Abstract: Background: The morphological similarities between fibrous papules of the face and multiple sporadic oral fibromas were mentioned long ago and a relationship between them has been reported in the literature. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the participation of mast cells, elastin and collagen in a series of oral fibromas and fibrous papules of the face in order to better understand the possible role of these factors in fibrosis and the formation of these lesions. Methods: Thirty cases of oral fibroma involving the buccal mucosa and 30 cases of fibrous papules of the face were selected. Tissue samples were submitted to picrosirius red staining and immunohistochemistry using anti-elastin and anti-tryptase antibodies. Results: The percentage of tryptase-positive mast cells and expression of elastin were higher in cases of fibrous papules of the face (p < 0.05). In contrast, a higher intensity of collagen deposition was observed in oral fibromas. The results showed mast cell accumulation and higher elastin synthesis in fibrous papules of the face, and mast cell accumulation with higher collagen fiber synthesis in oral fibromas. Conclusion: These findings support the hypothesis that mast cells influence the development and growth of these lesions through different mechanisms.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important role in the regulation of biological events such as the development of cell migration, proliferation and differentiation. Chronic sun exposure causes changes present in the ECM of actinic cheilitis (AC), a premalignant lesion of the lower lip which helps to understand the carcinogenesis of the lip. This study aimed to investigate elastin, the main component of solar elastosis alternating current in an attempt to establish the relationship between this protein and ECM in epithelial dysplasia. Paraffin embedded tissue sections of the lesions of 35 cases of AC were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for elastin, and became the association with the degree of epithelial dysplasia and age. Highest scores of elastin (+3) was predominant in 45.7% of cases of AC, especially in cases of severe dysplasia (n = 3). When comparing the scores of elastin between the different grades of epithelial dysplasia showed no significant difference (P> 0.05, Kruskal-Wallis). This study was not able to demonstrate the influence of elastin on the severity of epithelial dysplasia in AC. Additional studies on other ECM proteins must be conducted in an attempt to better understand the mechanism of malignant progression of the AC.

La matriz extracelular (MEC) juega un papel importante en la regulación de los eventos biológicos, tales como, el desarrollo de la migración celular, proliferación y diferenciación. La exposición solar crónica provoca cambios presentes en la MRC de la queilitis actínica (QA), una lesión premaligna del labio inferior que contribuye a entender la carcinogénesis del labio. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar la elastina, el componente principal de la elastosis solar en corriente alterna en un intento de establecer la relación entre esta proteína y la MEC en displasia epitelial. Se incluyeron en parafina cortes de tejido de las lesiones de 35 casos de QC fueron analizadas mediante técnicas de inmunohistoquímica para elastina, y se hizo la asociación con los grados de displasia epitelial y la edad. La más alta puntuación de la elastina (+3) fue predominante en el 45,7% de los casos de QA, especialmente en los casos de displasia severa (n = 3). Al comparar las puntuaciones de elastina entre los diferentes grados de displasia epitelial, no mostró diferencia significativa (P> 0,05, Kruskall-Wallis). Este estudio no fue capaz de demostrar la influencia de la elastina sobre gravedad de la displasia epitelial en QA. Estudios adicionales sobre otras proteínas de la MEC deben llevarse a cabo en un intento por comprender mejor el mecanismo de progresión maligna de la QC.

O propósito desse estudo foi investigar os aspectos histopatológicos de cistos radiculares diagnosticados em uma população brasileira. Setenta e três casos de cistos radiculares entre 1480 biópsias diagnosticadas na Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Federal da Bahia, entre 2001 e 2008, foram investigados, considerando os seus aspectos histopatológicos. Os resultados morfológicos mostraram que os achados mais comuns foram a exocitose (n=50), espongiose (n=40), acantose (n=28), epitélio atrófico (n=27) e células apoptóticas (n=21). Outros achados encontrados incluíram macrófagos espumosos (n=10), corpúsculos de Russell (n=7), imagens negativas de colesterol (n=7) e restos epiteliais odontogênicos semelhantes à tecido glandular (n=1). Material exógeno foi observado em 16 casos. Concluiu-se que os aspectos histopatológicos e clínicos observados foram comparáveis a outros descritos em outras populações.

The aim of this study was to investigate the histopathological features of radicular cysts (RCs) diagnosed in a Brazilian population. Seventy-three cases of RCs, from a total of 1480 biopsies diagnosed between 2001 and 2008 at the Laboratory of Oral Surgical Pathology of the Dental School of the Federal University of Bahia were investigated regarding their histopathological features. Morphological results showed that exocytosis (n=50), spongiosis (n=40), acanthosis (n=28), atrophic epithelium (n=27) and apoptotic bodies (n=21) were the most common findings. Other morphological findings included: foamy macrophages (n=10), Russell’s bodies (n=7), cholesterol crystals (n=7) and glandular-like odontogenic epithelial rests (n=1). Evidence of exogenous material was seen in 16 samples. It was concluded that the clinical and histopathological findings observed in Brazilian patients were comparable with those described for other populations.

