No abstract

Ameloblastoma is a common odontogenic benign tumor located in the jaws and is characterized by severe local bone destruction. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of interactions between tumor cells and bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) on osteoclast formation in ameloblastoma. The impact of ameloblastoma/BMSC interactions on cytokine production, gene expression and osteoclastogenesis was examined using an immortalized ameloblastoma cell line that the authors' previously established. The results demonstrated that interactions between ameloblastoma cells and BMSCs increased interleukin (IL)-8 and activin A secretion by BMSCs. IL-8 expression in BMSCs was modulated by tumor-derived tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-8 contributed to osteoclast formation not only directly but also by stimulating receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) expression in BMSCs. Activin A secretion in BMSCs was stimulated by ameloblastoma cells via cell-to-cell-mediated activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase activation, acting as a cofactor of RANKL to induce osteoclast formation and function. The present study highlights the critical role of communication between BMSCs and ameloblastoma cells in bone resorption in ameloblastoma.

Osteochondroma (OC) is considered the most common tumor of the axial skeleton, although it is relatively uncommon in the craniofacial region. The present study describes an atypical case of OC of the coronoid process. A 34-year-old woman presented with severely limited mouth opening (5 mm) and swelling of the right zygoma. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) revealed a mushroom-shaped outgrowth from the coronoid process to the inner surface of the zygomatic arch, forming a pseudojoint. The patient was treated with coronoidectomy via an intraoral approach. Histopathological examination revealed features suggestive of OC. Subsequently, the patient was able to open their mouth, and there was no evidence of recurrence or post-operative complications in the 21-month follow-up. A review of the literature revealed only 38 histologically proven cases of coronoid OC in the past 30 years . The incidence of the disease was higher in men compared with that in women (male:female, 2.17:1), and the median age at onset was 28.7 years, with a range of 5-57 years. Gradual limitation of mouth opening and facial asymmetry are the most noticeable symptoms. Water's view and submentovertex projection of the zygomatic arch may be useful in identifying the tumor and its association with the zygoma, while CT and CBCT permit a detailed visualization of the location and density of the tumor. Coronoidectomy is the preferred treatment option, and the prognosis is excellent, with no evidence of recurrence or malignant transformation.