RESUMO
Background: Inflammatory cells and cytokines in the chronically injured mucosa promote fibrosis in the oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) fibrotic milieu. Osteopontin (OPN) is a wound-healing mediator that upregulates the inflammatory response and is involved in the malignancy and fibrosis of multiple organ systems. Objectives: We investigated the expression of OPN in oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) and oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) to determine its role in the malignant transformation and fibrosis of oral tissues. The expression of OPN in OPMDs and OSCCs was compared and correlated, and the role of OPN as a fibrotic mediator in OSF was explained. Study Design: A total of 30 cases of normal mucosa and OPMDs (mild dysplasia, severe dysplasia, OSF and OSCCs) were studied by purposive sampling. In these groups, OPN immunoreactivity was examined and correlated with clinical findings. Results: In mild dysplasia, OPN expression was restricted to the basal cell layer with moderate staining intensity. In severe dysplasia, it was extremely intense and extended throughout the epithelium. In the OSF, OPN expression was moderate in the perinuclear areas of the basal cell layer. The expression of OPN was very strong in OSCC. A flow diagram explaining the profibrotic role of OPN in OSF has been provided. Conclusion: A positive role of OPN in both pathogenesis and malignant transformation of OPMDs and OSCC has been demonstrated.
RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: The lingula is used for identifying the site for injection of local anesthetics and for excision of nerve in facial neuralgia. The relationship between lingula and lingual nerves may aid in risk associated with an impacted third molar. Due to its connection to nerve and vascular structures, the study of the lingula provides important information related to oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures, such as the sagittal split ramus osteotomy and the intraoral vertico-sagittal ramus osteotomy carried out to correct dento facial deformities. Intra-operative complications such as hemorrhage, fracture, and nerve injury may occur if lingula is not correctly identified. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Career Post Graduate Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Lucknow, U. P (India) on fifty (100 sides) dry adult human mandibles to determine the different shapes of lingula. The shapes of the lingula were classified as triangular, truncated, nodular, and assimilated types. RESULTS: The most common shape found in the study was the triangular (61.6%) while the least common shape was the assimilated (11.6%). All types of lingule were more prevalent unilaterally. The prevalence of accessory mandibular foramina (AMF) was 12% on the right side and 4% on the left side of the mandible. CONCLUSION: The present study provides information regarding different shapes of lingule and incidence of AMF in the populations of Lucknow and its surrounding areas (Uttar Pradesh) North India. The findings of the present study are very helpful to oro-dental surgeons, anthropologists, and forensic practice experts.
