Abstract
Background
Claudins are tight junction protein forming structural framework of cells. Altered claudin expression has been shown to affect behaviour ,progression and prognosis of the disease. The objectives of this study were to analyze the expression of claudin-1, -4 and − 7 in ameloblastoma and OKC and characterize their expression pattern in distinct tumor cell types in ameloblastoma and superficial, middle and basal layer in okc.
Methodology:
This retrospective study was done on histopathologically diagnosed 29 cases of Odontogenic keratocyst and 30 cases of Ameloblastoma to study expression of claudin 1,4 and 7 immunohistochemically. The expression was assessed qualitatively based on the level of positivity of claudin 1,4 and 7 in ameloblasts like cells, stellate reticulum like cells and squamous like cells in ameloblastoma. In OKC assessment of claudin 1,4 and 7 was done in basal layer, intermediate layer and superficial layer.
Findings:
We observed loss of claudin 1 and 7 expression in the basal layer of OKC, however increased claudin 1 and 7 expression was seen in the intermediate and superficial layers. No significant correlation was obtained between different claudin expression in basal, intermediate or superficial layers of OKC. In ameloblastoma, loss of claudin 1,4 and 7 was seen in peripheral ameloblast like cells which are epithelial neoplastic component of ameloblastoma. In areas with squamous metaplasia, increased expression of claudins was seen. Areas of stellate reticulum like cells also showed increased expression of claudin 1 and 7. This indicate their attempt to maintain intercellular cohesion. Relatively lesser expression of claudin 4 was observed. Overall, among ameloblastoma claudin 7 showed maximum proportion of high expression followed by claudin 1.
Conclusion
Through the present study, we concluded that claudin could be one of the credible candidate which is worth exploring in gaining knowledge about the pathogenesis of odontogenic cysts and tumors.