Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology最新文献

{"title":"Prevalence of oral diseases in severe psoriatic patients: A cross-sectional study.","authors":"Simranjit Singh, Pratibha Ramani, Nadathur Doraiswamy Jayakumar, Muskan Vaid, Rose Kanwaljeet Kaur, Sandeep Pritam","doi":"10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_65_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_65_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Psoriasis is a prevalent chronic inflammatory disorder that affects multiple systems. While the skin and joint symptoms of this condition are well established, the existence of oral manifestations associated with psoriasis is still debated.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The aim of our study is to determine the presence of oral abnormalities in patients with severe psoriasis and their association with the clinical characteristics of the disease.</p><p><strong>Materials and method: </strong>We conducted a study involving patients clinically diagnosed with severe psoriasis and a healthy control group. The focus of the study was the detection of abnormal oral mucosa during the initial visit. These included presence of fissured tongue, geographic tongue, periodontitis, angular cheilitis, fibroma, denture stomatitis. Secondary variables were age and gender.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Patients with severe psoriasis showed a higher occurrence of oral mucosal lesions compared to the control group. Our study showed a higher prevalence of fissured tongue, geographic tongue and periodontitis in psoriasis group as compared to the control group. Other oral lesions like Angular cheilitis, fibroma, denture stomatitis had relatively low prevalence in psoriasis group vs control group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Individuals with psoriasis exhibit a higher prevalence of oral abnormalities, particularly fissured tongue, geographic tongue, and periodontitis. Thus, we believe that oral examinations are essential for all psoriasis patients. Routine oral assessments should be conducted irrespective of the onset, type, or location of the psoriasis. In uncertain cases, a biopsy may assist in achieving a precise diagnosis. Early identification and intervention could enhance the quality of life for these patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":38846,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology","volume":"29 2","pages":"216-221"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12283033/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144699761","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The role of accreditation and quality control in enhancing laboratory practices: A perspective from NABL accredited oral pathology laboratory.","authors":"N Sivakumar, Kiran Jot, Sharanjeet Kaur, Ritu Thakur, Varun Surya, Deepika Mishra","doi":"10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_56_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_56_25","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":38846,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology","volume":"29 2","pages":"340-342"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12283031/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144699762","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Desmoglein 1 and 3 as potential markers of occult lymph node metastasis in oral cancer.","authors":"Yellarthi Pavan Kumar, Arvind Muthukrishnan, Venkata Madhavi Bellala, Bellala Ravi Shankar, Sandhya Pavankumar, Divya Uppala","doi":"10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_19_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_19_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The majority of oral cancers are oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC). The successful management of OSCC depends on early detection, timely intervention, and prevention of distant metastasis. Metastasis is an important aspect of OSCC-related deaths. Diagnosis of cervical lymph node metastasis is an essential requirement for clinical staging and treatment and is now widely accepted as an important factor in the prognosis of OSCCs. Roles of desmosomal cadherins desmoglein 1 (DSG1) and desmoglein 3 (DSG3) have been extensively studied and DSG3 is known to be a squamous-specific protein marker that is expressed specifically in the positive lymph nodes, and hence a potential marker for detecting occult lymph nodes, however, no conclusive evidence is established. The objective of this study was to assess DSG1 and DSG3 as potential biomarkers of lymph node metastasis.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A total of 50 archival lymph node blocks, both positive and negative neck nodes of the patients treated for OSCC, were used for the assessment of DSG1 and 3 expressions by immunohistochemistry (IHC) following their histopathological examination. The assessment of IHC staining was conducted by two independent maxillofacial pathologists as per the grading criteria in all the lymph node sections.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total number of 88 nodes were assessed, of which 27 were positive on histopathological assessment. DSG1 and DSG3 positivity were noted and varied between 11.4-12.5% and between 20.5-22.7% of positive nodes, respectively, between the observers. Cronbach's alpha was calculated for interobserver reliability for positive identification of metastatic lymph nodes. Area under curve (AUC) values for DSG1 were 0.478 and 0.02 for DSG3, and not so statistically significant value for DSG1 was obtained (<i>P</i> > 0.05) compared to DSG3 (<i>P</i> = 0.000).