Review: Ameloblastoma (AM), the most frequently reported tumor originating from odontogenic epithelium, is characterized by a benign but locally invasive behavior with a high risk of recurrence. Hybrid odontogenic tumors (HOTs) consist of two distinct and separable entities growing into single mass clinically as well as microscopically. The exact cause for such an occurrence is not clarified. Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a pivotal role in facilitating the migratory and invasive capabilities of many tumor cell types. E-cadherin functions as an invasion suppressor gene and its expression is decreased in most neoplasms while high osteopontin (OPN) expression is correlated with poor prognosis in different tumors.
Aim of study: The current study aimed to examine the expression of E-Cadherin and OPN in conventional multicystic ameloblastoma (CMAM) and hybrid ameloblastoma (HAM) and correlate their expression with local invasion and aggressive behavior in both lesions.
Material and Methods: Immunohistochemical expression of E cadherin and OPN was evaluated in 7 samples of CMAM cases and 7 samples of HAM.
Results: CMAM expression for E-cadherin and OPN, was significantly different from HAM (P-value ≤ 0.05), the CMAM showed the highest mean value for OPN (17.14±5.11) while HAM showed the higher mean value for E-cadherin expression (13.08±2.15) with statistically non-significant negative relation between E-cadherin and OPN (P-value >0.05) in both lesions.
Conclusion: The higher expression of OPN and lower expression of E-cadherin in CMAM in comparison with HAM indicate that CMAM has local invasion and more aggressive behavior than HAM.