INTRODUÇÃO: Tumor odontogênico queratocístico (TOQ) é uma lesão odontogênica de caráter distinto que afeta frequentemente ossos maxilares. Células de Langerhans (CLs) são células dendríticas especializadas, responsáveis pela apresentação de antígenos aos linfócitos T nas superfícies cutânea e mucosa. OBJETIVO: Este estudo analisou a expressão imuno-histoquímica das CLs em lesões de TOQ. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Quinze casos de TOQ foram estudados utilizando o marcador anti-CD1a. RESULTADOS: As CLs foram observadas em todos os 15 casos analisados. Essas células estavam concentradas em áreas de hiperplasia do epitélio cístico, especialmente naquelas que apresentavam alta concentração de células inflamatórias. Em adição, foi encontrada associação significativa entre número de CLs e áreas do epitélio cístico que apresentavam hiperplasia (Mann-Whitney test, p = 0.0223). O formato e a localização dessas células no epitélio dos TOQs foram variáveis. CONCLUSÃO: O menor número de CLs encontrado no revestimento cístico atrófico dos TOQs pode ser atribuído à imunovigilância deficiente e isso pode resultar em comportamento biológico localmente agressivo.

INTRODUCTION: Keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KOTs) are distinct odontogenic lesions commonly affecting the mandible bones. Langerhans cells (LCs) are specialized dendritic cells responsible for the presentation of antigens to T lymphocytes in mucosal and cutaneous surfaces. OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed the immunohistochemical expression of LCs in KOTs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen cases of KOTs were studied using the anti-CD1a marker. Results: LCs were observed in all 15 cases analyzed. They were found to be concentrated in areas of cystic epithelial hyperplasia, mainly in those areas presenting higher concentration of inflammatory cells. Furthermore, a significant association between the number of LCs and areas of cystic epithelium presenting hyperplasia (Mann-Whitney test, p = 0.0223) was observed. The shape and location of these cells in KOTs epithelium were variable. CONCLUSION: The lower number of LCs observed on atrophic cystic epithelium of KOTs may be due to decreased epithelial immunosurveillance and this may result in locally aggressive invasiveness.

OBJETIVO: O presente estudo se propôs a revisar uma série de casos de ameloblastomas, observando-se as suas características clinicopatológicas e demográficas. Adicionalmente, os dados foram comparados com estudos prévios. METODOLOGIA: Setenta casos de ameloblastomas foram recuperados dos arquivos do serviço de Patologia Cirúrgica da Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Federal da Bahia e analisados quanto a idade, sexo, manifestação clínica, aspecto radiográfico, distribuição anatômica e subtipo histológico. Esses dados foram submetidos à análise estatística. RESULTADOS: Dos 70 casos, 35 (50%) acometeram o sexo masculino e 35 (50%) o sexo feminino. Os adultos jovens foram os mais afetados pelos tumores. A mandíbula foi o sítio preferencial, correspondendo a 56 casos (80%) do total dos tumores analisados. O principal subtipo histológico encontrado foi o ameloblastoma unicístico, que acorreu em 35 casos. A maioria dos tumores [n=57 (81,4%)] foi tratada cirurgicamente de forma radical. Dados em relação ao aspecto clínico e distribuição anatômica apresentaram-se estatisticamente significantes (P<0,001). CONCLUSÃO: O perfil clínico- epidemiológico dos pacientes do presente estudo é similar ao de outras populações, sendo que o ameloblastoma unicístico é o subtipo histológico mais comum em nossa população.

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to review a series of ameloblastoma cases by observing their clinicopathological and demographic characteristics. The data in this study were compared to previous studies. METHODS: Seventy ameloblastoma cases were obtained from the archive of the Surgical Pathology Service of the Dental School of the Federal University of Bahia and were analyzed with regards to age, gender, clinical manifestation, radiographic aspect, anatomical distribution and histological subtype. These data were submitted to statistical analysis. RESULTS: Of the 70 cases, 35 (50%) occurred in males and 35 (50%) in females. Young adults were most affected by tumors. Fifty-six (80%) of all tumor cases occurred in the jaw. The main histological subtype seen was unicystic ameloblastoma, which occurred in 35 cases. The majority of the tumors [n=57 (81.4%)] were treated with radical surgery. The differences in clinical aspects and anatomical distribution were shown to be statistically significant (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The clinical-epidemiological profile of the patients in the present study is similar to that in other populations, with unicystic ameloblastoma being the most common histological subtype seen.

