Biological role of lectins: A review

Lectins comprise a stracturally vary diverse class of proteins charecterized by their ability to selectively bind carbohydrate moieties of the glycoproteins of the cell surface. Lectins may be derived from plants, microbial or animal sources and may be soluble or membrane bound. Lectins is a tetramer made up of four nearly identical subunits. In human, lectins have been reported to cause food poisoning, hemolytic anemia, jaundice, digestive distress, protein and carbohydrate malabsorption and type I allergies. The present review focuses on the classification, structures, biological significance and application of lectins

A Study on Oral Mucosal Lesions in 3500 Patients with Dermatological Diseases in South India

Background: Oral mucosal lesions that are observed in the dermatological diseases are categorized under mucocutaneous conditions. The oral lesions in dermatological diseases may be the early aspects of the disease manifestation or the most significant clinical appearance or the only sign/and or symptom of such dermatological diseases and occasionally lesions occur simultaneously in the skin as well as mucous membrane. Aim: This present study attempts to find out the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in patients with dermatological diseases. Subjects and Methods: The study includes 3500 patients who attended out‑patient Department of Dermatology. Patients with oral manifestation were subjected for clinical examination in the Department of Oral Pathology. Diagnostic procedures were performed to confirm the clinical oral diagnosis. The results of the study were analyzed by SPSS software version 19.0 (Armonk, NY) and presented as descriptive statistics. Correlation of oral manifestions with their respective dermatological disease was statistically analysed by Pearson’s correlation test.(P < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant) Results: The prevalence rate of oral mucosal lesions in the present study was 1.8% (65/3500). The most frequent lesions observed were psoriasis 32.3% (21/65), lichen planus 18.4% (12/65), Stevens Johnson Syndrome 18.4% (12/65), pemphigus 10.7% (7/65), toxic epidermal necrolysis 4.6% (3/65), systemic lupus erythematosus 3% (2/65), discoid lupus  erythematosus 1.5% (1/65), pemphigoid 1.5% (1/65). Gender distribution in the study population was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Employed and unemployed individuals in the study population were statistically significant (P < 0.001). Pearson’s correlation analysis of oral manifestations with their respective dermatological disease showed r = 0.466 and signifies a positive correlation and is statistically significant at the 0.01 level (two‑tailed). Conclusion: The prevalence rate of oral mucosal lesions in patients with dermatological diseases was relatively low. However, predominant oral mucosal lesions observed in the study were autoimmune in origin with a high morbidity and mortality index. Hence, multidisciplinary approach will definitely help in the prognosis of patients.Keywords: Autoimmune disease, Dermatological manifestations, Immunofluorescence, India, Oral lesions, Prevalenc

Diagnosis of oral cancer: The past and present

Oral cancer prevalence in Asia-pacific region is at an alarming stage due to the adverse habits and different socio-economic and cultural status of the population. The better understanding of the disease process at the molecular level has altered the approach of the oral cancer towards early diagnosis of the lesion rather than late stages to reduce the morbidity and mortality. A good number of screening techniques has been time tested for the sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing oral cancer in the initial premalignant stages. Surgical biopsy is a gold standard for diagnosis but this needs professional services, which are impractical at times. Alternative screening methods which are noninvasive, easily performed and highly accurate are the norms for any test to accept as an alternative for histopathology. This article focuses on some screening techniques, which are done either as confirmative or adjuvant for histopathology

Oral submucous fibrosis: Clinical and histopathological correlation of collagen fibers using Masson's trichrome and Van Gieson stains

