Background:Stem cells are undifferentiated cells with the capacity for self-renewal and differentiation, playing a key role in tissue repair and regeneration. Aim:The study aims to assess and compare the expression pattern of stem cell markers like CD44, CD34, and OCT4 in the gingival mucosa, palatal mucosa, and dental pulp from both permanent teeth and shedding primary teeth. Materials and Methods:Sixty tissue samples were taken from the patients without any medical history undergoing standard dental operations. We performed immunohistochemical staining of CD44, CD34, and OCT4 antibodies in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections. The staining intensity and distribution were measured using a semiquantitative immunoreactive score. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) analysis was conducted to compare the levels of marker expression between various tissues. Statistical Analysis:Data were analysed using Microsoft Excel and IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Statistics, with Chi-square and one-way ANOVA tests applied and P < 0.05 considered significant. Results:CD44 demonstrated strong positivity predominantly in the basal and suprabasal epithelial layers, with higher staining intensity observed in the palatal mucosa compared to other tissues. CD34 expression in dental pulp samples exhibited distinctive vascular-associated staining patterns, while gingival and palatal lamina propria showed prominent endothelial cell positivity. OCT4 expression was negative across all four tissue groups. Conclusion:CD44 showed significant epithelial expression, its widespread distribution limits, and its specificity as a stem cell marker. CD34 proved reliable for identifying vascular components but may not represent all hematopoietic stem cells. The absence of OCT4 expression suggests tissue stability without evidence of pluripotent stem cell activity.
Background:This study evaluates salivary Survivin and Caspase-3 as key regulators of apoptosis across a disease spectrum-from gutka chewers without lesions to oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Survivin, an anti-apoptotic protein, and caspase-3, the principal executioner caspase, represent crucial biomarkers of malignant transformation, especially in populations with high smokeless tobacco exposure. Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional analytical study included 92 participants divided into: controls (n = 17), gutka chewers without lesions (n = 25), OSMF (n = 25), and OSCC (n = 25). Unstimulated saliva samples were collected and analysed for Survivin and Caspase-3 using ELISA. Statistical analysis included Pearson correlation and Kruskal-Wallis. Results:Mean survivin levels demonstrated a progressive increase from healthy subjects (1.00 ± 0.73 pg/ml) to gutka chewers without lesions (2.00 ± 1.36 pg/ml), OSMF (3.50 ± 2.82 pg/ml), and OSCC (5.00 ± 3.04 pg/ml), indicating a trend towards increased anti-apoptotic activity with disease progression. In contrast, Caspase-3 levels showed a biphasic pattern, measuring 4.90 ± 4.43 ng/ml in healthy subjects, 4.50 ± 2.71 ng/ml in gutka chewers without lesions, decreasing to 3.50 ± 2.82 ng/ml in OSMF, and subsequently increasing to 5.50 ± 3.62 ng/ml in OSCC. Conclusion:Survivin demonstrated potential as a biomarker of malignant transformation in gutka-associated oral potentially malignant disorders, while the non-linear pattern of Caspase-3 highlights the complex regulatory interactions involving apoptosis suppression, hypoxic adaptation, and possible apoptosis-induced proliferation. However, both biomarkers may serve as potential indicators of disease progression, pending validation through larger multi-centre studies with longitudinal follow-up.
Objective:This study aimed to investigate the levels of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) repair under the hypoxic conditions of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) using X-ray repair cross-complementing protein 1 (XRCC1) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) in saliva samples. Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted at Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and Oral Microbiology, Government College of Dentistry, Indore, India. A total of 45 participants were divided into three groups that is, controls without any history of gutkha use, gutka chewers without oral lesions, and gutka chewers with OSMF. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test was performed to measure the expression of XRCC1 and HIF-1α in saliva samples. Results:Salivary XRCC1 levels were significantly higher in gutkha chewers without oral lesions compared to controls and OSMF patients (P = .023). Similarly, salivary HIF-1α levels were also significantly elevated in gutkha chewers without oral lesions compared to both controls and OSMF patients (P = .028). In addition, post hoc analysis confirmed that gutkha chewers without oral lesions and the two other participant groups differed significantly for both biomarkers. However, a statistically nonsignificant correlation was found between XRCC1 and HIF-1α. Conclusion:The findings showed higher expression of XRCC1 and HIF-1α in gutkha chewers without lesions, indicating that early stress-induced DNA damage and hypoxia may activate cellular DNA repair machinery and the release of protective transcription factors as an adaptive response. However, the finding of down-regulation in OSMF suggests depletion of repair proteins and cellular tolerance to the damage that occurs with persistent stress exposure.
