Comparison of Src protein expression in central and peripheral giant cell granuloma

Abstract

Giant cell granuloma is a tumor-like reactive lesion of the oral cavity, which is classified as peripheral and central lesions. Central lesions are themselves divided into aggressive and non-aggressive types. Pathogenesis of these lesions, origin of the giant cells, if the peripheral lesions are the soft tissue counterpart of central ones or not, and the relationship between histopathologic features and clinical behavior of central lesions are controversial. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Src in the pathogenesis of giant cell granuloma, comparison of its expression in the peripheral and central lesions, and the relationship between Src expression and biologic behavior of the central lesions. Materials and methods: Paraffin-embedded tissue from 30 peripheral and 30 central cases (15 aggressive and 15 non-aggressive types) of giant cell granuloma was assessed for the expression of Src using immunohistochemistry. In addition, a SID score (staining-intensity-distribution), proportion of stained cells staining intensity, was evaluated for these lesions. Data were analyzed statistically using SPSS 17. Results: Although no significant difference in Src expression and SID score was recognized between the peripheral and central lesions, but it was considerably higher in central lesions (p=0.057 and p=0.09, respectively). Furthermore, Src expression and SID score was similar in the clinical forms of central giant cell granuloma (p=0.299 and p=0.900, respectively), although a statistically significant correlation between them in both aggressive and non-aggressive lesions was seen (p<0.001 and p=0.002, respectively). This significant correlation was observed in peripheral lesions as well (p<0.001). Conclusion: the results of this study suggest an osteoclastic origin for the giant cells and imply that the peripheral lesions are the soft tissue counterpart of central ones, and Src expression and intensity is not a predictor of clinical behavior in these lesions.