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Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is an inherited disorder that affects the structure and clinical appearance of tooth enamel. Mutations of 18 genes have been associated as the etiology of AI. The objective of this work is to update the... more
Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is an inherited disorder that affects the structure and clinical appearance of tooth enamel. Mutations of 18 genes have been associated as the etiology of AI. The objective of this work is to update the current knowledge about ENAM, AMBN, FAM83H, MMP20 and KLK4 genes that cause the different types of AI.Methodology: A bibliographic search was carried out considering scientific articles from 2003 to 2021 with regard to specific mutations in the aforementioned genes in the following portals: scielo, Pubmed / MEDLINE, Cochrane and Springer Link.Results: 37 articles met the inclusion criteria and were used for the development of this review.Conclusions: Depending on the gene involved, enamel alterations can show a variety of characteristics. The biological mechanisms that lead to the disease are multiple and varied, however many of them are not entirely clear yet, so more research will be required to improve our understanding of the subject.
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Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is an inherited disorder that affects the structure and clinical appearance of tooth enamel. To date, mutations of 18 genes have been associated as the etiology of non-syndromic AI. This study aims to update... more
Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is an inherited disorder that affects the structure and clinical appearance of tooth enamel. To date, mutations of 18 genes have been associated as the etiology of non-syndromic AI. This study aims to update the current knowledge on the ENAM, AMBN, FAM83H, MMP20, and KLK4 genes that cause the different types of AI. Methodology: The literature review included scientific articles from 2003 to 2021 on specific mutations in the genes mentioned above. SciELO, Pubmed/MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Springer Link were the databases selected. Results: Thirty-seven articles met the inclusion criteria and were used for this review. Conclusions: Enamel alterations can have a variety of characteristics depending on the gene involved. The biological mechanisms that lead to the disease are multiple and varied; however, many of them are not entirely clear yet, so more research is necessary to improve our understanding of the subject.
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Tissue engineering is a multidisciplinary scientific area which has the therapeutic purpose of restoring, replacing or increasing the functional activities of organic tissues.Objectives: The objective of this work is to review the... more
Tissue engineering is a multidisciplinary scientific area which has the therapeutic purpose of restoring, replacing or increasing the functional activities of organic tissues.Objectives: The objective of this work is to review the literature on tissue engineering at the level of the bucomaxilofacial area. Methods: A bibliographic search was carried out through the portals PubMed MEDLINE, Google Scholar and LILACS, using the terms “stem cells, bone regeneration and tissue growth factors”. Results: 193 positive results were obtained, of which 24 were used for the development of this work. Discussion: Several biomaterials capable of promoting bone neoformation have been exposed, its correct manipulation, the conformation of an adequate architecture and the synergy of the various properties being essential. Conclusions: Scaffolds are the ones that offer the greatest offer for their use and the choice of each one does not depend on the material itself.
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New cells are formed from preexisting cells through an ordered series of events called cell cycle. As the control of this cycle is fundamental for genome integrity, multiple proteins regulate this process. We currently know that the... more
New cells are formed from preexisting cells through an ordered series of events called cell cycle. As the control of this cycle is fundamental for genome integrity, multiple proteins regulate this process. We currently know that the MCM2-7 complex has a major role in DNA replication in the cell cycle, in particular regarding proliferation. The immunohistochemical identification of the proteins in this complex on tissues may be useful, as they could be used as biomarkers and would help us understand one of the biological mechanisms affected in cancer processes. Our aim is to collect the existing evidence regarding the members of the MCM2-7 complex, since these proteins could be effective biological cell proliferation markers, which would help practitioners make accurate diagnosis, prognosis and future therapeutic targets of lesions that are mainly neoplastic, especially in the oral mucosa.
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Research Interests: Humanities and Medicine
Background The caveolin-1 protein (structural component of membrane caveolae) plays important roles in several biological functions, such as endocytosis, cell adhesion, and cell signaling. However, this protein has been associated with... more
Background The caveolin-1 protein (structural component of membrane caveolae) plays important roles in several biological functions, such as endocytosis, cell adhesion, and cell signaling. However, this protein has been associated with mechanisms of tumorigenesis in several neoplasms. The expression patterns and roles of caveolin-1 in the oral epithelium and in embryonic and odontogenic tumor tissues are still unclear. Material and Methods The expression of caveolin-1 was evaluated in samples of the normal gingival epithelium (n=7), human tooth germ (TG) (n=12), ameloblastoma (AM) (n=83), and ameloblastic carcinoma (AC) (n=9) by immunohistochemistry. Additionally, AM samples were analyzed by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Results Most TG (91.7%), AM (73.5%) and AC (100%) samples showed diverse patterns of immunohistochemical positivity for caveolin-1, while only one gingival sample was positive. The transcript levels of cav-1 were significantly upregulated by 14.9-fold in AM tissue (P = ...