Introduction:Oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the world. It is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide in developing countries. Viruses such as human papillomavirus (HPV) are known to play a substantial role in aetiopathogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Aims and Objectives:The aim of this study is to detect the viral DNA loads of HPV 16 and HPV 18 in the saliva samples collected from the oral potential malignant disorders (OPMDs) group, OSCC group, and control group; the objective of the present study is to analyse the possible role of HPV 16 and 18 in the pathogenesis of OSCC. Materials and Methods:The study was carried out on 45 cases which were divided into three groups, "A", "B", and "C", comprising 15 cases each. Group "A" comprised disease-free subjects as controls. Group "B" comprised clinically and histopathologically diagnosed cases of OPMDs. Group "C" comprised OSCC. Results obtained were sent for statistical analysis. Chi-square test was performed to study the distribution of HPV 16 and HPV 18. Statistical analysis was performed using a computer with Statistical Package for Social Science software (SPSS VS 18). A P value of 0.005 was taken as standard. Results:Group "A" was found negative for both HPV 16 and 18; in group "B", out of 15 cases, 08 cases were positive for HPV 16 and 03 cases were positive for HPV 18, whereas in group "C", out of 15 cases, 10 cases were positive for HPV 16 and 04 cases were positive for HPV 18. The P value was 0.00 (<0.005) for HPV 16, which was significant, whereas for HPV 18, the P value was 0.111 (>0.005), which was insignificant. Conclusion:HPV 16 followed by HPV 18 may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of OPMDs and OSCC.
Background:Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily targets joints but also affects multiple organ systems. Current RA diagnostics rely on serum biomarkers like rheumatoid factor and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies, which indicate systemic inflammation but often lack sensitivity in the early stages. Recent advances in proteomics provide opportunities for discovering new biomarkers that could enhance diagnostic accuracy. Saliva, a non-invasive biofluid, has emerged as a potential alternative that may reflect both systemic and localized inflammation. Objective:This pilot study assesses whether saliva can complement serum in diagnosing and monitoring RA. Using quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, we compare serum and saliva proteomic profiles to identify RA-related biomarkers. Materials and Methods:Serum and saliva samples from five RA patients and five healthy controls were analyzed using quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Multivariate analyses, including partial least squares discriminant analysis and receiver operating characteristic analysis, were used to evaluate the diagnostic potential of saliva-based biomarkers relative to those in serum. Results:RA-related biomarkers, including citrullinated vimentin and tyrosine, were identified in both serum and saliva. Partial least squares discriminant analysis demonstrated distinct separation among sample groups, while receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated high diagnostic accuracy, supporting saliva's utility as a non-invasive complement to serum. Conclusion:Saliva shows promise as a complementary biofluid for RA diagnostics. It allows non-invasive sampling and the potential for frequent monitoring. While serum remains the standard for diagnosis, saliva could enhance disease monitoring in clinical practice.
Context:Cervical lymph node metastasis is the most important prognostic factor in squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck. Lymph node prognostic determinants hold immense significance in influencing both patient's survival outcomes and the propensity for recurrence. Aims:To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of Cyclin D1 and Pan-Cytokeratin (Pan-CK) for the detection of lymph node micrometastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tissue sections and re-assess the tumor staging. Settings and Design:Study was executed at Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and Oral Microbiology, Faculty of Dental Sciences, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Karnataka, Bangalore, India and study design was In-vitro type. Materials and Methods:A total of 30 N0 lymph node sections of OSCC cases were included in the study. Other than Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and modified PAP (Papanicolaou), immunohistochemistry for Pan-CK and Cyclin D1 were used for identification of micrometastatic deposits. Results:Pan-CK and Cyclin D1 was helpful in detecting micrometastasis in 16.66% of N0 lymph nodes which was statistically significant. Based on the results of immunobiomarkers, tumor staging was re-evaluated. Pan-CK and Cyclin D1 showed statistically significant detection of micrometastasis (P = 0.023), whereas Modified PAP did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.083). Conclusions:Pan-CK and Cyclin D1 were specific in detecting micrometastatic deposits compared H&E and PAP stains. Cyclin D1 immunostaining detects molecular overexpression in tumor cells missed on PAP or H&E, enabling identification of small lymph node deposits and improving staging accuracy and patient management.
