K Kiran Kumar

Biological role of lectins: A review

Lectins comprise a stracturally vary diverse class of proteins charecterized by their ability to selectively bind carbohydrate moieties of the glycoproteins of the cell surface. Lectins may be derived from plants, microbial or animal sources and may be soluble or membrane bound. Lectins is a tetramer made up of four nearly identical subunits. In human, lectins have been reported to cause food poisoning, hemolytic anemia, jaundice, digestive distress, protein and carbohydrate malabsorption and type I allergies. The present review focuses on the classification, structures, biological significance and application of lectins.

Cytomorphometric analysis of exfoliative buccal cells in type II diabetic patients

Aim: To evaluate the quantitative and qualitative changes in cytological buccal smears of type II diabetic patients by using the parameters like nuclear area (NA), cytoplasmic area (CA), and cytoplasmic/nuclear ratio (C/N). Materials and Methods: The study was done in 40 known type II diabetic patients and 40 healthy individuals. Buccal smears were taken and subjected to Pap-stain. NA and CA of 20 integral cells in the smear were measured using Image Pro-Express Version 6.0 image analysis system by Media Cybernetics Inc., Bethesda, MD, USA. The C/N ratio was then calculated. For comparing cytomorphometric parameters (NA, CA, C/N ratio), t-test was used. Results: There was a statistically significant increase in average NA and significant decrease in the C/N ratio in diabetics when compared to non-diabetic healthy individuals. The average CA did not show any statistical difference between the two groups. The morphologic alteration seen in diabetic group was the presence of acute inflammation. Conclusion: Exfoliative cytology is an additional tool to aid in diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, apart from the regular standard tests.

A study on oral mucosal lesions in 3500 patients with dermatological diseases in South India.

Background: Oral mucosal lesions that are observed in the dermatological diseases are categorized under mucocutaneous conditions. The oral lesions in dermatological diseases may be the early aspects of the disease manifestation or the most significant clinical appearance or the only sign/and or symptom of such dermatological diseases and occasionally lesions occur simultaneously in the skin as well as mucous membrane. Aim: This present study attempts to find out the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in patients with dermatological diseases. Subjects and Methods: The study includes 3500 patients who attended out-patient Department of Dermatology. Patients with oral manifestation were subjected for clinical examination in the Department of Oral Pathology. Diagnostic procedures were performed to confirm the clinical oral diagnosis. The results of the study were analyzed by SPSS software version 19.0 (Armonk, NY) and presented as descriptive statistics. Correlation of oral manifestions with their respective dermatological disease was statistically analysed by Pearson′s correlation test.(P < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant) Results: The prevalence rate of oral mucosal lesions in the present study was 1.8% (65/3500). The most frequent lesions observed were psoriasis 32.3% (21/65), lichen planus 18.4% (12/65), Stevens Johnson Syndrome 18.4% (12/65), pemphigus 10.7% (7/65), toxic epidermal necrolysis 4.6% (3/65), systemic lupus erythematosus 3% (2/65), discoid lupus erythematosus 1.5% (1/65), pemphigoid 1.5% (1/65). Gender distribution in the study population was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Employed and unemployed individuals in the study population were statistically significant (P < 0.001). Pearson′s correlation analysis of oral manifestations with their respective dermatological disease showed r = 0.466 and signifies a positive correlation and is statistically significant at the 0.01 level (two-tailed). Conclusion: The prevalence rate of oral mucosal lesions in patients with dermatological diseases was relatively low. However, predominant oral mucosal lesions observed in the study were autoimmune in origin with a high morbidity and mortality index. Hence, multidisciplinary approach will definitely help in the prognosis of patients.

Diagnosis of oral cancer: The past and present

Oral cancer prevalence in Asia-pacific region is at an alarming stage due to the adverse habits and different socio-economic and cultural status of the population. The better understanding of the disease process at the molecular level has altered the approach of the oral cancer towards early diagnosis of the lesion rather than late stages to reduce the morbidity and mortality. A good number of screening techniques has been time tested for the sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing oral cancer in the initial premalignant stages. Surgical biopsy is a gold standard for diagnosis but this needs professional services, which are impractical at times. Alternative screening methods which are noninvasive, easily performed and highly accurate are the norms for any test to accept as an alternative for histopathology. This article focuses on some screening techniques, which are done either as confirmative or adjuvant for histopathology.

