Role of mitochondria in progression of cancer: a semi-quantitative study

Mitochondria have been an area of scientific study for more than 100 years. It was in early 20th century that Otto Warburg first described differences in the mitochondria of tumors v/s normal cells. It was observed that tumor cells have increased rate of aerobic glycolysis compared with normal cells. The study was carried out in patients diagnosed as premalignant and malignant conditions which had three objectives that is to demonstrate the presence or absence of mitochondria in cytological smears, in order to perform a semi-quantitative analysis on the number of mitochondria and to identify the difference in distribution mitochondria if any. The study was carried out in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology of S.P.D.C., Sawangi, Wardha with consent from patients and approval from the institutional ethical committee. 20 patients each diagnosed clinically and histo-pathologically with OSCC and Premalignant conditions or lesions respectively were selected for the purpose of the study. 20 subjects who had come for routine endodontic treatment were taken as control group for the purpose of the study. It was observed that there was even distribution of mitochondria throughout the cytoplasm in smear that had been taken from normal mucosa which appeared sharply defined whereas in premalignant mitochondria were located in the perinuclear zone and 10% in the peripheral zone and in malignant conditions distribution was sparse in the perinuclear area and appeared ill-defined

Granular Cell Ameloblastoma: A Rare Case Report and Literature Review

Ameloblastomas are rare, benign, aggressive neoplasms of odontogenic epithelial origin. Among the various types of ameloblastomas, granular cell ameloblastoma is rare and accounts for less than 5% of the total. Granular cells are epithelial in origin. The distinct histopathological characteristics of granular cells are associated with high lysosomal content in tumour cells cytoplasm. A 43-year-old female patient presented with a painful swelling on the left-side of the jaw. The diagnosis was based on clinical, radiological and histopathological examination. A complete surgical resection was done. Histopathology showed features of granular cell ameloblastoma. The operative procedure was uneventful. Granular cell ameloblastoma has a high tendency for recurrence. Around 33.3% recurrence is reported, according to various studies. This rate is much higher than other subtypes of ameloblastoma, which are more common. Hence, it is essential to provide appropriate surgical treatment on time to prevent tumour recurrence and metastasis.This case report aims to highlight the unique features of granular cell ameloblastoma, distinguishing it from other subtypes and discussing the pathogenesis and treatment modalities

Evaluation of relationship between periodontitis and various components of metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors that include obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Oxidative stress may act as a common link to explain the relationship between each component of MetS and periodontitis. MetS is characterized by oxidative stress, a condition in which the equilibrium between the production and the inactivation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) becomes disrupted. ROS contribute to cellular dysfunction and damage. Patients with more components of MetS had a significantly greater probing depth and clinical attachment loss. Evaluation of relationship between periodontitis and various components of Metabolic syndrome (MetS).This prospective study was carried out on study group consists of 30 subjects. All the patients will be evaluated for the risk factors of MetS which are: B.M.I., B.R, Triglycerides, R.B.S. increase in these risk factors is associated with increase in periodontal pocket depth, gingival recession and clinical loss of attachment. Metabolic alterations related to MetS causes an augmented response to bacterial plaque favouring periodontal insurgence. Oxidative stress acts as common link to explain the relationship between each component of MetS and periodontitis. Thus, periodontitis the harbinger of MetS which is more severe and disproportionate to number of local factors related to it

Aneurysmal Bone Cyst with Ossifying Fibroma of the Mandible: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Aneurysmal Bone Cysts (ABCs) are uncommon benign bone lesions primarily affecting children and adolescents. They are distinguished by severe bone breakdown and expansive tissue growth, resulting in clinical symptoms and potential complications. ABCs typically occur in long bones, but reports have also documented their presence in the jaws, particularly the mandible. These lesions are commonly considered non-cancerous and are characterized by cystic or blood-filled chambers. There are two clinicopathological variations of ABC: primary ABC and secondary ABC. Primary ABC originates independently, while secondary ABC develops as a result of a pre-existing lesion such as a cyst, tumor, or Fibro-Osseous Lesions (FOL) like solitary bone cyst, ossifying fibroma, or giant cell granuloma. When ABC coexists with another bone lesion believed to be its precursor, it is referred to as an “ABC plus lesion”. In this case report, a 75-year-old patient, presented with a painful growth in the lower anterior region of the jaw for the past 18 months. The diagnosis was established through clinical, radiological, and histopathological examinations. A complete surgical resection was performed, followed by uneventful reconstruction. Histopathological examination confirmed the presence of ABC with ossifying fibroma (ABC plus lesion). It is important to address ABC plus lesions as they can cause significant pain, deformity, and discomfort. Although non-cancerous, they can still disrupt normal bone structure and function. This case report emphasizes the clinical, radiographic, and histopathological features of ABC plus lesions, aiding in disease identification

Role of immunohistochemical markers in evaluating malignant transformation of oral submucous fibrosis: A systematic review

