N. Balachander

Myoepithelial cells in pathology

Myoepithelial cells are a normal constituent of the salivary acini and ducts and are found between the epithelial cells and the basement membrane. Microscopically myoepithelial cells are thin and spindle-shaped and ultrastructurally they possess a number of Cytoplasmic processes that extend between and over the acinar and ductal-lining cells, and they show features of both smooth muscle and epithelium. They play a vital role during expulsion of saliva and regulates the electrolytic exchange. They also perform as tumor suppressors and are considered to play a very important role in differentiation of various salivary gland tumors and help in the diagnosis of tumors. Neoplastic myoepithelial cells in both benign and malignant tumors can take numerous forms including epithelioid, plasmacytoid, spindle and clear cell variant, and this variability largely accounts for difficulties in histopathological diagnosis.

Candida in potentially malignant oral disorders.

Oro-pharyngeal cancer is a significant component in the global burden of cancer. A considerable proportion of oral squamous carcinomas develop from preexsiting potentially malignant disorder of the oral cavity. The term potentially malignant oral disorders (PMD) were proposed for the precancerous lesions and conditions by World Health Organization in 2007. PMD are considered an in-between clinical state, which showed increased risk for cancer development. Etiology of PMD is multifactorial. Tobacco and alcohol are the major risk factors. In recent years, role of candidal infection is recognized as a significant factor in the development of PMD. There is an enduring discussion whether Candida infection can be a cause of PMD or a superimposed infection in a preexisting lesion. This article highlights the association between Candida and PMD.

Ghost cell lesions

Ghost cells have been a controversy for a long time. Ghost cell is a swollen/enlarged epithelial cell with eosnophilic cytoplasm, but without a nucleus. In routine H and E staining these cells give a shadowy appearance. Hence these cells are also called as shadow cells or translucent cells. The appearance of these cells varies from lesion to lesion involving odontogenic and nonodontogenic lesions. This article review about the origin, nature and significance of ghost cells in different neoplasms.

Evolution of forensic odontology: An overview.

Forensic dentistry or forensic odontology admits dentists’ participation or identification of the victim and assisting legal and criminal issues. It refers to the proper handling, examination, identification and evaluation of dental evidence. This article summarizes the evolution of forensic odontology that started right from Garden of Eden to the modern scenario in identification of the gang rape case which happened in the state capital. Forensic dentistry plays a significant role in identifying the victims of crime, deceased individuals through the examination of anatomical structures, dental appliances and dental restorations.

Diagnosis of Vesicullo Bullous Lesions – Simplified

Pathological condition affecting the oral cavity is diagnosed accurately for their appropriate management. Knowledge of clinical presentation of these disorders is necessary because as such oral vesiculo bullous lesion gets ruptured and become erosions, ulcerations hence making the diagnosis of vesiculo bullous lesions more difficult. In this article various diagnostic procedures of vesiculo bullous lesions is explained.

MMP- Matrix Metalloproteinase

Matrix metalloproteinase arecalcium dependant zinc containing endopeptidase which play important role in the degradation of extra cellular matrix . MMP play major role in cell proliferation , migration , differentiation , apoptosis.Role of MMP in vascular remodeling is also significant. MMP are involved in various diseases such as matastsis of cancer,athroma , arthritis, and tissue ulceration MMP inhibitors have potential therapeutic value in various diseases.

Reticuloendothelial malignancy of head and neck: A comprehensive review.

The mononuclear phagocyte system consists of cells that have a common lineage whose primary function is phagocytosis. The specific immunity is achieved by the combined effects of macrophages and lymphocytes, and system has been called lymphoreticular system. Reticuloendothelial system means a special group of cells, scattered in different parts of the body, but all having some common characteristics. These cells are powerful phagocytes.

Lysosomal storage diseases: A review with dental abnormalities

Cells are made of many organelles. One of those organelles is lysosome, which are cellular organelles and are the first line of defense. They are found only in animal cells. Their main function is destroying foreign bodies that could harm the cell. They get rid of unwanted matter and also help in repair of damaged plasma membrane and seal the wound. Lysosomal storage diseases (LSD) are metabolic disorders caused by deficiency of a single gene. There are about 50 groups of diseases found which are mostly autosomal inherited and few are X-linked inheritance. No cure for LSDs has been found yet and they are mostly symptomatic. Recently, progress has been made in the treatment of LSDs.