Mast Cell Density in Oral Submucous Fibrosis : A Possible Role in Pathogenesis

Abstract

Abstract:Objective: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a premalignant condition of oral cavity characterized by inflammation and progressive mucosal fibrosis. It has questionable pathogenesis. Mast cells (MC) have been associated with variety of inflammatory and fibrotic conditions, but little is known about their role in OSMF. Mast cells have been studied in normal gingiva, chronic inflammatory gingivitis, desquamative gingivitis, lichen planus, OSMF and oral cancer. Mast cells exhibit phenotypic plasticity. There is variation in the mast cell mediators with the change in the microenvironment, which makes the study of this cell in various diseases interesting. Study design:A retrospective study was conducted to find possible correlation between MC in 25 cases of OSF, 10 cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and 10 cases of normal buccal mucosa by means of acidified toluidine blue staining method. Results:The density of MC increased with disease progression. The densities of MC were significantly higher in OSMF than in normal buccal mucosa (p=0.001). The average numbers of MCs per square millimeter were 25, 49.50, 53.25 & 55.25 respectively. Conclusion:The results suggest that MC have a definite role in initiation and progression of OSMF.

Altered Immunohistochemical Expression of Mast Cell Tryptase and Chymase in the Pathogenesis of Oral Submucous Fibrosis and Malignant Transformation of the Overlying Epithelium

“…The present study demonstrated a significantly higher subepithelial distribution of tryptase positive MCs than chymase positive MCs in the early stages of OSF against the increased distribution of tryptase positive MCs than chymase positive MCs in deeper zones of the advanced stages of OSF, which was in accordance with other findings in the literature [13], [14], [15], [16], [17], [18], [19]. This trend of initial increase in number of MC in stage I OSF followed by subsequent decrease in number of MC in later stages of OSF could be attributed to the initial inflammatory response of oral mucosa to the exogenous irritants and carcinogens like areca nut and tobacco.…”

Correlation of Lipid Profile and Glycemia in Oral Precancerous Lesion and Conditions

“…The habit of tobacco consumption is a known etiological factor for the development of precancerous diseases and oral cancer. 6,7,8 Cancer of the oral cavity constitutes about 3-4% of all cancers in western industrialized countries, mainly affects middle aged people, and is more common in men than in women. In India where the habits of chewing tobacco with betel nut, reverse smoking and alcohol usage are common, there is a striking incidence of oral cancer which accounts for as many as 30-40% of all cancers.…”

The role of mast cells in oral squamous cell carcinoma

“…On the other hand, a study has shown that there is no significant increase among well, moderate, or poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma [49]. The mast cell population is significantly increased in advanced stages of epithelial dysplasia and oral submucous fibrosis [55]. A molecular epidemiological study on mast cell population revealed a significantly higher number of mast cells in squamous cell carcinoma of skin than oral mucosa.…”