Objective(s): We present a systematically to identify, evaluate and assess the role of Immunohistochemical markers in Malignant Transformation of Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSF). Materials and Methods: Extensive literature search was done to identify eligible through “MEDLINE”/ “PubMed”, “Scopus” and “Cochrane library” were searched for relative studies until December 2021. The included studies were published in English language were mainly retrospective original research\.These studies mainly evaluated the role of Immunohistochemical markers in Malignant Transformation of Oral Submucous Fibrosis. Results: Thirteen studies were included in the present study which had total of 549 cases. Most of the studies suggested use of combined biomarker model or panel of antibodies to minimize the risk of bias. Almost all the studies used ANOVA and chi-square test while kappa test analysis for interobserver variability test. Conclusions: The significance of immunohistochemical markers has been shown in study which can significantly contribute in diagnosing early event in process of malignant transformation of suspicious OSF cases so that better treatment plan could be formulated for better prognosis. More efforts should be emphasized on combination of \antibodies and its importance in target drug therapy

Analysis of various risk factors affecting potentially malignant disorders and oral cancer patients of Central India

Context: The use of tobacco/betel quid can alone lead to death. India is the fourth largest consumer of tobacco/betel quid in the world and the third-largest producer of tobacco/betel quid after China and Brazil. Aims: A case-control study was carried out to assess the prevalence and various risk factors among potentially malignant disorders (PMD) and oral cancer patients of central India. Settings and Design: A total of 100 clinically and histopathologically diagnosed PMD and oral cancer patients were selected for the study. Materials and Methods: A histopathologically confirmed 100 patients who were suffering from PMD and oral cancers were selected and an equal number 100 healthy controls who were age- and sex-matched at par with the cases were also examined and interviewed. Chi-square (χ2 ) test and adjusted odds ratio (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to estimate the suspected risk factors for PMD and oral cancers by using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Significance level was set at P < 0.05. Results: Statistically significant difference was observed in the age group, socioeconomic status (SES), duration, frequency, exposure time and synergistic effect of tobacco/betel quid chewing, smoking, and alcohol drinking in our study population. Conclusions: Chewing tobacco/betel quid is a strong risk factor in the development of PMD and oral cancer. Also age, gender, SES, education, and occupation influence the development of PMD and oral cancer

CTLA4 Methylation and its Expression as a Prognostic Biomarker in Tobacco Users with and without Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma- A Protocol for Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is characterised by immunosuppression mediated by evasion of ‘immune checkpoints’ by tumour cells. Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Associated Protein 4 (CTLA4) is one of the immune checkpoint molecule whose role in oral carcinogenesis remains to be elucidated. Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) methylation of CTLA4 promoter region holds potential as a biomarker for diagnosis and assessment of individuals at risk of developing OSCC. Need for the study: Immunotherapy is an emerging treatment modality in some cancers. Thus, better understanding of role of CTLA4 methylation in OSCC paves a way for newer strategies in immunotherapeutic. Aim: To assess the DNA methylation pattern of promoter region of CTLA4 gene and evaluate its expression in tobacco users with and without OSCC so that it can contribute as biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of OSCC. Materials and Methods: The proposed longitudinal cross-sectional study will be conducted at Sharad Pawar Dental College and Hospital, Maharashtra, India. It will evaluate promoter methylation and protein expression of CTLA4 gene in Smokeless Tobacco (SLT) users. There will be three groups: group A OSCC patients; group B normal individuals with SLT habit without any oral lesion; and group C normal individuals without SLT habit. Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks will be prepared from the biopsy obtained from total thirty nine participants. DNA methylation of CTLA4 promoter will be assessed using Methylation-Specific PCR (MS-PCR). In addition, the quantitative expression of CTLA4 will also be assessed using Immunohistochemistry (IHC)

Impact of virtual microscopy with conventional microscopy on student learning in dental histology

Background: In dental histology, the assimilation of histological features of different dental hard and soft tissues is done by conventional microscopy. This traditional method of learning prevents the students from screening the entire slide and change of magnification. To address these drawbacks, modification in conventional microscopy has evolved and become motivation for changing the learning tool. Virtual microscopy is the technique in which there is complete digitization of the microscopic glass slide, which can be analyzed on a computer. This research is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual microscopy with conventional microscopy on student learning in dental histology. Materials and Methods: A cohort of 105 students were included and randomized into three groups: A, B, and C. Group A students studied the microscopic features of oral histologic lesions by conventional microscopy, Group B by virtual microscopy, and Group C by both conventional and virtual microscopy. The students' understanding of the subject was evaluated by a prepared questionnaire. Results: The effectiveness of the study designs on knowledge gains and satisfaction levels was assessed by statistical assessment of differences in mean test scores. The difference in score between Groups A, B, and C at pre- and post-test was highly significant. This enhanced understanding of the subject may be due to benefits of using virtual microscopy in teaching histology. Conclusion: The augmentation of conventional microscopy with virtual microscopy shows enhancement of the understanding of the subject as compared to the use of conventional microscopy and virtual microscopy alone