in cells resembling stellate reticulum and in stromal cells from the fibrous capsule. The mean Ki-67 labeling index was 4.1% (49.3% for GCOC), but it was not associated with syndecan-1 expression. CONCLUSIONS: Syndecan-1 is variably expressed in cells resembling the stellate reticulum, stromal cells, and basal cells and might be associated with the biology of these tumors.

Calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor (CEOT): a clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical study and comparison with dental follicles containing CEOT-like areas.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinicopathologic, immunohistochemical, and scanning electron microscopic features of 19 cases of calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor (CEOT) in comparison to 4 cases of dental follicles containing CEOT-like areas (DF-CEOT). STUDY DESIGN: A collaborative Latin American retrospective study. RESULTS: CEOT and DF-CEOT showed a slight predilection for females, mostly affecting the posterior mandible. CEOTs were classified as epithelium-rich (8 cases), amyloid-rich (4), and calcification-rich (3), and 4 cases showed similar proportion of the 3 components. DF-CEOTs contained odontogenic epithelium, amyloid, calcification, and clear cells. Epithelial cells were positive for cytokeratins CK5 and CK19, E-cadherin, and syndecan 1 (CD138), and focally for amyloid A. In CEOT, amyloid was positive for CD138 and amyloid A, and calcification for CK5, CD138, and amyloid A. In DF-CEOT, calcification was positive for amyloid A. CEOT showed higher Ki-67 protein and minichromosome maintenance complex component 2 (MCM-2) labeling indices than did DF-CEOT. In scanning electron microscopy, CEOT calcified material resembled bone in the 3 cases classified as calcification-rich. CONCLUSIONS: CEOT and DF-CEOT showed histomorphologic and immunohistochemical similarities, and the histogenetic significance of these features should be further studied.

Tumor-infiltrating macrophage and microvessel density in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) are the main cellular component in stroma of many tumors and participate in tumor angiogenesis. The aim of present study was to compare the microvascular density (MVD) and infiltrating macrophage density (IMD) in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) with different histological grades. A histomorphometric analysis was performed after immunohistochemistry using antibodies such as von-Willebrand factor and CD68. A significant difference in MVD was found between well and moderately differentiated OSCCs (p<0.05). TAM were largely present in all studied tumors and the IMD was not different among OSCCs with different histological grades (p=0.381). Significant correlation between MVD and IMD was not observed (p=0.870). In conclusion, these results suggest that TAM and angiogenesis have an influence at different histological grades of OSCC. However, the lack of correlation between MVD and IMD could suggest that angiogenesis does not depend on the number of macrophages present in OSCC, but their predominant phenotype. Further studies involving distinct phenotypes of macrophages should be done to better understand the influence of TAM on the tumor angiogenesis.

Tumor-Infiltrating Macrophage and Microvessel Density in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) are the main cellular component in stroma of many tumors and participate in tumor angiogenesis. The aim of present study was to compare the microvascular density (MVD) and infiltrating macrophage density (IMD) in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) with different histological grades. A histomorphometric analysis was performed after immunohistochemistry using antibodies such as von-Willebrand factor and CD68. A significant difference in MVD was found between well and moderately differentiated OSCCs (p<0.05). TAM were largely present in all studied tumors and the IMD was not different among OSCCs with different histological grades (p=0.381). Significant correlation between MVD and IMD was not observed (p=0.870). In conclusion, these results suggest that TAM and angiogenesis have an influence at different histological grades of OSCC. However, the lack of correlation between MVD and IMD could suggest that angiogenesis does not depend on the number of macrophages present in OSCC, but their predominant phenotype. Further studies involving distinct phenotypes of macrophages should be done to better understand the influence of TAM on the tumor angiogenesis.

Macrófagos associados a tumores (MAT) representam o componente principal do estroma de muitos tumores, além de participar da angiogênese tumoral. Este estudo comparou a microdensidade vascular (MDV) e densidade de macrófagos infiltrando o tumor (DMIT) em carcinoma escamocelular da boca (CEC) com diferentes graus histológicos de malignidade. Análise histomorfométrica foi empregada após técnica imuno-histoquímica para os anticorpos fator von-Willebrand e CD68. Uma diferença significante entre MDV e carcinomas bem e moderadamente diferenciados foi observada (p<0,05). MAT estavam fortemente presentes em todos os tumores estudados e a DMIT não foi diferente entre os diferentes graus histológicos de malignidade do CEC (p=0,381). Correlação significante entre MDV e DMIT não foi observada (p=0,870). Em conclusão, os resultados desse estudo sugerem a influência de MAT e angiogênese nos diferentes graus histológicos de malignidade do CEC. Entretanto, a ausência de correlação entre MDV e DMIT sugere que a angiogênese não depende do número de macrófagos presentes neste tipo de câncer, mas do fenótipo predominante. Outros estudos devem ser realizados a fim de contribuir para melhor compreensão da participação de MAT na angiogênese tumoral.

