RANK, RANKL, and OPG in recurrent solid/multicystic ameloblastoma: their distribution patterns and biologic significance.

Objectives: To determine the distribution patterns of bone resorption regulators, receptor activator of nuclear factor κ-B (RANK), RANK ligand (RANKL), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in recurrent ameloblastoma (RAs) and to clarify their impact on the biologic behavior of these neoplasms.

Materials And Methods: Fifteen paraffin-embedded RA cases were subjected to immunohistochemistry for expression of RANK, RANKL, and OPG.

Results: The RANK-RANKL-OPG triad was heterogeneously detected in RA samples.

Intra-epithelially entrapped blood vessels in ameloblastoma.

Background: The ameloblastoma is a benign but locally aggressive odontogenic neoplasm with a high recurrence rate. While significant progress has been made in our understanding regarding the role of tumoral vasculature relative to the diverse behavioral characteristics of this tumor, no attention has been paid to a distinct subset of blood vessels entrapped within its epithelial compartment. As vascular niches are known to influence tumoral growth, clarification of these vessels is important.

Podoplanin, E-cadherin, β-catenin, and CD44v6 in recurrent ameloblastoma: their distribution patterns and relevance.

Background: Ameloblastoma is a benign but locally infiltrative odontogenic epithelial neoplasm with a high risk for recurrence. Podoplanin, a lymphatic endothelium marker, putatively promotes collective cell migration and invasiveness in this neoplasm. However, its role in the recurrent ameloblastoma (RA) remains unclear.