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Current study results do not confirm the roles of DSG1 and 3 as potential markers for occult lymph node metastasis, and hence, the reliability of their roles may require further studies along with other markers of lymph node metastasis. Even though overexpression of DSG3 and partial expression of DSG1 in OSCC is seen, further studies may be required to confirm them either as a diagnostic or prognostic marker which can be useful for future management in cases of radical neck dissections.</p>","PeriodicalId":38846,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology","volume":"29 2","pages":"228-235"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12283034/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144699802","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Estimation of Vitamin B12 level and serum iron in OSMF patients-A case-controlled study.","authors":"Samadrita Paul, Balaji Pachipulusu, Chandra Poornima, Govindraju Poornima, H C Girish, V K Varsha","doi":"10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_316_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_316_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>To estimate the Vitamin B12 level and serum iron levels in Oral Submucous Fibrosis patients as compared to healthy individuals.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Out of the total forty (40) participants, twenty had positive history for tobacco chewing (cases) with burning sensations, blanching, stiffness of the oral mucosa and reduced mouth opening. The other twenty participants were healthy individuals (controls) in the same age and gender. Serum iron and vitamin B12 profile has been estimated in all individuals to compare and correlate between cases and controls.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Vitamin B12 levels were decreased in Oral Submucous Fibrosis and were found to be statistically significant (<i>P</i> = 0.014) as compared to healthy controls. A significant correlation was also found between the serum iron level in case group which is in significant moderate positive correlation (<i>ρ</i> =0.57) with vitamin B12, and it is statistically significant (<i>P</i> = 0.009) whereas in control group too serum iron level is also in significant moderate positive correlation (<i>ρ</i> =0.72) with vitamin B12, and it is statistically significant (<i>P</i> ≤ 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Serum vitamin B12 and iron levels in OSMF patients is significantly reduced and can be considered as a reliable biochemical indicator and may help in early diagnosis and prognosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":38846,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology","volume":"29 2","pages":"269-273"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12283048/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144699805","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Deoxyelephantopin induces cell death in oral cancer cells via the downregulation of AKT1-mTOR-mediated mechanisms.","authors":"Selvaraj Jayaraman, Vishnu Priya Veeraraghavan","doi":"10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_41_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_41_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Oral cancer, particularly oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), is a prevalent malignancy in Southeast Asia with low survival rates. Deoxyelephantopin (DET), a natural compound derived from <i>Elephantopus scaber Linn</i>. (<i>E. scaber</i>), has shown promising anti-cancer activity.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>By focussing on the AKT1/mTOR signalling pathway, which controls tumour cell proliferation and survival, this study explores the molecular underpinnings behind DET's therapeutic potential in OSCC.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong><i>In vitro</i> cytotoxicity of DET on human oral cancer cells (KB) was evaluated using the 3 (4,5 dimethylthiazol 2 yl) 2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection, and enzyme activity analysis. Apoptosis markers were assessed through cell morphology and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (q-RT-PCR) analysis of apoptotic gene expression. Bioinformatics and molecular docking studies identified potential targets of DET, evaluating its binding affinity to apoptotic and survival proteins.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The MTT assay showed that DET inhibited KB oral cancer cell growth in a dose-dependent manner, increasing oxidative stress and reducing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities. RT-PCR revealed a shift in gene expression, with upregulation of pro-apoptotic genes (BAX, CASP-3, CASP-6, and CASP-9) and downregulation of anti-apoptotic genes, confirming mTOR pathway inhibition. Molecular docking indicated strong binding affinities between DET and key apoptotic and survival proteins. MD simulations showed strong stability for protein target against DET.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>DET effectively disrupts AKT1/mTOR signalling, inducing apoptosis and oxidative stress in OSCC cells. Its high biocompatibility (SWISS-ADME) and strong molecular interactions support its potential as a novel therapeutic agent for OSCC. This integrative approach provides valuable insights into DET's mechanism of action, paving the way for pre-clinical and clinical applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":38846,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology","volume":"29 2","pages":"193-205"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12283040/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144699801","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Vitamin C as a probable inhibitor of tyrosinase (Tyr) and tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP-1) in human gingiva: An analytical study.","authors":"Rizwan M Sanadi, Revati Shailesh Deshmukh, Alka Dinesh Kale, Verdine Virginia Antony, Salika Sheikh","doi":"10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_310_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_310_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Vitamin C is a water-soluble substance naturally occurring in citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwifruit, guava, etc., It is required for formation of collagen, healing of wounds, maintaining the health of blood vessels, ligaments, and bones. Vitamin C inhibits the tyrosinase (Tyr) enzyme and reduces melanin synthesis. Tyrosinase along with tyrosinase related protein- 1 and 2 (TRP-1 & TRP-2) are required for melanin synthesis. Hence this study was conducted to assess the effect of Vitamin C on Tyr and TRP-1 in human gingiva.