Itsuro Kudo

p53 gene alterations and p53 protein in oral epithelial dysplasia and squamous cell carcinoma.

To examine the expression of p53 protein and gene alterations in oral epithelial lesions including epithelial dysplasias and primary squamous cell carcinomas, immunohistochemical and temperature gradient gel electrophoresis (TGGE) methods were applied to formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded tissues. Morphologically normal mucosal epithelium stained negatively for p53 protein. Three out of 11 (27·3 per cent) epithelial dysplasias and 19 out of 57 (33·3 per cent) primary squamous cell carcinomas stained positively for p53 protein. Although more than half of the cases were positive for p53 protein in stage I, the positive cancer cases were found at other stages with variable frequency. Immunoreactive products were localized in the nucleus, especially in the basal and suprabasal layers. The analysis by TGGE revealed gene alterations in exons 5–8 in 3 out of 3 epithelial dysplasias and 17 out of 19 (89·5 per cent) primary squamous cell carcinomas which were immunohistochemically positive for p53 protein. These results suggest that p53 gene mutation may be involved in carcinogenesis in the oral squamous epithelium even in the early stage of the dysplasia–carcinoma sequence.

Detection of Epstein-Barr virus and human herpes virus type 6 in saliva from patients with lymphoproliferative diseases by the polymerase chain reaction

Direct detection of these viruses was made by using the PCR for amplifying viral DNA. In virtually all adults low levels of the herpesvirus can be detected. Therefore it is necessary to quantitate the amount of viral DNA, and a method to compare the plasmid containing the cloned target gene was used here. After 35 cycles of amplification, 10 copies of the viral DNA per 100 microliters saliva were detected. The PCR was used to detect increased levels of EBV and HHV-6 in saliva from patients with lymphoproliferative diseases, suggesting that these viruses may play a part in their pathogenesis. Viral detection by such highly sensitive methods as PCR may allow better monitoring of medication, as well as early detection of EBV- and HHV-6 related diseases that may arise in these patients. The great sensitivity of PCR and its ability to analyse very small samples make this technique most suitable for clinical diagnosis.

Oral focal mucinosis

Two cases of oral focal mucinosis are described. Both were diagnosed clinically as fibroma of the gingiva. The clinical and histopathologic features of this unusual lesion are discussed.

Myospherulosis of the mandible: Report of a case and review of the literature

A case of myospherulosis in a 67-year-old female is reported. The lesion appeared as a submucosal mass firmly attached to the buccal periosteum of the right molar region of the mandible. Although the records of our case did not specify what medication was placed in the lesion, clinicopathologic features further supported the hypothesis that myospherulosis may be a unique instance of iatrogenic disease caused by petrolatum-based antibiotic ointments.

Expression Of SC, IL-6 and TGF-β1 in Epithelial Cell Lines

It has been well documented that various kinds of cytokines secreted from immunocytes in the lamina propria of glandular tissues play an important role in the secretory immune system.1,2 The presence of polymeric Ig receptor, SC in glandular tissues, B cell terminal differentiation factor, IL-6 in keratinocytes and carcinoma cells, and a potential IgA switching factor, TGF-β in various epithelial cells has been reported3,4,5, but little is known on the role of cytokines secreted from epithelial cells in the secretory immune system. It has been described that the synthesis of SC protein in adenocarcinoma cell line, HT-29 is up-regulated by IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-4.6,7,8 Our previous study also indicated that mRNA expression for SC and IL-6 was detected in HT-29 and the squamous cell carcinoma cell line, Ca9-22.9

Reciprocating Bone File for Sagittal Ramus Osteotomy

Abstract A reciprocating bone file has been developed to facilitate access to the medial surface of the mandibular ramus by avoiding trauma to the medial soft tissues and consequent bleeding prior to performing a sagittal osteotomy. This report describes the technique.