Analysis of expression of p53, p63 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen proteins in odontogenic keratocyst: An immunohistochemical study

Background: Odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) is a benign intraosseous lesions (within the jaw bone) of odontogenic origin that account for about 10% of jaw cysts. They are characterized by an aggressive behavior with a relatively high recurrence rate. Early diagnosis and follow-up of the patient with OKC is important because the possibility of such patient there is develop to other features of Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome in future. Considering the roles and effects of p53, p63 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in cells proliferation, this study was designed. Objectives: To understand the behavior of epithelial cells in pathogenesis and biological aspects of OKC in diagnosis. Materials and Methods: Immunohistochemical (IHC)technique was performed in 21 cases of OKCs. Results: Immunological stained p53 cells were mainly located in the suprabasal layers. p63 and PCNA-positive cells were found throughout the lining epithelium including basal and suprabasal cell layers. The intensity of staining was more in p63 and PCNA than the p53 expression of the cystic epithelial lining. Conclusions: It is possible that the biological behavior of OKCs may be related to the suprabasal proliferative compartment in the cystic epithelium as observed. These proteins may participate in the regulation of epithelial cell differentiation. Taken together, these data may favor tumerigenesis on OKCs.