Immunohistochemical expression of matrilysins (MMP-7 and MMP-26) in ameloblastomas and adenomatoid odontogenic tumors.
OBJECTIVE
The aim was to evaluate the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 7 and 26 in ameloblastomas and adenomatoid odontogenic tumors (AOTs).


METHODS
Twenty intraosseous solid ameloblastomas and 10 intraosseous AOTs were evaluated regarding immunohistochemical expression of MMP-7 and -26 in the epithelium and stroma.


RESULTS
There was no statistically significant difference in MMP-7 and -26 expression between the epithelium of ameloblastomas (P = .50) and AOTs (P = .90). Stromal staining for MMP-7 was evident in all cases. For MMP-26, stromal staining was observed in 65% of ameloblastomas and 50% of AOTs, and this difference was not statistically significant (P = .69).


CONCLUSIONS
The marked expression of these matrilysins suggests their role in the process of tissue remodeling and growth in the studied tumors, but it does not relate to the their distinct patterns of aggressiveness.
Souza Freitas
Valéria
V
Oral Pathology Graduate Program, Department of Dentistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil.
Ferreira de Araújo
Cristina Ruan
CR
Alves
Pollianna Muniz
PM
de Souza
Lélia Batista
LB
Galvão
Hébel Cavalcanti
HC
de Almeida Freitas
Roseana
R
D000564:Ameloblastoma / Q000201:enzymology*; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000201:enzymology; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000201:enzymology; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000201:enzymology; D004848:Epithelium / Q000201:enzymology; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000201:enzymology; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D020783:Matrix Metalloproteinase 7 / Q000032:analysis*; D053505:Matrix Metalloproteinases, Secreted / Q000032:analysis*; D009808:Odontogenic Tumors / Q000201:enzymology*
C410599:MMP26 protein, human; D053505:Matrix Metalloproteinases, Secreted; C060932:MMP7 protein, human; D020783:Matrix Metalloproteinase 7