Cytotoxic evaluation of two chlorine-releasing irrigating solutions on cultured human periodontal ligament fibroblasts

Objective: Endodontic irrigants solutions with anti-bacterial activity have been used in treatment of teeth with infected root canals; however, these solutions can irritate periapical tissues. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of two chlorine-releasing irrigating solutions on cultured human periodontal ligament fibroblasts. Materials and Methods: Periodontal ligament fibroblasts cells were cultured from orthodontically extracted premolars. The passage number between 3-6 was taken for further experiments. 2.5% sodium hypochlorite and 0.6% sodium dichloroisocyanuarate are the irrigating solution used for testing their cytotoxicity. The viability of cells after treating with irrigating solutions was evaluated by trypan blue dye exclusion. Results: Results showed that 0.6% NaDCC solution was less cytotoxic on cultured human periodontal ligament fibroblasts compared with 2.5% NaOCl at 2 min, 30 min, and 1 hr. Conclusion: This study suggested that sodium dichloroisocyanuarate is less cytotoxic than 2.5% NaOCl, suggesting its potential for use as root canal irrigant.

Differentiation of odontogenic keratocyst from radicular and dentigerous cysts by bcl-2 protein - An immunohistochemical study

Aim: To analyze the bcl-2 protein expression in the epithelial lining of the Odontogenic keratocyst (OKC), Radicular (RC), and Dentigerous cysts (DC). Materials and Methods: Forty-five archival samples of paraffin-embedded tissue sections were utilized. Fifteen OKCs, 15 DC, and 15 RC were immunohistochemically analyzed for immunoreactivity of the bcl-2 protein. Results: Expression of bcl-2 was seen in the basal layer of the epithelial lining of the OKC. DC and RC showed almost complete negativity for bcl-2. There was a statistically significant increased expression in all OKCs. Conclusion: The bcl-2 protein overexpression could increase the survival of the epithelial cells and this increased lifespan could in turn, lead to the peculiar aggressive growth pattern of OKC. However, the bcl-2 staining can be useful to differentiate OKC from other odontogenic cysts.

Cytomorphometric analysis of exfoliated buccal cells to evaluate the malignant changes in individuals with tobacco smoking and chewing habits

Background: Tobacco is one of the leading causes for potentially malignant disorders (PMDs) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) which stands 6th among all malignancies in the world. To prevent the high mortality rates and improve the five-year survival rates of patients with OSCC, it is very important to diagnose PMDs early. Exfoliative cytology combined with quantitative analysis such as cytomorphometry can be an important tool for early detection and diagnosis of these lesions. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the quantitative changes in cytological buccal smears of tobacco smokers and chewers with that of the normal healthy individuals to assess the malignant changes by using cytomorphometric parameters such as cell diameter (CD), nuclear diameter (ND), and nuclear–cytoplasmic ratio (N/C). Materials and Methods: The study was carried out among 120 individuals. Group I consisted of 40 tobacco smokers, group II consisted of 40 tobacco chewers, and group III consisted of 40 controls who did not have a habit of tobacco smoking and chewing with apparently healthy appearing mucosa. Smears were made for all individuals and stained with Papanicolou technique. CD, ND, and N/C were calculated using an image analysis software after selecting 200 cells from each smear. All the parameters were subjected to statistical analysis using one-way analysis of variance and Scheffes multiple post hoc procedure. Results: There was a statistically significant reduction in CD and increase in ND and N/C of tobacco chewers and smokers when compared to that of controls. Age and sex did not have any influence on any of the cytomorphometric parameters. Conclusion: The habit of tobacco smoking and chewing causes quantitative cellular and nuclear changes in the squames of buccal mucosal epithelial cells, which shows a cause–effect relationship between tobacco and quantitative changes in the cells. Therefore, exfoliative cytology with the application of quantitative techniques can be used as a valuable diagnostic tool for detecting PMDs and malignant lesions.