Background:Increased glucose uptake primarily mediated by Glucose Linked Transporter type 1 (GLUT1) is identified as one of the vital predictors of malignancies. Aim and Objective:To compare and correlate GLUT1 expression in normal oral mucosa, different grades of oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) and oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs). Materials and Methods:The present retrospective study was conducted during the period of September 2023-August 2024 on a total of 45 (n = 45) histologically graded formalin fixed paraffin embedded sections of OEDs, OSCC and normal oral mucosa that were immunostained with GLUT1. The samples were randomly divided into Study groups: Group 1 (OEDs), Group 2 (OSCC) and Control group (normal oral mucosa). Balanced equivalence sampling method was applied across all the groups with 15 samples each (n = 15). Group 1 and Group 2 were further subdivided into subgroups as subgroup 1.1 (mild dysplasia), subgroup 1.2 (moderate dysplasia), subgroup 1.3 (severe dysplasia), subgroup 2.1 (well differentiated SCC), subgroup 2.1 (moderately differentiated SCC), and subgroup 2.3 (poorly differentiated SCC) with five samples each (n = 5). Samples with membrane staining were classified as having a positive GLUT1 expression. Remmele and Stegner's immunoreactive score (IRS) was used to rate the staining intensity and percentage of positive cells. A bright field microscope was used to examine the slides, and photomicrographs were obtained to determine the proportion of positive cells. For semi-quantitative analysis, three regions (per case) with the highest GLUT1 expression were chosen at random. The mean value of the percentages was computed after the percentage of GLUT1 expression was measured. SPSS Version 19.0 was used for data analysis. Mean, frequencies, and percentages were used for categorical variables. The statistical analyses were done using Mann-Whitney and Kruskal Wallis Tests. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant for all tests. Results:Group 1 had a total mean IRS score of 7.93 ± 2.219 with subgroup 1.1 (5.20 ± 1.095), subgroup 1.2 (9.00 ± 0.000) and subgroup 1.3 (9.60 ± 1.342), respectively, with highly significant P value (P < 0.001). Group 2 had a total mean IRS score of 9.40 ± 2.230 with subgroup 2.1 (7.20 ± 1.643), subgroup 2.2 (9.00 ± 0.000) and subgroup 2.3 (12.00 ± 0.000) with highly significant P value (P < 0.001). However, the control group reported the least total mean IRS score of 2.47 ± 1.407 (P > 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the Mean IRS between Group 1 (epithelial dysplasia) and Group 2 (OSCC) (P = 0.150). When the mean IRS differences between Group 1 (epithelial dysplasia) and normal control, as well as between Group 2 (OSCC) and normal control, were compared, the results were determined to be highly significant (P = 0.000). Conclusion:Increased expression of GLUT 1 protein in OEDs and OSCC can be a prognostic indicator of malignant changes and treatment outcomes.
