Immunohistochemical study of proteins of plasminogen activator system in benign epithelial odontogenic lesions.
Urokinase-type plasminogen activator. Odontogenic tumors. Odontogenic cysts. Immunohistochemistry.
Odontogenic cysts and tumors are lesions originated from odontogenic tissues and exhibit different biological behaviors. Among the various elements that may be associated with cystic and tumor growth are the enzymes required for extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. The plasminogen activator system (PAS) is responsible for regulating ECM remodeling by converting plasminogen to plasmin. In addition to proteolytic activity, plasmin acts indirectly by activating matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), such as collagenases and gelatinases, which have the ability to cleave basement membrane and ECM proteins. Several studies have suggested associations between PAS and other factors in the evolution of malignant neoplasms, such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition, proliferation, migration and cell adhesion, in addition to metastatic dissemination. However, few studies have evaluated the influence of PAS on odontogenic lesions. The aim of this study is to evaluate the immunoexpression profile of PAS proteins (uPA, uPAR and PAI-1) in odontogenic keratocysts, ameloblastomas and dental follicles, verifying if such proteins play any role in the growth of these lesions and if there is any difference between cystic and tumoral development.