title: Oral epithelial barrier function and the role of nuclear factor kappa-β pathway in the pathogenesis of aphthous ulceration.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The normal oral mucosa is usually tolerant to its special microenvironment. Epithelial integrity and a wellmanaged immune system are important in sustaining harmony. A close look at the role played by adaptive immunity during recurrent aphthous ulcerations may throw some light into the pathogenesis.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this report, we provide a concise review of oral epithelial barrier function and present data on the possible pathogenetic mechanism of aphthous ulceration using immunohistocemical signs of nuclear factor kappa beta pathway activation on fourteen cases of mucosal aphthous ulcerations.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We strongly support the hypothesis that oral aphthous ulcerations develop as a result of loss of epithelial barrier function and that nuclear factor kappa beta signaling pathway seems to be involved in this type of injury.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Interventions that strengthen the mucosal barrier function or modulate inappropriate activation of nuclear factor kappa beta signaling pathway can be considered in the treatment of oral aphthous ulcerations.
authors.affiliation: Gülhane Military Medical Academy, Department of Pathology, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Ömer
authors.initials: Ö
authors.lastname: Günhan
authors.forename: Armağan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Günal
authors.forename: Arzu
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Avcı
authors.forename: Şivge
authors.initials: Ş
authors.lastname: Kurgan
authors.forename: Ömür
authors.initials: Ö
authors.lastname: Dereci
authors.forename: Bülent
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kurt
authors.forename: Bülent
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Celasun
mesh_terms: D056704:Adaptive Immunity; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001402:B-Lymphocytes; D017252:CD3 Complex / Q000032:analysis; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018928:Immunity, Mucosal; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D016328:NF-kappa B / Q000502:physiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013281:Stomatitis, Aphthous / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D017252:CD3 Complex; D016328:NF-kappa B