Background:Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is an ulceroproliferative lesion that can affect the oral mucosa, from the lips to the oropharynx. OSCC is initiated in part by precancerous disorders of the oral mucosa, particularly those associated with moderate to severe dysplasia. It is well known that, depending on the stage of carcinogenesis, transforming growth factor beta one (TGF-β1) can act as a tumour supporter or controller. The expression of TGF-β1 has been linked to the pathophysiology of numerous illnesses, such as fibrosis and cancer. High-risk metastasis to lymph nodes (cervical) and elevated risk of local invasiveness are the main features of OSCC. The present study aims to examine and compare the immuno-expression of TGF-β1 in oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) and OSCC. Aim:To analyze and compare the IHC expression of TGF-β1 in OED and OSCC. Materials and Methods:The current study was performed after approval from the Institutional Ethical Committee of VMSDC, Salem. The study sample size was determined to be 40, comprising archival blocks: 10 histopathologically confirmed cases of OED, and 30 histopathologically confirmed cases of various grades of OSCC. Results:The expression of TGF-β1-labelled cells was higher in well-differentiated (Grade 1) OSCC followed by moderately differentiated (Grade 2) and poorly differentiated (Grade 3) OSCC, on comparing TGF-β1 expression and the total percentage of staining intensity between OSCC and OED. OSCC showed the highest expression and the staining intensity of TGF-β1. One-way ANOVA, Chi-square test, and independent t-test were among the statistical tests employed. The quantity of positive tumour cells and the staining intensity were noted. Arithmetic means and standard deviations were calculated for multiple values. The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) allowed for a correlation of the outcomes regarding immunoreactivity (total score). A P value that was greater than 0.05 was considered non-significant. For the comparison of TGF-β1 expression between the groups, an independent t-test was used. Conclusion:The current study aimed to examine the expression of TGF-β1 by IHC between various OSCC grades and OED. TGF-β1 immunoexpression was seen to be increasing from OED to OSCC and was highest in well-differentiated tumours. Although the differences between OSCC grades were not statistically significant (P > 0.05), the overall higher expression in OSCC supports a potential role of TGF-β1 in tumour differentiation, angiogenesis and progression.
Background:Distinguishing bone, cementum, and immature osteoid in maxillofacial fibro-osseous lesions (FOLs) can be challenging using routine haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining alone. Objective:To quantitatively evaluate the comparative diagnostic utility of H&E, Alizarin Red, Von Kossa, and Modified Gallego's stains (MGS) in identifying mineralized components across FOL subtypes. Materials and Methods:In this pilot study, archival specimens of fibrous dysplasia (n = 2), cemento-osseous dysplasia (n = 2), cemento-ossifying fibroma (n = 2), and juvenile ossifying fibromas (n = 2) were stained. Independent pathologists scored structural feature visibility utilizing a semi-quantitative 0-3 scale. Visibility scores, inter-observer, and intra-observer reliability were analysed using Friedman, Wilcoxon signed-rank, and Gwet's AC1 tests. Results:Qualitatively, MGS provided consistent bone (green) versus cementum (red) differentiation, Alizarin Red isolated immature osteoid, and Von Kossa mapped mature, phosphate-rich calcifications. Quantitatively, inter-observer reliability demonstrated strong to perfect consensus, while intra-observer stability was moderate-to-perfect for MGS, slight-to-substantial for Alizarin Red, and poor-to-moderate for Von Kossa. Descriptively, MGS achieved the highest mean clarity score (2.93 ± 0.25), followed closely by Alizarin Red (2.80 ± 0.40) and Von Kossa (1.80 ± 1.17). Global Friedman and post-hoc pairwise comparisons confirmed that these differences were statistically significant (P = 0.0003), with both MGS (P = 0.0069) and Alizarin Red (P = 0.0057) yielding significantly superior diagnostic clarity over Von Kossa (P < 0.01). Conclusion:Integrating a targeted special stain selection protocol significantly overcomes the descriptive limitations of routine H&E, reducing diagnostic ambiguity in maxillofacial FOL configurations.
Context:Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is often associated with reduced salivary flow, increasing susceptibility to opportunistic oral infections. Evidence suggests shared pathogenic mechanisms between RA and periodontitis. As a non-invasive medium, saliva offers potential for evaluating associations between anti-citrullinated protein antibody, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and RA. Aims:To measure salivary citrullinated proteins in RA patients, detect P. gingivalis and Candida species, and assess associated oral changes. Settings and Design:Cross-sectional study including 21 RA patients and 21 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Materials and Methods:Unstimulated saliva was collected for citrullinated protein estimation using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar for Candida quantification. Subgingival plaque samples were analysed for P. gingivalis. Oral status was assessed using the Community Periodontal Index (CPI) and decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index. Statistical Analysis Used:Mann-Whitney test, Chi-square, the Independent Student t-test, and one-way ANOVA test were used. Results:Salivary citrullinated proteins showed significant positive correlation with Candida (P = 0.003), P. gingivalis (P < 0.001), and DMFT scores (P = 0.001). RA patients demonstrated significantly higher colony-forming units of Candida (5.11 ± 0.50 vs. 2.13 ± 0.16 log10; P < 0.001) and P. gingivalis (5.20 ± 0.08 vs. 2.12 ± 0.29 log10; P < 0.001). CPI scores correlated with microbial load (Candida, P = 0.04; P. gingivalis, P = 0.009). Conclusions:Although not a standalone diagnostic marker, salivary citrullinated proteins correlate with microbial load and caries, supporting saliva-based biomarkers for RA monitoring.