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Tissue engineering is a multidisciplinary scientific area that has the therapeutic purpose of restoring, replacing, or increasing the functional activities of organic tissues. Objective: This work aims to review the literature on tissue... more
Tissue engineering is a multidisciplinary scientific area that has the therapeutic purpose of restoring, replacing, or increasing the functional activities of organic tissues. Objective: This work aims to review the literature on tissue engineering in oral and maxillofacial procedures. Methods: A bibliographic search was conducted in PubMed MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and LILACS, using the terms “stem cells,” “bone regeneration,” and “tissue growth factors.” Results: In total, 193 positive results were obtained, of which 24 were used for this paper. Discussion: Several biomaterials capable of promoting bone neoformation have been described. They need to be adequately manipulated and have the right architecture and achieve the synergy of the various properties. Conclusions: Scaffolds have the widest uses, and selecting one does not depend on the material itself.
José Verocay (Paysandú 1876 - Eichwald/Dubí, Bohemia 1927) was a Uruguayan anatomopathologist, recognized worldwide as "Prague's pathologist" (Fig. 1). In 1910, he described, for the first time, the morphological structure... more
José Verocay (Paysandú 1876 - Eichwald/Dubí, Bohemia 1927) was a Uruguayan anatomopathologist, recognized worldwide as "Prague's pathologist" (Fig. 1). In 1910, he described, for the first time, the morphological structure later called Verocay's bodies, which are used for diagnosing schwannoma. He spent the end of the XIXth century and the beginning of XXth century in Charles-Ferdinand University in Prague. During the last years of his life, he tried unsuccessfully to reintegrate himself into the Uruguayan academic community. In 1927, he passed away in Eichwald, Teplitz district, Bohemia. Keywords: Prague's pathologist - Veroca y - Verocay's bodies.
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Most body tissues are found in a constant renovation process, modulated by a large number of proteins that induce tissue synthesis and degradation over time. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of 25 zinc-dependent... more
Most body tissues are found in a constant renovation process, modulated by a large number of proteins that induce tissue synthesis and degradation over time. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of 25 zinc-dependent endopeptidases in charge of the cleavage of the immediate components of the extracellular matrix. Certain MMPs, especially MMP-2 and MMP-9, are related to the development of dental germ as well as odontogenic tumor invasion and proliferation. They are a significant factor in tumor aggressiveness and possible treatments. Moreover, both MMPs participate in the progression of dental caries and apical periodontitis in patients with necrotic pulp. Several periodontal pathogens promote the secretion of both MMP-2 and MMP-9, increasing the destruction of periodontal tissues, which is closely linked to the progression of the disease. High levels of these MMPs are found in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, not only in the compression side but also on the tension...
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Presence of parathyroid hormone related protein (PTHrP) might suggest that ameloblastomas recapitulate features of the enamel epithelium and induce bone resorption, which would facilitate their growth and local invasion. The aim of this... more
Presence of parathyroid hormone related protein (PTHrP) might suggest that ameloblastomas recapitulate features of the enamel epithelium and induce bone resorption, which would facilitate their growth and local invasion. The aim of this study was to determine the expression of PTHrP in ameloblastomas. An observational research study was designed including 39 cases of histologically diagnosed ameloblastomas (39 out of 42 patients gave consent for the use of their medical records and all data required for this study). Gender, age, tumor location, histological type and subtype of the tumor were recorded and PTHrP expression was determined by indirect immunohistochemistry using monoclonal anti-human PTHrP (1D1 / Santa Cruz Biotechnology). Protein expression and intensity were evaluated under light microscope and finally data recorded and statistically analyzed. This research was approved by the Caracas West General Hospital review board. 39 cases of ameloblastomas were evenly distribute...
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Actinic prurigo (AP) is an idiopathic photodermatosis; the initial manifestations usually occur during the first decades of life but can appear at any age. Cases are usually diagnosed late once the lesions have exacerbated; due to the... more
Actinic prurigo (AP) is an idiopathic photodermatosis; the initial manifestations usually occur during the first decades of life but can appear at any age. Cases are usually diagnosed late once the lesions have exacerbated; due to the extensive involvement of the vermilion border and the etiology, it has been confused with and related to a potentially malignant process. Syndecan-1 and E-cadherin were positive in the epidermis, with moderate-to-intense staining in 100% of samples. Ki67 and MCM3 were expressed in the lower third of the epidermis and showed greater immunolabeling in samples that contained lymphoid follicles (Ki 67: epidermis [17.7% ± 6.79%] and dermis [7.73% ± 6.69%]; MCM3: epidermis [22.92% ± 10.12%] and dermis [6.13% ± 6.27%]). In conclusión AP is a disease in which there is no evidence that the lesions are potentially cancerous. AP cheilitis should not be confused with actinic cheilitis because they are separate entities.