Background: Oral sub mucous fibrosis (OSMF) is chronic insidious diseases of the oral cavity, pharynx and larynx with unknown etiology. It is characterized by mucosal rigidity. The proposed etiological factor for causing OSMF areca nut. Areca nut and arecoline cause fibroblast proliferation and collagen production. Aim and Objectives: Correlate the clinical and histopathological grading using Masson's trichrome and Van Gieson's stain in OSMF. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients with clinically proven cases of OSMF and grouped according to their mouth opening. Incisional biopsy was done. The sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histopathological conformation. Selected cases were sectioned and stained with Masson's trichrome and Van Gieson special stain and graded histopathologically. Data was analyzed using SPSS 20.0 version. Pearson's correlation coefficient and Chi-square test were done to find out the association between variables. Student's t-test was used to find clinical and histopathological correlation. Results: The mean age of OSMF patients was 20–40 years and when compared with gender males were affected more than females. The stains between Masson's trichrome with Van Gieson's stain showed significant correlation, but when compared between clinical and histopathological grading there was no statistically significant. Conclusion: Clinical staging and histopathological grading in OSMF there is no correlation when using special stains such as Masson's trichrome and Van Gieson's stain

Current concepts of salivary gland tumors

The embryonic development of salivary glands is a complex process that creates compact, highly organized secretory organs with functions essential for oral health. The development is an example of branching morphogenesis, recent research found to involve unexpectedly dynamic cell motility, and novel regulatory pathways. Numerous growth factors, extracellular matrix molecules, gene regulatory pathways, and mechanical forces contribute to salivary gland morphogenesis, but local gene regulation and morphological changes appear to play particularly notable roles. Salivary gland tumors are one of the most complex and relatively rare groups of lesions encountered in oral pathology practice. Their complexity is attributed to the heterogeneity of the cells of origin of these lesions. Frequent overlap of microscopic features among various neoplasms makes us sometimes even to differentiate benign and malignant lesions leading to a diagnostic dilemma. Here, we review and summarize the current concepts regarding the histogenetic and morphogenetic concepts of salivary gland tumors and their relevance to routine diagnosis and classification of these lesions

Cytomorphometric analysis of exfoliated buccal cells to evaluate the malignant changes in individuals with tobacco smoking and chewing habits

Background: Tobacco is one of the leading causes for potentially malignant disorders (PMDs) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) which stands 6th among all malignancies in the world. To prevent the high mortality rates and improve the five-year survival rates of patients with OSCC, it is very important to diagnose PMDs early. Exfoliative cytology combined with quantitative analysis such as cytomorphometry can be an important tool for early detection and diagnosis of these lesions. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the quantitative changes in cytological buccal smears of tobacco smokers and chewers with that of the normal healthy individuals to assess the malignant changes by using cytomorphometric parameters such as cell diameter (CD), nuclear diameter (ND), and nuclear–cytoplasmic ratio (N/C). Materials and Methods: The study was carried out among 120 individuals. Group I consisted of 40 tobacco smokers, group II consisted of 40 tobacco chewers, and group III consisted of 40 controls who did not have a habit of tobacco smoking and chewing with apparently healthy appearing mucosa. Smears were made for all individuals and stained with Papanicolou technique. CD, ND, and N/C were calculated using an image analysis software after selecting 200 cells from each smear. All the parameters were subjected to statistical analysis using one-way analysis of variance and Scheffes multiple post hoc procedure. Results: There was a statistically significant reduction in CD and increase in ND and N/C of tobacco chewers and smokers when compared to that of controls. Age and sex did not have any influence on any of the cytomorphometric parameters. Conclusion: The habit of tobacco smoking and chewing causes quantitative cellular and nuclear changes in the squames of buccal mucosal epithelial cells, which shows a cause–effect relationship between tobacco and quantitative changes in the cells. Therefore, exfoliative cytology with the application of quantitative techniques can be used as a valuable diagnostic tool for detecting PMDs and malignant lesions

Immunofluorescence and its application in dermatopathology with oral manifestations: Revisited

The use of fluorescence probes the field of cell and molecular biology. Immunofluorescence is a molecular method for detection of antigen or antibody in a tissue section/serum sample. Although histopathology remains gold standard for most of auto immune, immune mediated and vesiculo - bullous diseases. Immunofluorescence is an ancillary investigation, which are used to support clinical diagnosis more evidently. This method provides additional diagnostic, prognostic information and remains more specific diagnostic aid for vesiculo - bullous diseases of skin. This review article discusses about immunofluorescence techniques and its application in dermatopathology with oral manifestations