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Mast cell density in oral submucous fibrosis: a possible role in pathogenesis
1Reader, Department Of Oral Pathology, Rajarajeshwari Dental College & Hospital, Bangalore.
Objective:
Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a premalignant condition of oral cavity characterized by inflammation and progressive mucosal fibrosis. It has questionable pathogenesis. Mast cells (MC) have been associated with variety of inflammatory and fibrotic conditions, but little is known about their role in OSMF. Mast cells have been studied in normal gingiva, chronic inflammatory gingivitis, desquamative gingivitis, lichen planus, OSMF and oral cancer. Mast cells exhibit phenotypic plasticity. There is variation in the mast cell mediators with the change in the microenvironment, which makes the study of this cell in various diseases interesting.
Study Design:
A retrospective study was conducted to find possible correlation between MC in 25 cases of OSF, 10 cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and 10 cases of normal buccal mucosa by means of acidified toluidine blue staining method.
Results:
The density of MC increased with disease progression. The densities of MC were significantly higher in OSMF than in normal buccal mucosa (p=0.001). The average numbers of MCs per square millimeter were 25, 49.50, 53.25 & 55.25 respectively.
Conclusion:
The results suggest that MC have a definite role in initiation and progression of OSMF.
Insights
Mast cells (MC) play a significant role in oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), a premalignant oral condition. Their density increases with disease progression, indicating involvement in OSMF initiation and development.
Area of Science:
- Oral pathology
- Cell biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a premalignant oral condition with unclear pathogenesis.
- Mast cells (MC) are implicated in inflammatory and fibrotic diseases, but their specific role in OSMF is not well-defined.
- MC exhibit phenotypic plasticity, with mediator variations influenced by the microenvironment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between mast cell density and the progression of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF).
- To compare mast cell presence in OSMF, oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and normal oral mucosa.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study analyzed 25 cases of OSMF, 10 cases of OSCC, and 10 cases of normal buccal mucosa.
- Acidified toluidine blue staining was employed to quantify mast cell density.
Main Results:
- Mast cell density was significantly higher in OSMF compared to normal buccal mucosa (p=0.001).
- MC densities per square millimeter were recorded as 25 in normal mucosa, 49.50 in OSMF, and higher in OSCC.
- A positive correlation was observed between mast cell density and disease progression in OSMF.
Conclusions:
- Mast cells (MC) appear to play a definitive role in both the initiation and progression of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF).
- Further research into MC-targeted therapies for OSMF may be warranted.