Histopathological features of keratocystic odontogenic tumor: a descriptive study of 177 cases from a Brazilian population.

The aim of this study was to describe the clinicopathologic features of 177 keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KCOTs) diagnosed in a Brazilian population. A total of 177 KCOTs were reviewed and affected 158 patients with ages ranging from 5 to 79 years (mean age = 32 years) with a slight female predominance. Mandible was the most common affected site (69.3%), and a unilocular radiolucency was the most common radiographic image. Microscopically, all cases showed at least focal areas of classic KCOT, but several histological aspects were also observed, including diffuse and focal epithelial lining hyperplasia (48.6%), epithelial budding (12.4%), reactive cytological alterations (11.3%), dystrophic calcification (7.9%), daughter cysts (7.8%), odontogenic epithelial remnants (4.5%), focal areas of orthokeratinization (2.8%), and ameloblastomatous epithelium (1.7%). These variations may make KCOT diagnosis challenging in some cases, so careful full-sample analysis and knowledge of these uncommon histological features associated with KCOT are essential for correct diagnosis.

Immunohistochemical expression of p53, p16 and hTERT in oral squamous cell carcinoma and potentially malignant disorders.

Oral carcinogenesis is a multi-step process. One possible step is the development of potentially malignant disorders known as leukoplakia and erytroplakia. The objective of this study was to use immunohistochemistry to analyze the patterns of expression of the cell-cycle regulatory proteins p53 and p16(INK4a) in potentially malignant disorders (PMD) of the oral mucosa (with varying degrees of dysplasia) and in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) to correlate them with the expression of telomerase (hTERT). Fifteen PMD and 30 OSCC tissue samples were analyzed. Additionally, 5 cases of oral epithelial hyperplasia (OEH) were added to analyze clinically altered mucosa presenting as histological hyperplasia without dysplasia. p53 positivity was observed in 93.3% of PMD, in 63.3% of OSCC and in 80% of OEH. Although there was no correlation between p53 expression and the grade of dysplasia, all cases with severe dysplasia presented p53 suprabasal immunoexpression. p16(INK4a) expression was observed in 26.7% of PMD, in 43.3% of OSCC and in 2 cases of OEH. The p16(INK4a) expression in OEH, PMD and OSCC was unable to differentiate non-dysplastic from dysplastic oral epithelium. hTERT positivity was observed in all samples of OEH and PMD and in 90% of OSCC. The high hTERT immunoexpression in all three lesions indicates that telomerase is present in clinically altered oral mucosa but does not differentiate hyperplastic from dysplastic oral epithelium. In PMD of the oral mucosa, the p53 immunoexpression changes according to the degree of dysplasia by mechanisms independent of p16(INK4a) and hTERT.

Immunohistochemical expression of p53, p16 and hTERT in oral squamous cell carcinoma and potentially malignant disorders

Oral carcinogenesis is a multi-step process. One possible step is the development of potentially malignant disorders known as leukoplakia and erytroplakia. The objective of this study was to use immunohistochemistry to analyze the patterns of expression of the cell-cycle regulatory proteins p53 and p16INK4a in potentially malignant disorders (PMD) of the oral mucosa (with varying degrees of dysplasia) and in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) to correlate them with the expression of telomerase (hTERT). Fifteen PMD and 30 OSCC tissue samples were analyzed. Additionally, 5 cases of oral epithelial hyperplasia (OEH) were added to analyze clinically altered mucosa presenting as histological hyperplasia without dysplasia. p53 positivity was observed in 93.3 percent of PMD, in 63.3 percent of OSCC and in 80 percent of OEH. Although there was no correlation between p53 expression and the grade of dysplasia, all cases with severe dysplasia presented p53 suprabasal immunoexpression. p16INK4a expression was observed in 26.7 percent of PMD, in 43.3 percent of OSCC and in 2 cases of OEH. The p16INK4a expression in OEH, PMD and OSCC was unable to differentiate non-dysplastic from dysplastic oral epithelium. hTERT positivity was observed in all samples of OEH and PMD and in 90 percent of OSCC. The high hTERT immunoexpression in all three lesions indicates that telomerase is present in clinically altered oral mucosa but does not differentiate hyperplastic from dysplastic oral epithelium. In PMD of the oral mucosa, the p53 immunoexpression changes according to the degree of dysplasia by mechanisms independent of p16INK4a and hTERT.