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To assess the effect of Vitamin C on tyrosinase and TRP-1 levels in individuals with moderate to heavy gingival melanin hyperpigmentation.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Individuals with complaint of black gums were included. Informed consent was obtained. Initial treatment of scaling and root planing was conducted and they were recalled after 2 weeks. The gingival depigmentation was performed by scalpel technique. The excised layer of epithelial tissue was sent to the laboratory to assess the Tyr and TRP-1 levels. Subsequently, Vitamin C was administered at monthly interval for 6 months. Tyr and TRP-1 levels were assessed at the end of 1 year follow-up.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The levels of Tyr and TRP-1 in gingival tissue at baseline and at the end of one year follow-up are shown in the table and graph. Tyr and TRP-1 levels were reduced after vitamin C administration.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Vitamin C administration resulted in reduction of tyrosinase and TRP-1 levels in human gingiva at 1 year follow-up indicating that Vitamin C is a probable inhibitor of melanin synthesis.</p>","PeriodicalId":38846,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology","volume":"29 2","pages":"281-285"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12283051/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144699818","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Correlation of the WPOI and clinicopathological parameters in tongue OSCC patients.","authors":"Priyadharshini Muthumanickam, Gheena Sukumaran, Pratibha Ramani","doi":"10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_6_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_6_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the third most common head and neck malignancy, with tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) being highly aggressive due to its vascular and lymphatic supply. This study examines the correlation between the worst pattern of invasion (WPOI) and Ki-67 expression in TSCC to improve prognosis and treatment strategies.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A retrospective analysis of 51 TSCC specimens (2021-2024) assessed clinicopathological data, WPOI classification, and Ki-67 expression using immunohistochemistry. Statistical correlations were evaluated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study showed a male predominance (mean age 53 years), with non-healing ulcers on the lateral tongue as the most common presentation. High-risk WPOI patterns correlated with advanced disease and metastasis (<i>P</i> < 0.001). Ki-67 expression averaged 45% in aggressive cases, but no significant correlation was found between WPOI and extranodal extension.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>WPOI and Ki-67 are crucial markers for TSCC aggressiveness, aiding in risk stratification and personalized treatment. Further validation in larger cohorts is needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":38846,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology","volume":"29 2","pages":"166-171"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12283047/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144699800","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Detection and quantification of <i>Fusobacterium nucleatum</i> and <i>Porphyromonas gingivalis</i> in salivary samples of gutka and non-gutka users- 'A pilot study'.","authors":"Vidya M Annegowda, Krishnanand P Satelur, B C Thejas Shekar, Kavita Rao","doi":"10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_17_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_17_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Context: </strong>Gutka, a form of smokeless tobacco, is widely consumed and has been associated with adverse oral health effects, including changes in the oral microbiome. <i>Fusobacterium nucleatum</i> and <i>Porphyromonas gingivalis</i> are prominent oral pathogens linked to periodontal diseases and oral carcinogenesis. The study aims to understand the microbial profile of gutka users by analysing salivary samples.</p><p><strong>Methods and material: </strong>This pilot study was conducted on 20 participants (Healthy individuals, gutka users with premalignant lesion and frank cancer). Unstimulated saliva samples were collected under aseptic conditions. Samples were cultured on selective media for <i>F. nucleatum</i> and <i>P. gingivalis</i> under anaerobic conditions. Colony morphology was used to identify and quantify the isolates. Statistical analysis compared the bacterial counts between the two groups. Statistical analysis T-tests and ANOVA were used.