Context:Myofibroblasts (MFs) are fibroblasts with smooth muscle-like features characterized by the presence of a contractile apparatus. Alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) is the actin isoform that predominates within vascular smooth muscle cells and plays an important role in fibrogenesis. MFs are metabolically and morphologically distinctive fibroblasts expressing α-SMA, and their activation plays a key role in development of the fibrotic response.Aims and Objectives:The aim of this study is to demonstrate the frequency, distribution and expression of α-SMA-positive MFs in odontogenic keratocyst (OKC), dentigerous cyst (DC) and ameloblastoma and correlate it to their aggressive biological behavior.Settings and Design:A retrospective study of 45 diagnosed cases, which includes 15 cases of OKC, 15 cases of DC and 15 cases of ameloblastoma, was undertaken to demonstrate expression of α-SMA retrieved from archives of our department.Materials and Methods:α-SMA mouse anti-human antibody and horseradish peroxidase detection system were used in this study.Statistical Analysis:Descriptive statistical analysis and ANOVA test were used for statistical analysis.Results:The difference in mean α-SMA count was found to be statistically significant between ameloblastoma and DC group (P < 0.001) as well as OKC and DC group (P < 0.001). No significant difference is observed between ameloblastoma and OKC group (P > 0.05). Results showed that mean number of stromal MFs in OKC and ameloblastoma were significantly higher than DC.Conclusion:The present study has shown that the mean number of MFs was higher in OKC and ameloblastoma, while the mean number of MFs in DC was quite low and significantly different from that of ameloblastoma and OKC.

Introduction and Objectives:Angiogenesis is a complex event facilitated by angiogenic factors released from neoplastic and host immune cells. Among host immune cells, mast cells (MCs) may have greater significance in tumor progression through angiogenesis. The objectives of the study were to evaluate and correlate mast cell density (MCD) and microvessel density (MVD) in normal gingival tissue, leukoplakia with and without dysplasia and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cases.Materials and Methods:Among eighty selected cases, twenty were of normal gingiva, twenty each of leukoplakia without and with dysplasia and twenty of OSCC. The slides were stained with CD34 and counterstained with 0.1% toluidine blue, followed by quantification of MCD and MVD per high-power field (×40) using Image-Pro Express software.Statistical Analysis:Chi-square test and correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis.Observation and Results:A statistically significant difference in the values of MVD and MCD between normal gingival tissue, leukoplakia with and without dysplasia and OSCC (P = 0.000) was observed. MVD and MCD showed a positive correlation between the study groups.Conclusion:MVD and MCD increased significantly in cases of OSCC as compared to leukoplakia with and without dysplasia and normal gingival tissue. It was concluded that MCs may play a significant role in angiogenesis by releasing pro-angiogenic and angiogenic factors which may in turn favor the progression of premalignant lesion to a malignant one.

Background and Objectives:The study aims at the observation of the immunohistochemical expression of CD44s in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) and to correlate its expression with prognostic parameters.Materials and Methods:A total of 30 cases of OSCC, - 10 cases of each well differentiated (WD SCC), moderately differentiated (MD SCC) and poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinomas (PD SCC) were included in the study. The sections were subjected to immunohistochemical study using CD44s antigen marker. The degree of intensity and distribution of CD44s immunostaining was assessed and correlated with prognostic markers such as tumor stage (tumor size), tumor grade (Broder's histological grading), tumor site, tumor thickness (histological depth of invasion) and nodal status.Results:CD44s expression by tumor cells in OSCCs is statistically correlated with tumor grade i.e. Higher mean of CD44s immunoexpression was observed in WD SCC group (10.80 ± 3.97), followed by MD SCC group (5.90 ± 3.38) and PD SCC group showed least CD44s immunoexpression (3.70 ± 4.64). There was no statistical significance observed with respect to the other prognostic markers.Conclusion:Based on these observations it can be suggested that the decrease in expression of CD44s in OSCC cells may be due to the reduced cell-to-cell and cell-to-matrix adhesion, resulting in easy detachment from the rigid constitution. Low expression of CD44s in OSCC tissues may be an indicator of tumor invasion and high metastatic potential.

This study revealed maximum mucocutaneous lesions in the CD4 count range of 200-500. Nail changes accounted for the most common cutaneous manifestation with 53%, and pigmentation accounted for the most common oral manifestation with 39%. Mucocutaneous manifestations can arouse one to suspect the diagnosis of HIV infection in an otherwise healthy unwary patient. They can serve as a dependable marker of HIV disease.

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