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Updated: May 28, 2026

Isolation, Characterization and Functional Examination of the Gingival Immune Cell Network
Published on: February 16, 2016
Phenytoin-induced gingival overgrowth: a review of the molecular, immune, and inflammatory features
Jôice Dias Corrêa1, Celso Martins Queiroz-Junior, José Eustáquio Costa
1Department of Oral Surgery and Pathology, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
Abstract:
Gingival overgrowth (GO) is a side effect associated with some distinct classes of drugs, such as anticonvulsants, immunosuppressant, and calcium channel blockers. GO is characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix in gingival connective tissues, particularly collagenous components, with varying degrees of inflammation. One of the main drugs associated with GO is the antiepileptic phenytoin, which affects gingival tissues by altering extracellular matrix metabolism. Nevertheless, the pathogenesis of such drug-induced GO remains fulfilled by some contradictory findings. This paper aims to present the most relevant studies regarding the molecular, immune, and inflammatory aspects of phenytoin-induced gingival overgrowth.
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