Expressions of bax, bcl-2 and Ki-67 in odontogenic keratocysts (Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumor) in comparison with ameloblastomas and radicular cysts.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to determine the apoptotic features and proliferation potential of odontogenic keratocysts compared with ameloblastomas and radicular cysts by analysing the role of bax, bcl-2, and Ki-67.


METHODS
The study material consisted of 20 odontogenic keratocysts, 20 radicular cysts, and 20 ameloblastomas. Immunohistochemically, bax, bcl-2 and Ki-67 were applied. The positive cells were evaluated in both neoplastic/nonneoplastic odontogenic epithelium and connective tissue cells.


RESULTS
Ameloblastoma showed stronger bcl-2 expression than odontogenic keratocysts and radicular cysts. Bcl-2 expression in the whole thickness of epithelium and connective tissue of odontogenic keratocyst was significantly higher than radicular cyst. The expression of bax in the epithelium of radicular cyst was significantly higher than odontogenic keratocyst and ameloblastoma. The lining epithelium of odontogenic keratocyst showed stronger Ki-67 expression than ameloblastoma and radicular cyst.


CONCLUSIONS
The proliferation potential of the epithelium and the overexpression of various anti-apoptotic proteins in odontogenic epithelial tumors are quite significant for their clinical behaviour. High expressions of bcl-2 and Ki-67 in odontogenic keratocysts accord with their aggressive clinical behaviour and a high recurrence rate.
Department of umor Pathology, İstanbul University, Institute of Oncology, İstanbul, Turkey. msoluk@istanbul.edu.tr
Merva
M
Soluk  Tekkeşın
Sevcihan
S
Mutlu
Vakur
V
Olgaç
D000328:Adult; D000564:Ameloblastoma / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000502:physiology; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007571:Jaw Diseases / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D007573:Jaw Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D019394:Ki-67 Antigen / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009807:Odontogenic Cysts / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis; D011842:Radicular Cyst / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D051028:bcl-2-Associated X Protein / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D019394:Ki-67 Antigen; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2; D051028:bcl-2-Associated X Protein