Este estudo transversal descreve a ocorrência de maus-tratos em uma delegacia de proteção a crianças e adolescentes em Salvador, Bahia, entre 1997 e 1999. Dados sociodemográficos e físicos das vítimas, agressores e denunciantes foram investigados a partir de uma amostra de 2.073 casos. As vítimas apresentaram idades entre 0 e 18 anos, 56,1% do sexo feminino. De todas as manifestações de maus-tratos, exceto o abuso físico, prevaleceram as sobre o sexo feminino. O subgrupo de pré-adolescentes foi o mais atingido. O tipo de maltrato mais freqüente foi o abuso físico (64,7%). Lesões corporais ocorreram em 22,2% dos casos, a maioria concentrando-se na cabeça e pescoço (65,3%). Observou-se intensa participação do sexo masculino entre os agressores (71,8%). Houve correlação positiva entre sexo feminino e abuso sexual e o sexo masculino e abuso físico, inclusive de forma mais severa em relação à presença de lesões corporais. As denúncias foram feitas pelos pais das vítimas (72,9%), sendo o sexo feminino mais freqüente. Neste estudo, não foi identificada nenhuma denúncia realizada pelos profissionais de saúde, refletindo maior necessidade de comprometimento destes na problemática, conforme as recomendações da política de redução da morbimortalidade por acidentes e violência.

This cross-sectional study describes the occurrences of maltreatment recorded over three years (1997-1999) in a Brazilian Police Department for the Protection of the Child and the Adolescent. Socio-demographic and physical data of victims, aggressors and denouncers were investigated in a sample consisting of 2073 cases. The victims were aged between 0-18 years, of which 56.1% were girls. Data were entered into EPI INFO 2000 software and analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test to determine significant differences (p<0.05). All manifestations of abuse, except physical abuse, tend to occur more frequently in females, and tend to be more prevalent in the 11-to-15 year-old subgroup. Physical abuse was the most common offense (64.7%). Injuries of face and jaw were found in 65.3% of the cases. Most of the aggressors were males (71.8%). There was a positive correlation between gender (female) and sexual abuse. Physical violence against boys was more intensive, as indicated by the presence of more severe body lesions. Health professionals should increase their diagnostic skills and raise the awareness of their communities to take action for reducing the incidence and the impact of violence upon children and adolescents.

Este estudo transversal descreve a ocorrência de maus-tratos em uma delegacia de proteção a crianças e adolescentes em Salvador, Bahia, entre 1997 e 1999. Dados sociodemográficos e físicos das vítimas, agressores e denunciantes foram investigados a partir de uma amostra de 2.073 casos. As vítimas apresentaram idades entre 0 e 18 anos, 56,1% do sexo feminino. De todas as manifestações de maus-tratos, exceto o abuso físico, prevaleceram as sobre o sexo feminino. O subgrupo de pré-adolescentes foi o mais atingido. O tipo de maltrato mais freqüente foi o abuso físico (64,7%). Lesões corporais ocorreram em 22,2% dos casos, a maioria concentrando-se na cabeça e pescoço (65,3%). Observou-se intensa participação do sexo masculino entre os agressores (71,8%). Houve correlação positiva entre sexo feminino e abuso sexual e o sexo masculino e abuso físico, inclusive de forma mais severa em relação à presença de lesões corporais. As denúncias foram feitas pelos pais das vítimas (72,9%), sendo o sexo feminino mais freqüente. Neste estudo, não foi identificada nenhuma denúncia realizada pelos profissionais de saúde, refletindo maior necessidade de comprometimento destes na problemática, conforme as recomendações da política de redução da morbimortalidade por acidentes e violência.

This cross-sectional study describes the occurrences of maltreatment recorded over three years (1997-1999) in a Brazilian Police Department for the Protection of the Child and the Adolescent. Socio-demographic and physical data of victims, aggressors and denouncers were investigated in a sample consisting of 2073 cases. The victims were aged between 0-18 years, of which 56.1% were girls. Data were entered into EPI INFO 2000 software and analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test to determine significant differences (p<0.05). All manifestations of abuse, except physical abuse, tend to occur more frequently in females, and tend to be more prevalent in the 11-to-15 year-old subgroup. Physical abuse was the most common offense (64.7%). Injuries of face and jaw were found in 65.3% of the cases. Most of the aggressors were males (71.8%). There was a positive correlation between gender (female) and sexual abuse. Physical violence against boys was more intensive, as indicated by the presence of more severe body lesions. Health professionals should increase their diagnostic skills and raise the awareness of their communities to take action for reducing the incidence and the impact of violence upon children and adolescents.

O cistadenoma de glândula salivar é uma neoplasia benigna incomum, que exibe projeções papilíferas intraluminais. Os autores descrevem um caso de cistadenoma localizado na mucosa jugal, discutindo os aspectos histomorfológicos e o diagnóstico diferencial desse tumor.

Cystadenoma of salivary glands is an uncommon benign neoplasm that presents intraluminal papillary projections. The authors describe one case of cystadenoma located in the buccal mucosa and highlight its histomorphological features and differential diagnosis.