Immunohistochemical Detection of Receptor Activator Nuclear κB Ligand and Osteoprotegerin in Odontogenic Cysts and Tumors

• Published in: Journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery Vol. 71; no. 11; pp. 1886 - 1892
• Main Authors: de Matos, Felipe Rodrigues, DDS, PhD, de Moraes, Maiara, DDS, MSc, das Neves Silva, Emília Beatriz, DDS, MSc, Galvão, Hébel Cavalcanti, DDS, PhD, de Almeida Freitas, Roseana, DDS, PhD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.11.2013
• Subjects: Ameloblastoma - pathology; Biomarkers, Tumor - analysis; Cell Count; Coloring Agents; Dental Sac - pathology; Dentigerous Cyst - pathology; Dentistry; Epithelial Cells - pathology; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Odontogenic Cysts - pathology; Odontogenic Tumors - pathology; Osteoprotegerin - analysis; Radicular Cyst - pathology; RANK Ligand - analysis; Stromal Cells; Surgery
• ISSN: 0278-2391; 1531-5053
• DOI: 10.1016/j.joms.2013.05.023

Purpose The aim of the present study was to compare the immunohistochemical detection of receptor activator nuclear κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in radicular cysts (RCs), dentigerous cysts (DCs), solid ameloblastomas (SAs), and keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KOTs). Materials and Methods A total of 20 RCs, 20 DCs, 20 KOTs, 14 dental follicles (DFs), and 18 SAs were evaluated by immunohistochemistry using anti-RANKL and anti-OPG antibodies. The analysis was quantitative, and the number of positive cells was counted in 10 microscopic high-power fields (400×). Results The DFs, KOTs, and SAs showed higher expression of RANKL than did the RCs and DCs in the epithelium ( P < .05). The epithelial expression of OPG was higher in the DFs, KOTs, RCs, and DCs than in the SAs ( P < .05). The ratio of OPG less than RANKL was more frequent in SAs and OPG greater than RANKL in DCs ( P < .05). Conclusions Our results have shown differences in RANKL and OPG detection in the odontogenic cysts and tumors studied. The higher RANKL and lower OPG detection in SA could play a role in bone resorption, compatible with the tumor's biologic behavior.