Metastatic renal cell carcinoma to the oral cavity as first sign of disease: A case report.

Renal cell carcinoma metastasis to the oral cavity is rare. Significantly, the oral lesion in this case was the first indication of a malignant disease in the patient. This case underscores the importance of detailed history taking, interpretation of clinical finding, and high index of suspicion for metastatic disease to the oral cavity.

Effects of DSPP and MMP20 Silencing on Adhesion, Metastasis, Angiogenesis, and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Proteins in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells.

Recent reports highlight the potential tumorigenic role of Dentin Sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and its cognate partner Matrix Metalloproteinase 20 (MMP-20) in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas (OSCCs). However, the function/mechanism of these roles is yet to be fully established. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of DSPP and MMP20 silencing on specific proteins involved in oral cancer cell adhesion, angiogenesis, metastasis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).

Survey of dentin sialophosphoprotein and its cognate matrix metalloproteinase-20 in human cancers.

Background: Matrix metalloproteinases-20 (MMP20) expression is widely regarded as tooth specific, with expression limited to dental hard tissues. Recently, we reported MMP20 expression and interaction with dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), a member of the Small Integrin Binding Ligand N-linked Glycoproteins (SIBLINGs), in human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and dysplastic oral premalignant lesions (OPLs), suggesting a role for MMP20-DSPP interaction in oral carcinogenesis.

Methods: This study aimed to survey the expression of MMP20 and its cognate DSPP partner in the breast, colon, prostate, thyroid, and cervical neoplasms.

A Review of Heavy Metal Contamination of Food Crops in Nigeria.

Heavy metal contamination of food crops is an issue of global concern that ultimately results in toxicity and diseases in humans and animals through consumption of contaminated soils and food crops. With a population of 182 million people, Nigeria is regarded as the most populous country in Africa. The people suffer environmental pollution from high levels of heavy metal accumulation in the environment and in food crops.

Interferon γ suppresses dentin sialophosphoprotein in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells resulting in antitumor effects, via modulation of the endoplasmic reticulum response.

The expression of proinflammatory cytokines in various malignant neoplasms is widely considered to represent the host immune response to tumor development. The role of interferon (IFN)γ in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and its association with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathways, remains a subject of ongoing investigation. Dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), which is a member of the small integrin‑binding N‑linked glycoproteins family, has been implicated in malignant transformation and invasion of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

The tumorigenic role of DSPP and its potential regulation of the unfolded protein response and ER stress in oral cancer cells.

Dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) is upregulated in various human cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer cells are commonly found under constant endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and exhibit increased levels of misfolded proteins, due to gene mutations and a stressful microenvironment. The present study examined the effects of DSPP silencing on the regulation of ER stress and the unfolded protein response (UPR) in oral cancer cells.

DSPP-MMP20 gene silencing downregulates cancer stem cell markers in human oral cancer cells.

Background: Recent findings indicate that dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 20 interact in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The objective of this study was to determine the effects of DSPP/MMP20 gene silencing on oral cancer stem cell (OCSC) markers.

Methods: The expression of well-established OCSC markers: ABCG2; ALDH1; CD133; CD44; BMI1; LGR4, and Podoplanin in DSPP/MMP20-silenced OSCC cell line, OSC2, and controls were assayed by western blot (WB), and flow cytometry techniques.

Emerging paradigm of virtual-microscopy for histopathology diagnosis: survey of US and Canadian oral pathology trainees.

Objectives/aims: The application of virtual microscopy (VM) to research, pre-doctoral medical and dental educational training, and diagnostic surgical and anatomic pathology is well-documented but its application to the field of oral and maxillofacial pathology has not been explored. This is the first study to evaluate the enthusiasm and readiness of US-/Canada-based oral and maxillofacial pathology (OMFP) residents toward employing VM use over conventional microscopy (CM) for diagnostic purposes.

Materials And Methods: All 46 current US-/Canada-based OMFP residents were invited to participate in an anonymous electronic survey via 'Survey Monkey' in 2015.

Matrix Metalloproteinase 20 Co-expression With Dentin Sialophosphoprotein in Human and Monkey Kidneys.

We recently reported the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 20 (MMP20), hitherto thought to be tooth specific, in the metabolically active ductal epithelial cells of human salivary glands. Furthermore, our report indicated that MMP20 co-expressed and potentially interacts with dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), a member of the small integrin-binding ligand N-linked glycoproteins (SIBLINGs). Our earlier reports have shown the co-expression of three MMPs, MMP2, MMP3, and MMP9, with specific members of the SIBLING family: bone sialoprotein, osteopontin, and dentin matrix protein 1, respectively.

Expression of the SIBLINGs and their MMP partners in human benign and malignant prostate neoplasms.

