Immunohistochemical expression of SPARC in odontogenic keratocysts: a comparative study with other odontogenic cysts
Sopee Poomsawat1, Sirada Choakdeewanitthumrong1, Sirima Sanguansin2
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, 6 Yothi Street, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
Background:
Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) has been shown to modulate aggressive behavior in several benign and malignant tumors. Little is known about SPARC expression in odontogenic keratocyst (OKC), an odontogenic cyst with an aggressive nature. To the best of our knowledge, only one study has been investigated the expression of this protein in OKCs. This study aimed to characterize SPARC expression in OKCs. Additionally, to determine whether SPARC is associated with aggressive behavior in OKCs, SPARC expression in OKCs was compared with radicular cysts (RCs), dentigerous cysts (DCs) and calcifying odontogenic cysts (COCs). These odontogenic cysts showed no or less aggressive behavior.
Methods:
SPARC expression was evaluated in 38 OKCs, 39 RCs, 35 DCs and 14 COCs using immunohistochemistry. The percentages of positive cells and the intensities of immunostaining in the epithelial lining and the cystic wall were evaluated and scored.
Results:
Generally, OKCs showed similar staining patterns to RCs, DCs and COCs. In the epithelial lining, SPARC was not detected, except for ghost cells in all COCs. In the cystic wall, the majority of positive cells were fibroblasts. Compared between 4 groups of odontogenic cysts, SPARC expression in OKCs was significantly higher than those of RCs (P < 0.001), DCs (P < 0.001) and COCs (P = 0.001).
Conclusions:
A significant increase of SPARC expression in OKCs compared with RCs, DCs and COCs suggests that SPARC may play a role in the aggressive behavior of OKCs.
Insights
Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) expression is significantly higher in odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) compared to other cyst types. This finding suggests SPARC may contribute to the aggressive nature of OKCs.
Area of Science:
- Oral pathology
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) influences tumor aggressiveness.
- Odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) exhibits aggressive behavior, but SPARC's role is understudied.
- Limited research exists on SPARC expression in OKCs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize SPARC expression in OKCs.
- To compare SPARC expression in OKCs with less aggressive odontogenic cysts.
- To investigate the association between SPARC and OKC's aggressive behavior.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry used to evaluate SPARC expression.
- SPARC was assessed in 38 OKCs, 39 radicular cysts (RCs), 35 dentigerous cysts (DCs), and 14 calcifying odontogenic cysts (COCs).
- Staining intensity and percentage of positive cells in the epithelial lining and cystic wall were scored.
Main Results:
- SPARC was generally not detected in the epithelial lining, except in COCs' ghost cells.
- Fibroblasts in the cystic wall were the primary SPARC-positive cells.
- OKCs exhibited significantly higher SPARC expression in the cystic wall compared to RCs, DCs, and COCs.
Conclusions:
- Elevated SPARC expression in OKCs compared to other cysts.
- SPARC may play a role in the aggressive behavior of odontogenic keratocysts.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate SPARC's specific mechanisms in OKC progression.
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