Objective:To assess immunohistochemically the presence of c-Myc both qualitatively and quantitatively in odontogenic cysts and tumours and to correlate the results with biological behaviour of these lesions. Materials and Methods:Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded blocks of odontogenic cysts and tumours were retrieved from institutional archives. The study sample size was 45 (n = 45), which included 10 cases of odontogenic keratocyst cyst (n = 10), five cases of radicular cyst (n = 5), five cases of dentigerous cyst (n = 5), and 10 cases of solid ameloblastoma of which five cases are follicular (n = 5) and five cases are plexiform (n = 5), 10 cases of Adenomatoid odontogenic tumour (n = 10) and five cases of unicystic ameloblastoma (n = 5). Sections were taken and stained immunohistochemically using c-Myc and evaluated both for quantitative and qualitative analysis. Results:In the current study, the mean number of c-Myc positive cells in the odontogenic tumours was highest in solid Ameloblastoma (78.6 ± 11.59), followed by Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT) (75.30 ± 39.853) and least in unicystic ameloblastoma (56.6 ± 20.53). Among odontogenic cysts, the mean number of c-Myc positive cells was higher in Odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) (73.2 ± 17.937) compared to dentigerous cyst (28.0 ± 27.9) and radicular cysts (31.0 ± 31.7). The staining intensity varied in odontogenic cysts and tumours. Conclusion:The results and observations of the present study show that c-Myc plays a role in the aggressive biological behaviour of odontogenic lesions like ameloblastoma and OKC. So, it can be used as a proliferative marker. However, additional immunohistochemical and DNA assays are to be carried to determine the role of c-Myc oncogene and to know if any mutations may play a role in the pathogenesis of these odontogenic lesions.
Background:Submucous fibrosis (SMF) is an oral potentially malignant disorder with a high risk of malignant transformation, primarily associated with areca nut use and tobacco consumption. Aim:This study aimed to evaluate the correlation of nicotine dependence and nutritional status with disease severity in patients with SMF. Settings and Design:This observational study was conducted among 70 SMF patients subdivided on clinical and histological classification. Materials and Methods:Habit index was calculated and Nicotine dependence was measured using Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence (FTND). Body mass index (BMI) and mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) was recorded. Haematological assessment, including serum iron, vitamin B12, and folate levels was conducted. Malnutritional universal screening tool (MUST) was used to score the risk of malnutrition. Statistical Analysis:Chi-square, Pearson's correlation and Spearman's correlation tests were used for group comparisons of categorical, numerical, and ordinal data, respectively. Level of statistical significance was set at a P value less than 0.05. Results and Conclusion:Clinical and histological staging showed a positive correlation with habit index and nicotine dependence (P value = 0.001). BMI, MUAC and serum iron levels showed inverse correlation with severity of the disease. MUST scores revealed increase (P value = 0.001) with advancing stages of SMF. FTND showed significant correlation with BMI, MUAC, MUST and serum iron values. Nicotine dependence and nutritional status are important indicators of the severity of the disease in patients with SMF. Routine assessment of these parameters' aids in the identification of high-risk groups and to plan a targeted treatment strategy.
Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) continues to be a challenging condition characterised by increasing stiffness of the mucosa, restricted mouth opening, and a risk of malignant transformation. In light of the persistent debates, the absence of a standardised treatment protocol, and the necessity for a cohesive understanding to guide clinical practice and research, a dedicated symposium was held on 5 November 2023 during the 30th National Conference of the Indian Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologists. The aim was to evaluate the latest developments and establish a consensus on particular aspects of OSMF. Six experts, all from the specialty of Oral Pathology but with extensive and diverse research experience in various aspects of OSMF-including molecular mechanisms, histopathology, clinical correlations, emerging therapies, and public health perspectives-delivered presentations and answered focussed questions. The discussions were moderated by two accomplished academicians, who facilitated deliberations and guided the synthesis of consensus. Through thoughtful discussion, a consensus was reached regarding the pathogenesis, potential for malignancy, management strategies, exploration of photobiomodulation, EMT-based and regenerative therapies, and the strengthening public health measures. This report consolidates key deliberations and consensus recommendations from the symposium, aiming to provide a collaborative framework for future OSMF research and management.