The small integrin binding ligands n-linked glycoproteins (SIBLINGs) have emerged as potential diagnostic and prognostic indices, and as key targets, in cancer therapy. Three members of the SIBLING family: bone sialoprotein (BSP); osteopontin (OPN); and dentin matrix protein1 (DMP1), bind and interact with specific matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs): BSP-MMP2; OPN-MMP3; DMP1-MMP9, in biochemical and biologic systems. The other two family members are dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein (MEPE).

Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP)-20 and Potential Interaction with Dentin Sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) in Human Major Salivary Glands.

Matrix metalloproteinase-20 (MMP-20) expression is widely regarded as tooth-specific, with expression limited to dental hard tissues. Necessary for sound enamel formation, MMP-20 and MMP-2 proteolytically process dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) into dentin sialoprotein, dentin phosphoprotein, and dentin glycoprotein during tooth formation. In the mid-2000s, three members of the small integrin-binding ligand N-linked glycoproteins (SIBLINGs) were reported to bind specifically with high affinity (nM) to, and activate, three MMPs in vitro: bone sialoprotein with MMP-2; osteopontin with MMP-3; and dentin matrix protein1 with MMP-9.

Why use oral splints for temporomandibular disorders (TMDs)?

Several etiologic routes have either been determined or proposed for temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Notable among these are myofascial, disc displacement, and arthritides disorders. The absence of concrete and universally accepted evidence-based treatment approaches means that debates as to the precise etiology and treatment of TMDs continue while practitioners attempt to treat and improve the lives of patients who present with these debilitating disorders.

A peripheral giant cell granuloma with extensive osseous metaplasia or a hybrid peripheral giant cell granuloma-peripheral ossifying fibroma: a case report.

Introduction: Peripheral giant cell granuloma and peripheral ossifying fibroma are clinicopathologically distinct gingival lesions. Both are included in clinical differential diagnoses of common benign and reactive gingival epulides in humans. It is often impossible to make a clinical distinction between the two entities, thereby making definitive diagnosis dependent on histopathologic features.

Blue light activates phase 2 response proteins and slows growth of a431 epidermoid carcinoma xenografts.

Background: Recent studies suggest that light in the UVA range (320-400 nm) activates signaling pathways that are anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and play a critical role in protection against cancer. These effects have been attributed to NF-E2-related factor (NRF2)-mediated up-regulation of 'phase 2' genes that neutralize oxidative stress and metabolize electrophiles. We had previously shown that small doses of blue light (400-500 nm) had selective toxicity for cultured oral tumor cells and increased levels of peroxiredoxin phase 2 proteins, which led to our hypothesis that blue light activates NRF2 signaling.

A phase II clinical trial of a natural formulation containing tea catechins for xerostomia.

Objective: Previous animal studies indicated catechins from the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) may modulate salivary function and possess a therapeutic effect for xerostomia. The objective of this study was to evaluate a natural formulation containing tea catechins in 60 patients with xerostomia, including patients with Sjögren syndrome.

Study Design: This study used a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized design.

Why use oral splints for temporomandibular disorders (TMDs)?

Several etiologic routes have either been determined or proposed for Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD). Notable among these are myofascial, disc displacement, and arthritides disorders. The absence of concrete and universally accepted evidence-based treatment approaches means that debates as to the precise etiology and treatment of TMDs continue while practitioners attempt to treat and improve the lives of patients who present with these debilitating disorders.

Expression of p8 in Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

The present study investigated the expression of p8, a transcription factor upregulated in some human cancers, in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs). Immunohistochemical analysis of p8 expression was carried out on 20 archived surgical specimens of human OSCCs, and expression correlated with clinical outcome parameters in a retrospective study. Expression of p8 in a number of OSCC cell lines also was investigated by western blot and RT-PCR analyses.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate modulates antioxidant and DNA repair-related proteins in exocrine glands of a primary Sjogren's syndrome mouse model prior to disease onset.

The autoimmune disorder primary Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is associated with xerostomia and xerophthalmia. SS pathogenesis involves both genetic/epigenetic and environmental factors. A major potential contributor is oxidative stress associated with damage to cellular components, including DNA.

Expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), and osteopontin (OPN) at histologically negative surgical margins may predict recurrence of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Up to 50% of oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) recur following surgical resections with conventional "histologically-negative" margins. Three members of the SIBLING family of proteins: dentin sialophophoprotein (DSPP); bone sialoprotein (BSP); and osteopontin OPN are upregulated in OSCCs. In this study, we aimed to correlate the expression of DSPP, OPN and BSP as well as three SIBLING-partners, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), at histologically-negative margins of OSCCs with tumor recurrence.

NOMA: A Preventable "Scourge" of African Children.

Noma is a serious orofacial gangrene originating intraorally in the gingival-oral mucosa complex before spreading extraorally to produce a visibly destructive ulcer. Although cases of noma are now rarely reported in the developed countries, it is still prevalent among children in third world countries, notably in sub-Sahara Africa, where poverty, ignorance, malnutrition, and preventable childhood infections are still common. This review summarizes historical, epidemiological, management, and research updates on noma with suggestions for its prevention and ultimate global eradication.