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Both <i>F. nucleatum</i> and <i>P. gingivalis</i> were isolated in higher proportions among gutka users. The mean colony-forming unit (CFU) count of <i>F. nucleatum</i> was significantly higher in gutka users compared to non-users. Similarly, <i>P. gingivalis</i> counts were elevated in gutka users CFU/ml) compared to non-users. The difference was statistically significant (<i>P</i> < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Gutka consumption is associated with increased salivary levels of <i>Fusobacterium nucleatum</i> and <i>Porphyromonas gingivalis</i>. These findings emphasize the role of smokeless tobacco in altering the oral microbiome and its potential contribution to oral diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":38846,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology","volume":"29 2","pages":"206-211"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12283035/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144699803","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of duration of fixation with formalin on mRNA expression using quantitative RT-PCR.","authors":"Hajira Khatoon, N S Sahana, T Suresh, Jyoti Tahasildar, S Renuga, Meghashyama Kulkarni","doi":"10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_178_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_178_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Analysis of mRNA in archival tissues using RT-qPCR has the potential to become an important element in diagnosis and research. There is uncertainty whether mRNA extraction and analyses from archival tissues are possible or not. This study will look for the possibility of mRNA extraction, RT-qPCR analysis, and standardization of the protocol using formalin fixed paraffin-embedded blocks.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>1. To determine the effect of 24-hour and 72-hour formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue on the quantity and quality of mRNA. 2. To compare the quantity and quality of mRNA in fresh frozen tissues. 3. To compare the extracted mRNA expression using RT-qPCR in the above groups.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>Twelve tissue samples were collected from patients undergoing minor surgical procedures and grossed into 3 bits. Each bit was placed in 24 hours of formalin and 72 hours of formalin, and the last bit was freezed in RNAlater at -80°C (positive controls), respectively. Routine tissue processing and sectioning was done followed by wax removal for the formalin-fixed tissues, and mRNA extraction using TRIzol method was done for all three groups. Extracted mRNA was quantified using Nanodrop spectrophotometer and its quality checked on mRNA TapeStation. cDNA synthesis was done followed by RT-qPCR analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>mRNA could be isolated with satisfactory quantity in all three groups. mRNA quality was significantly low for formalin-fixed tissues. But the RT-qPCR values of the two formalin groups were comparable to those obtained in fresh frozen tissues (<i>P</i> value = 0.00002).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>mRNA can be extracted from archives of paraffin tissue blocks that can be utilized to carry out enormous studies using RT-qPCR.</p>","PeriodicalId":38846,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology","volume":"29 2","pages":"186-192"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12283036/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144699804","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Fibulin-4 expression in potentially malignant disorders and squamous cell carcinoma of oral mucosa-An immunohistochemical study.","authors":"Karuppiah Karpagaselvi, Lokesh Papaiah, Roopavathi Keshavaiah, Jayalakshmi Kumarswamy","doi":"10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_35_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_35_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with India accounting for approximately one-fourth of global cases. OSCC often develops from oral potentially malignant disorders like leucoplakia, erythroplakia, and oral submucous fibrosis (OSF), each carrying varying risks for malignant transformation. Fibulin-4, a glycoprotein involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling, has been implicated in several cancers, but its role in oral tumours remains unexplored.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>Paraffin-embedded sections of oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) (<i>n</i> = 24), OSF (<i>n</i> = 23), OSCC (<i>n</i> = 23), and normal mucosa (<i>n</i> = 23) were analysed for immunohistochemical expression of Fibulin-4. Staining intensity and percentage of positive cells were evaluated with a semi-quantitative scoring system. Statistical analyses included Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-square, Mann-Whitney tests, and Kappa statistics to assess interobserver and intraobserver variability.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Significant differences in Fibulin-4 expression were noted across groups. OSCC and OED displayed high proportions of strong Fibulin-4 expression (76-100%), while OSF showed distinct staining patterns mainly in the middle and upper tissue layers. Higher grades of staining intensity were observed in leucoplakia (82.6% were grade 2), OSMF (83.3% were grade 2), and OSCC groups (65.2% were grade 2) than the control group (78% were grade 1). The interobserver reliability and interobserver reproducibility of Fibulin-4 expression evaluated by kappa statistic was excellent( kappa ≥ 0.80). Fibulin-4 expression was high in OSCC, OED, OSF compared to normal oral mucosa and was statistically significant (<i>p</i><0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Fibulin-4 expression varies significantly across normal mucosa, OED, OSF, and OSCC, suggesting its potential role in oral carcinogenesis and ECM dynamics. Elevated Fibulin-4 expression in OSCC and OED highlights its potential as a biomarker for malignant transformation. Further research is needed to clarify its role and explore its potential as a therapeutic target in oral cancer.</p>","PeriodicalId":38846,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology","volume":"29 2","pages":"248-253"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12283056/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144699807","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}