Differential protein expression of osteoclastogenic factors in odontogenic cysts and tumors.

The osteolytic activity of odontogenic cysts and tumors is directly associated with their growth and aggressiveness. The influence of proteins expressed by epithelial and mesenchymal cells on this biological event differs between indolent cystic lesions, aggressive cystic lesions, and odontogenic tumors. The objective of this study was to compare the immunohistochemical expression of factors that stimulate (receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand - RANKL, cathepsin K - CatK and matrix metallopeptidase 8 - MMP-8) and inhibit (osteoprotegerin - OPG) osteoclastogenesis between dentigerous cyst (DC), glandular odontogenic cyst (GOC), odontogenic keratocyst (OKC), and ameloblastoma (AB).