Role of apoptotic, autophagic and senescence pathways in minor salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma.

Background: Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a salivary gland malignancy with poor long-term survival, which warrants studies aimed at clarifying the pathogenesis of this disease in order to widen the scope of therapeutic options currently available. Alterations in regulatory mechanisms relating to vascular support, cell death and autophagy are important pathways for tumor growth in cancer. Thus, the present study aimed to access vascular supply, apoptosis, autophagy and cell senescence in ACC of minor salivary glands.

Microvessel density and cell proliferation in juvenile ossifying fibroma: A comparative study with central ossifying fibroma.

Considered as an aggressive counterpart of central ossifying fibroma (OF), juvenile ossifying fibroma (JOF) is a benign fibro-osseous neoplasm characterized by an unpredictable destructive behavior, elevated morbidity, mutilating treatment and high potential for local recurrences. The aim of this study is to compare the analysis for cell proliferation and vascular markers between JOF and OF. Cell proliferation index was measured by Ki-67 and Mcm-2 expression and microvessel density (MVD) was obtained by the immunoexpression of CD34/CD105.

Immunohistochemical expression of matrix metalloproteinases 1, 2, and 9 in odontogenic myxoma and dental germ papilla.

The aim of this study was to compare the immunohistochemical expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 1, 2, and 9 in odontogenic myxomas and dental germ papillae. Twelve cases of odontogenic myxoma and eight tooth germ specimens were selected for analysis of the immunohistochemical expression and the pattern of distribution of MMPs 1, 2, and 9 in extracellular matrix (ECM), as well as of the number of MMP-positive cells. MMP-2 was expressed only in the ECM of myxomas (p<0.

Immunoexpression of cyclooxygenase-2 and p53 in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Purpose: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an induced proinflammatory enzyme involved in various steps of carcinogenesis such as cell proliferation, reduction in apoptosis rates, and promotion of tumor angiogenesis. Mutation or inactivation of the tumor suppressor gene p53 is frequently observed in malignant neoplasms and is known to be involved in the early stages of carcinogenesis. Recent studies reveal a possible correlation between COX-2 and p53 expression in several malignant neoplasms.