Determination of Myofibroblast Dentistry in Odontogenic Cysts and Benign Odontogenic Tumors

Abstract

Odontogenic cysts and tumors, originate from remnants of odontogenic epithelium and/or ectomesanchym; however they exhibit different biological behavior. Stromal Myofibroblasts (MF) have the potential to facilitate progression of neoplastic epithelial lesions, that could contribute to their biological behavior. Aim : The aim of this study was to determine the density of MFs by immunohistochemical evaluation of anti- SMA expression in odontogenic cysts and benign tumors and correlate it to their biological behavior. Materials and Methods: The study included cases of dentigerous cyst (DC, n = 15), odontogenic keratocyst (OKC, n = 15), radicular cyst (RC, n = 15), unicystic ameloblastoma (UAM, n = 15), solid ameloblastoma (SAM, n = 15), calcifying odontogenic cyst (COC, n=10), adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT, n=10), calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor (CEOT ,n=10) and odontogenic myxoma (OM, n=10) . Cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC, n = 10) and dental follicle of impacted third molars (n=10) served as control. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using antiE smooth muscle actin (SMA) antibody. For the purpose analysis, 10 high-power fields were observed in each case to determine the percentage of positive cells, which was classified as negative, weak, or strong. Result: Among odontogenic cysts, the density of myofibroblasts was highest in OKC (1/130.64)., followed by DC (0.870.915), RC (0.670.617) and COC (0.20.422). Among benign odontogenic tumors the highest densities were belonged to OM and AOT (1.700.483) followed by CEOT (1.500.527), SAM (1.270.594) and UAM (1.070.704) Mean discrepancy between the studied groups.was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Conclusion The high density of myofibroblasts in benign odontogenic tumors and OKC implies that myofibroblast can contribute to the biological behavior of these odontogenic lesions. Furthermore, the relatively high expression of SMA in OKC implies that this lesion belongs to the group of odontogenic tumors (in the classification of odontogenic lesions).