Immunohistochemical expression of myofibroblasts using alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA) to assess the aggressive potential of various clinical subtypes of ameloblastoma

Abstract

Objective:Ameloblastoma is a rare odontogenic neoplasm with high recurrence rates if improperly treated. If left untreated (or is treated inadequately), it can cause substantial morbidity, disfigurement, and even death. Hence, there is a need to explore the stromal cells too, which might play an important role in assessing its aggressive behavior and may help to predict the recurrence of different clinical variants of ameloblastoma. Myofibroblasts (MFs) are such cells which have been studied in various lesions.Materials and Methods:This retrospective study involved archival tissues of ameloblastoma. Among a total of 40 cases, 12 cases of SMA (solid multicystic ameloblastoma), 10 cases of unicystic ameloblastoma (UA), 8 cases of desmoplastic ameloblastoma, and 10 cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma were selected as control. Immunohistochemical staining with anti-alpha-smooth muscle actin antibody was done. Interpretation of ten examined fields was counted by three observers.Results:Significant difference in the number of MFs in SMA and UA and desmoplastic ameloblastoma and UA (P < 0.05) was found. However, there was no statistically significant difference in MFs of SMA and desmoplastic ameloblastomas (P > 0.05). In addition, there was no statistically significant difference in the staining intensity between the three variants (P > 0.05).Conclusion:A significant correlation was obtained between the number of MF in all the three clinical variants, i.e., SMA, UA, and desmoplastic ameloblastoma (P = 0.02), which is the unique feature of the study.

Investigation of topical amniotic membrane suspension and ReGeneraTing Agent on early corneal stromal healing in rats

“…Immunohistochemical staining of all samples was performed using anti-alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA) antibody (Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA, USA). The staining protocol was performed essentially as described previously ( Mudaliar et al, 2019 ). The number of myofibroblasts in the corneal stroma per HPF was calculated following staining for SMA.…”

Molecular biological findings of ameloblastoma

“…They also found that ameloblastoma showed the highest number of myofibroblasts compared with dentigerous cysts and odontogenic keratocysts [ 87 ]. Mudaliar et al [ 88 ] also found that solid/multicystic ameloblastoma contain more myofibroblasts in the stroma than unicystic ameloblastoma. Myofibroblasts are variants of fibroblasts that express α-SMA; are found in both fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells; and secrete cytokines, growth factors, and abundant extracellular matrix [ 89 ].…”