Cell proliferation and apoptosis in keratocystic odontogenic tumors

2008

Objectives: Keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KOTs), also known as odontogenic keratocysts, were recently classified as a benign neoplasia due to the aggressive clinical behavior. Although several studies have shown the high proliferative activity of the epithelial lining, few studies have evaluated apoptosis in KOTs. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the proliferation index (PI) and the apoptotic index (AI) of the epithelial lining in sporadic KOTs, KOTs associated with the Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome (NBCCS KOTs), and dentigerous cysts. Material and methods: A total of 11 sporadic KOTs, 15 NBCCS KOTs, and 11 dentigerous cysts were evaluated. The PI was as…