Immunohistological features in adenomatoid odontogenic tumor: review of the literature and first expression and mutational analysis of ß-catenin in this unusual lesion of the jaws.

PURPOSE: To investigate for the first time the immunohistochemical and mutational status of ß-catenin in a mandibular case of adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT) and to review the immunohistochemical expression data of various markers (cytokeratins, metalloproteinases, etc) in such a lesion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case of follicular-type AOT in a young male patient was analyzed in regard to the immunohistochemical expression of ß-catenin and mutations of the ß-catenin gene (CTNNB1). Its expression is altered in some odontogenic tumors. RESULTS: We found a strong cytoplasmic expression of ß-catenin, but no molecular anomaly within the exon 3 of CTNNB1. ß-catenin is considered to play a role in cell differentiation processes. CONCLUSION: Our results were consistent with previous findings in ameloblastoma and malignant odontogenic tumors. However, ß-catenin alterations had not been explored in AOT so far. Further studies are necessary to understand the specific regulation of ß-catenin in the AOT pathogenesis.

Antibacterial protection of suture material by chlorhexidine-functionalized polyelectrolyte multilayer films.

The formation of bacterial biofilms on the surface of implanted materials is a critical factor that may lead to chronic microbial infection and tissue necrosis. In the present study we analysed the stability of polyelectrolyte multilayer (ML) films on suture materials and the antibacterial effect obtained with chlorhexidine (CHX)-functionalized films built on different types of suture materials such as silk, polyester and copolymer of glycolide and L: -lactide. The comparison of Escherichia coli culture on glass coverslips and glass coverslips with ML and CHX showed at 24 h an inhibition of the bacterial relative luminescence (40.68%, P < 0.5) and at 48 h (99.46%, P < 0.001). In another way, simple soaking of suture material overnight in CHX digluconate 20% without polyelectrolyte films did not at all protect sutures from bacterial colonization but CHX-functionalized polyelectrolyte films, made from poly-L: -glutamic acid and poly-L: -lysine, inhibited Escherichia coli proliferation.

Solitary bone cyst of the jaws: a review of the etiopathogenic hypotheses.

Solitary bone cysts (SBCs) of the jaws are often polymorphic, show scalloped borders when located between the teeth roots, are devoid of an epithelial lining, and are usually empty or contain blood or a straw-colored fluid. The numerous synonyms referring to these lesions reflect their uncertain nature (eg, traumatic bone cyst, simple bone cyst). SBC, also found in other skeletal locations, is often suspected after epidemiologic and radiologic test results and confirmed at surgery. Histology usually shows fibrous connective tissue or only bone. The various etiologic elements responsible for SBC include tumor degeneration, trauma, or abnormalities during bone growth. The pathogenesis of the SBC is unknown, but it is widely accepted that it could be the result of a vascular dysfunction leading to a local posthemorrhagic ischemia, inducing an osseous aseptic necrosis. This article reviews likely but still-debated etiopathogenic hypotheses of lesions of the jaws and other, more frequent bony locations, such as the humeral and femoral metaphysis.