Agnes Assao

Tissue eosinophilia and its association with tumoral invasion of oral cancer

This study investigated if tumor-associated tissue eosinophilia (TATE) could be associated with the process of tissue invasion in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) and its influence on patients prognosis. Forty-three patients treated for OSCCs with or without lymph nodes involvement, at A. C. Camargo Cancer Hospital, Brazil, were selected for TATE analysis. Two degrees of tissue eosinophilia were established in OSCC: absent/mild and intense. The TATE was evaluated in relation to the clinicopathological features and prognostic value using χ 2 test and the Kaplan—Meier method. Most of the patients with OSCC in advanced clinical stage presented muscular infiltration and significantly intense TATE whereas those with tumors in early stage frequently showed absent/mild eosinophilia (P = .009). The TATE showed no prognostic value for 5-year and 10-year survival rates of the OSCC. These findings suggest that intense TATE seems to reflect the stromal invasion of the OSCCs that occur in advanced clinical stage.

The relationship between ezrin and podoplanin expressions in keratocystic odontogenic tumors

BackgroundThe aims of this study were to investigate the immunolocalization of ezrin and its relationship with the podoplanin expression in keratocystic odontogenic tumors.Material and MethodsThe immunohistochemical expressions of ezrin and podoplanin by odontogenic epithelium were evaluated in keratocystic odontogenic tumors using monoclonal antibodies.ResultsOur results showed strong cytoplasmic ezrin and membranous podoplanin expressions in basal epithelial layer of all keratocystic odontogenic tumors. The cytoplasmic and membranous ezrin expressions were also detected in suprabasal epithelial layers of tumors. Statistically significant difference between cellular immunolocalization of ezrin and podoplanin odontogenic epithelium were found by Wilcoxon’s test (p < 0.05). No correlation between both proteins in keratocystic odontogenic tumors was detected by Spearman test.ConclusionsThese results suggest that ezrin and podoplanin may contribute to the expansive growth and local invasiveness of keratocystic odontogenic tumors. Additionally, as both proteins were overexpressed by odontogenic epithelium, their possible roles need to be further explored in benign odontogenic tumors.

Immunoexpression of proteins involved in cytoskeleton remodeling in benign odontogenic lesions

OBJECTIVE The present study was designed to analyze the immunolocalization of proteins involved in cytoskeleton remodeling, such as moesin and Rho-A, in benign odontogenic lesions that present with expansive growth and invasive clinical behavior. MATERIALS AND METHODS Expressions of moesin and Rho-A in odontogenic epithelium were evaluated by immunohistochemical analysis in 45 odontogenic lesions using monoclonal antibodies. RESULTS Our results demonstrated strong membranous and cytoplasmic expressions of moesin in the epithelial cells in 66.7% and 44.4% of the odontogenic lesions, respectively. Furthermore, Rho-A expression in odontogenic epithelium was strong in the membrane and cytoplasm of 51.1% and 62.2% of the odontogenic lesions, respectively. A statistically significant correlation was found between the membranous and cytoplasmic expressions of moesin (p = 0.000) and those of Rho-A (p = 0.048) in odontogenic epithelial cells, while no statistically significant correlation was found between moesin and Rho-A expressions (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The present study confirmed the strong expressions of moesin and Rho-A by odontogenic epithelial cells, suggesting their involvement in the development of benign odontogenic lesions. However, this study has failed to detect the connection between the moesin and Rho-A interaction in expansive growth and local invasiveness of these lesions.

An Uncommon Occurrence of Three-Fourth Molars Concomitant to Hypodontia in a Nonsyndromic Patient

Abstract Bilaterally mandibular and maxillary fourth molars, concomitant to hypodontia, are uncommon. These dental anomalies, called hypohyperdontia, are rare and etiology is not well defined. Several complications may occur as a consequence of supernumerary teeth, such as teeth impaction, resorption of adjacent teeth, and development of cysts and tumors. The authors present an uncommon occurrence of three-fourth molars concomitant to hypodontia and dentigerous cyst associated with impacted mandibular second and third molars in a nonsyndromic patient. The authors attempt to discuss the occurrence of bilaterally fourth molars and reinforce the importance of clinical approach, considering risks and benefits for the patient.

A rare case report of an adenomatoid odontogenic tumor associated with odontoma in the maxilla

Highlights • This case reports the second case of AOT associated with odontoma in the posterior maxillary region.• The origin of adenomatoid odontogenic tumor associated with odontoma is not completely established and still under debate.• Fewer cases of AOT associated with odontoma had been described, and this case will contribute for future odontogenic tumors classification.

Correlation of Beta-2 Adrenergic Receptor Expression in Tumor-Free Surgical Margin and at the Invasive Front of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background. The beta-2 adrenergic receptor is expressed by neoplastic cells and is correlated with a wide spectrum of tumor cell mechanisms including proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, migration, and metastasis. Objectives. The present study aimed to analyze the expression of the beta-2 adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) in tumor-free surgical margins of oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) and at the invasive front. Sixty-two patients diagnosed with OSCC, confirmed by biopsy, were selected for the study. The clinicopathological data and clinical follow-up were obtained from medical records and their association with β2-AR expression was verified by the chi-square test or Fischers exact test. To verify the correlation of β2-AR expression in tumor-free surgical margins and at the invasive front of OSCCs, Pearsons correlation coefficient test was applied. Results. The expression of β2-AR presented a statistically significant correlation between the tumor-free surgical margins and the invasive front of OSCC (r = 0.383; p = 0.002). The immunohistochemical distribution of β2-AR at the invasive front of OSCC was also statistically significant associated with alcohol (p = 0.038), simultaneous alcohol and tobacco consumption (p = 0.010), and T stage (p = 0.014). Conclusions. The correlation of β2-AR expression in OSCC and tumor-free surgical margins suggests a role of this receptor in tumor progression and its expression in normal oral epithelium seems to be constitutive.

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Young Population — Risk Factors, Clinical Presentation, and Prognosis

The oral squamous cell carcinoma is a particular type of cancer classically described as a tobaccoand alcohol-related disease affecting mostly elderly male patients. However, epide‐ miologic studies have demonstrated an increasing incidence of young individuals with oral cancer. Interestingly, the clinicopathological profile, etiology, risk factors, and outcome of patients with early-onset disease seem to present several differences compared to late-onset oral carcinoma and these discrepancies are discussed below.