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Ameloblastomas are a group of benign, locally aggressive, recurrent tumors characterized by their slow and infiltrative growth. E-Cadherin and syndecan-1 are cell adhesion molecules related to the behavior of various tumors, including... more
Ameloblastomas are a group of benign, locally aggressive, recurrent tumors characterized by their slow and infiltrative growth. E-Cadherin and syndecan-1 are cell adhesion molecules related to the behavior of various tumors, including ameloblastomas. Ninety-nine ameloblastoma samples were studied; the expression of E-cadherin and syndecan-1 were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. E-Cadherin and epithelial syndecan-1 were more highly expressed in intraluminal/luminal unicystic ameloblastoma than in mural unicystic ameloblastoma and solid/multicystic ameloblastoma, whereas the stromal expression of syndecan-1 was higher in mural unicystic ameloblastoma and solid/multicystic ameloblastoma. Synchronicity was observed between E-cadherin and epithelial syndecan-1; the expression was correlated with intensity in all cases. There was a strong association between expression and tumor size and recurrence. The evaluation of the expression of E-cadherin and syndecan-1 are important for determin...
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Primordial odontogenic tumour (POT) is a rare benign mixed epithelial and mesenchymal odontogenic tumour. POT is composed of dental papilla-like tissue covered with cuboidal to columnar epithelium that resembles to inner and outer enamel... more
Primordial odontogenic tumour (POT) is a rare benign mixed epithelial and mesenchymal odontogenic tumour. POT is composed of dental papilla-like tissue covered with cuboidal to columnar epithelium that resembles to inner and outer enamel epithelium of the enamel organ without dental hard tissue formation. The aim of this study was to examine pathogenesis of POT based on tumourigenesis and odontogenesis. Six cases of POT were submitted for study. DNA analysis and transcriptome analysis were performed by next-generation sequencing. Expression of amelogenin, ameloblastin and dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) was examined by immunohistochemistry. There were no gene mutations detected in any of analysed 151 cancer- and 42 odontogenesis-associated genes. Enamel protein-coding genes of Amelx, Ambn and Enam, and dentin protein-coding genes of Col1a1, Dspp, Nes and Dmp1 were expressed, whereas expression of dentinogenesis-associated genes of Bglap, Ibsp and Nfic was negative or very weak sug...
Research Interests: Dentistry, Biology, Medicine, Amelogenin, Dentinogenesis, and 3 moreOral Diseases, Dentin, and Odontoblast
Solid/conventional ameloblastoma (AM) and unicystic ameloblastoma (UAM) are the most frequent benign epithelial odontogenic tumors located in the maxillary region, and their treatment usually consists of extensive surgical resection.... more
Solid/conventional ameloblastoma (AM) and unicystic ameloblastoma (UAM) are the most frequent benign epithelial odontogenic tumors located in the maxillary region, and their treatment usually consists of extensive surgical resection. Therefore, it is relevant to study molecular markers to better understand the biological behavior of these tumors. The aim of this study was to describe and compare the expression of proteins related to cellular proliferation: Ki-67 and MCM4-6 complex. An immunohistochemistry technique was performed, with antibodies against Ki-67, MCM4, MCM5, and MCM6, in 10 AM and 10 UAM tumors. The results were quantified using label index and analyzed statistically. AM and UAM had greater expression of MCM6, followed by MCM5, MCM4, and Ki-67 ( P < .05). Immunoexpression of Ki-67 and MCM5 was exclusively nuclear, whereas the expression of MCM4 and MCM6 was nuclear and cytoplasmic. The results suggest that MCM5 is a trustable cell proliferation marker with higher se...
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Primordial odontogenic tumor (POT) is composed of variably cellular myxoid connective tissue, surrounded by cuboidal to columnar odontogenic epithelium resembling the inner epithelium of the enamel organ, which often invaginates into the... more
Primordial odontogenic tumor (POT) is composed of variably cellular myxoid connective tissue, surrounded by cuboidal to columnar odontogenic epithelium resembling the inner epithelium of the enamel organ, which often invaginates into the underlying connective tissue. The tumor is delimited at least partially by a thin fibrous capsule. It derives from the early stages of tooth development. Syndecan-1 is a heparan sulfate proteoglycan that has a physiological role in several cellular functions, including maintenance of the epithelial architecture, cell-to-cell adhesion and interaction of cells with extracellular matrix, and with diverse growth factors, stimulating cell proliferation. Ki-67 is considered the gold standard as a cell proliferation marker. The aim of this study was to examine the expression of Syndecan-1 and Ki-67 proliferation index in POT and normal tooth germs to better understand the biological behavior of this tumor. Results showed that Syndecan-1 was more intensely ...
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Ameloblastoma is a common and unpredictable odontogenic tumor with high relapse rates. Several studies assessing the proliferative capacity of these neoplasms have been published, mainly using the protein Ki-67. Cell counts must be... more
Ameloblastoma is a common and unpredictable odontogenic tumor with high relapse rates. Several studies assessing the proliferative capacity of these neoplasms have been published, mainly using the protein Ki-67. Cell counts must be completed to determine the cell proliferation rate. Multiple methods have been developed for this purpose. The most widely used method is the labeling index, which has undergone changes over time to better facilitate cell counting. Here, we compared manual cell counting methods with automated cell counting (ImmunoRatio) to determine the relative effectiveness of these methods. The results suggest that ImmunoRatio, a free software tool, may be highly advantageous and provide results similar to manual cell counting methods when used with the appropriate calibration. However, ImmunoRatio has flaws that may affect the labeling index results. Therefore, this automated cell counting method must be supplemented with manual cell counting methods.