Biocompatibility of orthodontic adhesives in rat subcutaneous tissue.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to verify the hypothesis that no difference in biocompatibility exists between different orthodontic adhesives. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty male Wistar rats were used in this study and divided into five groups (n=6): Group 1 (control, distilled water), Group 2 (Concise), Group 3 (Xeno III), Group 4 (Transbond XT), and Group 5 (Transbond plus Self-Etching Primer). Two cavities were performed in the subcutaneous dorsum of each animal to place a polyvinyl sponge soaked with 2 drops of the respective adhesive in each surgical loci. Two animals of each group were sacrificed after 7, 15, and 30 days, and their tissues were analyzed by using an optical microscope. RESULTS: At day 7, Groups 3 (Transbond XT) and 4 (Xeno III) showed intense mono- and polymorphonuclear inflammatory infiltrate with no differences between them, whereas Groups 1 (control) and 2 (Concise) showed moderate mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate. At day 15, severe inflammation was observed in Group 3 (Transbond XT) compared to other groups. At day 30, the same group showed a more expressive mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate compared to other groups. CONCLUSION: Among the orthodontic adhesive analyzed, it may be concluded that Transbond XT exhibited the worst biocompatibility. However, one cannot interpret the specificity of the data generated in vivo animal models as a human response.

Biocompatibility of orthodontic adhesives in rat subcutaneous tissue

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to verify the hypothesis that no difference in biocompatibility exists between different orthodontic adhesives. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty male Wistar rats were used in this study and divided into five groups (n=6): Group 1 (control, distilled water), Group 2 (Concise), Group 3 (Xeno III), Group 4 (Transbond XT), and Group 5 (Transbond plus Self-Etching Primer). Two cavities were performed in the subcutaneous dorsum of each animal to place a polyvinyl sponge soaked with 2 drops of the respective adhesive in each surgical loci. Two animals of each group were sacrificed after 7, 15, and 30 days, and their tissues were analyzed by using an optical microscope. RESULTS: At day 7, Groups 3 (Transbond XT) and 4 (Xeno III) showed intense mono- and polymorphonuclear inflammatory infiltrate with no differences between them, whereas Groups 1 (control) and 2 (Concise) showed moderate mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate. At day 15, severe inflammation was observed in Group 3 (Transbond XT) compared to other groups. At day 30, the same group showed a more expressive mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate compared to other groups. CONCLUSION: Among the orthodontic adhesive analyzed, it may be concluded that Transbond XT exhibited the worst biocompatibility. However, one cannot interpret the specificity of the data generated in vivo animal models as a human response.

Immunohistochemical detection of Ki-67 is not associated with tumor-infiltrating macrophages and cyclooxygenase-2 in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: An inflammatory component consisting of cells and chemical mediators may influence the proliferation and dissemination of the oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). In the present study, we evaluated the possible relationship between Ki-67, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and COX-2 in OSCCs. In addition, the immunodetection of these proteins was associated with different histological grades of malignancy, including invasive and in situ tumors. METHODS: Twenty-seven OSCC cases were examined by light microscopy using criteria adopted WHO, and immunohistochemistry for Ki-67, CD68, and COX-2 using EnVision System in invasive and in situ lesions. Immunohistochemical detection of these proteins was assessed and scored for COX-2, and results were compared with their histological grades of malignancy. RESULTS: A correlation between Ki-67, COX-2, and CD68 was not found. Histological grade of malignancy (HDM) was associated with the Ki-67 immunostaining (P = 0.00), but this was not observed regarding both CD68 (P = 0.51) and COX-2 (P = 0.89). Furthermore, there was a COX-2 overexpression in 62.96% of the sample, and a high density of TAMs in both OSCCs and in situ carcinomas. CONCLUSIONS: Imunolabeling for Ki-67 was directly correlated with less-differentiated tumors, suggesting that this marker may contribute to understand the biological behavior of OSCC, and help to distinguish risk groups of OSCC. Furthermore, the lack of correlation between Ki-67, COX-2, and CD68 indicates that the latter two markers may play a pivotal role in oral carcinogenesis. However, further studies are needed to clarify their contribution for cell proliferation and tumor differentiation.