Introduction:Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), the most common malignancy, involves molecular alterations including p53 mutations, TGF-α, and EGFR overexpression. Targeting biomarkers is essential for effective therapy. Cytisine, a natural smoking-cessation alkaloid with diverse pharmacological activities, was evaluated using bioinformatics to identify potential anticancer targets and subsequently validated in vitro. Materials and Methods:The in silico analysis included predictions of toxicity, drug-likeness, and potential targets for cytisine. OSCC-associated targets were retrieved from GeneCards and ACTREC databases. Cytoscape was used to construct cytisine-target pathways. Molecular docking and 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations were performed to evaluate cytisine binding affinity and structural stability to key targets. The in vitro validation was performed using the MTT assay and cell migration assay on an epithelial carcinoma cell model (KB-3-1 cell line). Results:Cytisine was non-toxic and modulated 23 target proteins and 13 signalling pathways. Gene enrichment analysis revealed significant interactions with EGFR and TP53. Molecular docking and 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation showed strong intermolecular interactions and low binding energies with EGFR (-6.9 kcal/mol) and TP53 (-7.7 kcal/mol) compared with standard drugs. In vitro assays demonstrated significant cytotoxicity and inhibition of cell migration in epithelial carcinoma cell lines while maintaining the viability of L929 normal fibroblast cells. Conclusion:Cytisine exhibits strong interactions and lower binding energies with EGFR and TP53, and cytotoxic and anti-migratory effects against the epithelial carcinoma cell model. However, further validation using primary oral squamous carcinoma cell lines and in vivo studies is necessary to confirm its therapeutic relevance to epithelial carcinoma.
Objective:The present investigation assessed the advanced oxidative stress end product, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), in oral epithelial dysplasia using immunohistochemistry (IHC) on tissue samples. Materials and methods:The study used tissue blocks from 40 patients with epithelial dysplasia. The diagnosis was confirmed by reviewing the hematoxylin-eosin slides. Normal mucosa tissue samples (n = 10) formed the control group. The intensity of immunohistochemical reactions was evaluated using light microscopy. The collected data were analyzed statistically using SPSS 26.0 to determine differences between the sample groups at a 5% significance level using Fisher's exact test. Results:Of the 40 leukoplakia with dysplasia samples examined, 5% showed high staining for 8-OHdG antigen, 25% had moderate staining, 37.5% had mild staining, and 43.33% showed no staining. Increased 8-OHdG antigen expression was found in dysplastic tissue samples (P < 0.001) compared to normal tissue samples. Of the mild dysplasia samples, 30% showed mild expression. The remaining 70% had negative 8-OHdG expression. Moderate dysplasia had 13.3% moderate expression, 60% mild expression, and 26.6% showed negative 8-OHdG expression. Of the severe dysplasia samples, 53.3% showed moderate expression, 20% showed mild expression, and 13.3% showed negative 8-OHdG staining. The 8-OHdG marker is intensely expressed in 13.3% of severe dysplasia samples. Compared to mild and moderate dysplasia tissue samples, severe dysplasia had higher 8-OHdG expression (P < 0.01). Conclusion:The current investigation suggests that detecting 8-OHdG in potentially malignant oral disorders may be a reliable diagnostic indicator of oxidative DNA degeneration.
