The high immunoexpression of Snail and nuclear Slug in keratocystic odontogenic tumors suggests these proteins as transcription factors without necessarily participating in 'cadherin switching'. However, the knowledge of their induction of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in odontogenic tumors is still limited.
Myofibroblasts are differentiated contractile cells that can secrete extracellular matrix components, cytokines, proteases, and proangiogenic factors. In neoplastic processes such as oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), myofibroblasts are recognized as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and actively participate in tumor progression. As the presence of myofibroblasts in the stroma may be an important parameter of invasion and proliferation, the aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of CAFs in OSCC by immunophenotyping and their association with histologic classification and clinicopathologic parameters. A total of 34 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples of OSCC were analyzed for CAF histology and immunophenotype established on the basis of the simultaneous immunohistochemical expression of α-SMA, fibronectin, FSP1, HHF35, and vimentin. According to the histologic classification of CAFs, 16 (47%) cases were classified as the mature subtype and 18 (53%) as the immature subtype. CAF immunophenotype was detected in 19 (56%) cases, and the immunophenotype was variable in 15 (44%) cases. The CAFs immunophenotype was significantly associated with the immature histologic subtype. Immunohistochemical expression of α-SMA, fibronectin, FSP1, HHF35, and vimentin represents a suitable CAF immunophenotype in OSCC. The CAF immunophenotype is associated with the immature histologic subtype. The characterization of CAFs may identify tumors with a distinct biological profile in OSCC. Studies extending the investigation of CAFs to OSCC are needed to determine the actual role of this cell population as a possible prognostic marker.
The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions, and their risk indicators in adult Kiriri Indians from Northeast Brazil.Clinical oral examination was performed on a representative sample of 223 Indians (age ≥19 years). A systematic evaluation of lips, labial mucosa and sulcus, commissures, buccal mucosa and sulcus, gingiva and alveolar ridge, tongue, floor of the mouth, and soft and hard palate was performed. Bivariate analysis was conducted to assess associations between mucosal conditions and age, gender, income, educational level, diabetic status, and smoking status.Mucosal lesions were found in 50 participants (22.4%). The most prevalent lesions were fistulae (6.2%) and traumatic ulcers (4.48%). Oral mucosal was associated with higher age (≥35 years; odds ratio [OR] = 1.99, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05–3.76, P = 0.03) and lower education level (<9 years; OR = 2.13, 95% CI: 0.96–4.71, P = 0.06).Mucosal conditions are prevalent in Kiriri Indians and the presence of mucosal lesions is associated with advanced age and lower education. A public health program aimed at preventing and treating mucosal lesions and targeted toward the high-risk group is vital to improve the oral health status of this population.
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