Background:Regenerative medicine is an emerging field that combines biotechnology with aspects of medicine, cell and molecular biology, materials science and bioengineering to regenerate, repair or replace tissues. Since 1990, growth factors and platelet concentrates have been considered novel and have been widely used in oral and maxillofacial surgery. In the following years, biomaterials, as well as various types of scaffolds and autologous tissues, were increasingly used. Stem cells are defined as special cells that have the capacity to both self-renew and give rise to a cell population that can be differentiated. Aim:The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the yield of primary cells from dental pulp and gingival tissue. This study was designed to investigate the growth potential of dental pulp tissue and gingival tissue by assessing the colony-forming units. Materials and Methods:Primary cells were isolated from dental pulp and gingival tissues collected from patients undergoing third molar extraction. Colony-forming unit (CFU) assay and scratch wound assay were performed to evaluate clonogenicity and proliferative potential. Results:Gingival stem cells demonstrated faster proliferation and higher colony-forming efficiency compared to dental pulp stem cells. Gingival stem cells also showed quicker wound closure in the scratch wound assay. Conclusion:Gingival tissue may serve as a more accessible and efficient source of stem cells for regenerative applications due to its rapid growth and enhanced clonogenic potential.
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains a significant global health burden with limited improvement in survival rates. CDKN2A, a tumour suppressor gene encoding the p16^INK4a protein, is frequently altered in OSCC through promoter methylation, gene deletion, or expression downregulation. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of CDKN2A alterations in OSCC. A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE identified case-control studies published between 2015 and 2025. Only human tumour-normal comparative studies (including primary case-control and in silico comparative transcriptomic analyses) analyzing human-derived tissue or blood samples for CDKN2A alterations (methylation, expression, or copy number changes) and reporting clinical outcomes were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. No quantitative meta-analysis was performed due to heterogeneity in effect measures (hazard ratio [HR] vs odds ratio [OR]), alteration types/assays, and the limited number of studies reporting extractable survival data. Five case-control studies (≈500 participants) met eligibility criteria, spanning diverse regions, methods, and sample sizes. In four studies, CDKN2A disruption-via promoter methylation, copy-number loss, or reduced expression-aligned with worse endpoints (recurrence, metastasis, or survival), while one polymorphism-focused study was null. Because effect metrics were incompatible (HR vs OR), assays varied, and few studies reported extractable survival data, results could not be pooled. However, qualitative synthesis showed convergent adverse associations in four of five studies, with overall moderate-high quality on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Unlike previous reviews that combined heterogeneous study designs, this analysis focused on human tumour-normal comparative studies (primary case-control and in silico analyses), providing a more direct evaluation of CDKN2A status in clinically matched populations. The findings confirm that CDKN2A alterations are strongly associated with poor prognosis in OSCC and highlight their value as one of the most consistent biomarkers for prognostic assessment. This case-control-focused appraisal offers unique evidence to guide risk stratification and supports further prospective validation.
Context:Oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer globally. In India, 80% of oral cancers are preceded by oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs). The conditions with mild dysplasia go unrecognised and may eventually transform into severe dysplasia and ultimately to malignant lesions. Hence, the development of biomarkers that will serve as an adjunct to histological diagnosis has become essential. Aim:The present study undertaken to assess the salivary levels of vimentin, being non-invasive as early biomarker for malignant transformation of OPMDs. Settings and Design:Cross-sectional study, participants were selected from the Departments of Oral Medicine and Radiology and Oral Pathology and Microbiology of Azeezia College of Dental Sciences and Research, Kollam. Methods and Materials:The salivary vimentin expression levels were detected using ELISA and were correlated with oral erosive lichen planus, oral leukoplakia, oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients and healthy individuals. The association of salivary vimentin levels with clinical severity of oral erosive lichen planus, clinical types of leukoplakia, and clinical staging of OSCC. and also, the relationship between different grades of epithelial dysplasia in leukoplakia patients and histopathological grades of OSCC was assessed. Statistical Analysis Used:Data were analysed using the statistical package SPSS 26.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Descriptive statistics were performed to estimate the mean, standard deviation, proportion of the respective groups. Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Tukey's HSD post hoc test was used to compare the differences between the groups. Independent T-test was used for comparison of groups. Results:The results showed that salivary vimentin can be used as a biomarker for predicting malignant transformation of oral leukoplakia and oral erosive lichen planus. The study showed a statistically significant correlation between oral erosive lichen planus, oral leukoplakia and oral cancer and control groups regarding salivary vimentin levels, also there is a statistically significant correlation of salivary vimentin with OSCC histopathological grades and OSCC Clinical Staging. Conclusion:The present study showed that salivary vimentin can be used as a biomarker for predicting malignant transformation of oral leukoplakia and oral erosive lichen planus.
