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Objective: Evaluate the effect of a multidrug solution, adopted by a referral hospital for cancer to control and treat chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis in rats. Methods: Oral mucositis (OM) was induced by 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), and the animals were treated with saline (n = 8, G1), 0.12% chlorhexidine (n = 8, G2); and multidrug solution (n = 8, G3). The animals were submitted to clinical and histological analysis of the lesion using mucosal fragments. The animals' food consumption during treatment was also evaluated. Results: Clinical improvement (p

Abstract Few studies on the distribution of oral diseases in older people are available in the literature. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and demographic characteristics of oral and maxillofacial lesions in geriatric patients (age ≥ 60 years). A retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study was performed. Biopsy records were obtained from archives of three Brazilian oral pathology centers over a 20-year period. Data on sex, age, anatomical site, skin color, and histopathological diagnosis were collected and analyzed. Pearson’s chi-square test was used to evaluate differences in the frequency of the different oral and maxillofacial lesion groups. A total of 7,476 biopsy records of older patients were analyzed. Most cases were diagnosed in patients aged 60 to 69 years (n = 4,487; 60.0%). Females were more affected (n = 4,403; 58.9%) with a female-to-male ratio of 1:0.7 (p < 0.001). The tongue (n = 1,196; 16.4%), lower lip (n = 1,005; 13.8%), and buccal mucosa (n = 997; 13.7%) were the most common anatomical sites. Reactive and inflammatory lesions (n = 3,840; 51.3%) were the most prevalent non-neoplastic pathologies (p < 0.001), followed by cysts (n = 475; 6.4%). Malignant neoplasms were more frequent (n = 1,353; 18.1%) than benign neoplasms (n = 512; 6.8%). Fibrous/fibroepithelial hyperplasia (n = 2,042; 53.2%) (p < 0.001) and squamous cell carcinoma (n = 1,191; 88.03%) (p < 0.001) were the most common oral lesions in older adults. Biopsy data allow the accurate characterization of the prevalence of oral and maxillofacial lesions, supporting the development of public health policies that can enable the prevention, early diagnosis, and appropriate treatment of these lesions. Also, they bring valuable information that helps dentists and geriatricians diagnose these diseases.

Abstract Dermoid cysts (DCs) and epidermoid cysts (ECs) are uncommon developmental cysts affecting the oral cavity. This study aims to evaluate patients with oral DCs and ECs and their demographic and clinicopathologic features. A retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study was performed. A total of 105,077 biopsy records of oral and maxillofacial lesions from seven Brazilian oral pathology centers were analyzed. All cases diagnosed as oral DCs and ECs were reviewed, and clinical, demographic, and histopathological data were collected. The series comprised 32 DCs (31.4%) and 70 ECs (68.6%). Most of the DCs occurred on the floor of the mouth (n = 14; 45.2%) of women (n = 17; 53.1%) with a mean age of 34.6 ± 21.6 years. All DCs were lined partially or entirely by stratified squamous epithelium (100%). Chronic inflammatory cells, melanin pigmentation, multinucleated giant cell reaction, and cholesterol clefts were observed in the fibrous capsule . Most of the ECs affected the labial mucosa (n = 20; 31.7%) of men (n = 39; 56.5%) with a mean age of 48.0±19.8 years. Microscopically, most ECs (n = 68; 97.1%) were lined entirely by stratified squamous epithelium. Two cysts (2.9%) showed areas of respiratory metaplasia. Chronic inflammatory cells, melanin pigmentation, multinucleated giant cell reaction, and cholesterol clefts were also observed in the fibrous capsule. Conservative surgical excision was the treatment of choice in all cases. Oral DCs and ECs are uncommon and often clinically misdiagnosed lesions. Clinicians should consider DCs and ECs in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue lesions in the oral cavity, mainly located on the floor of the mouth and labial mucosa.

Objective: To perform an in vitro analysis of antibacterial and antifungal potential of an alcoholic extract from the leaves of Guapira Graciliflora Mart. against oral microorganisms and determine its chemical composition. Material and Methods: A hydroalcoholic extract of the leaves form G. graciliflora was obtained through maceration, vacuum concentration and freeze-drying. Antibacterial and antifungal activities were evaluated against Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus parasanguinis, Streptococcus mitis and strains of Candida albicans using broth microdilution method. Phytochemical analysis determined the total phenolic compounds, protein concentration and total of sugars present in the extract. Results: G. Graciliflora demonstrated antifungal activity against the LM 11 and LM 410 clinical isolates of C. albicans (MIC 0.5 mg/mL and 2 mg/mL, respectively). The other microorganisms tested were resistant to the extract. The phytochemical analysis revealed 3% proteins, 13% total sugars and 17% phenolic compounds. Conclusion: G. Graciliflora has antifungal activity against clinical strains of C. albicans and exhibits proteins, sugars and phenolic compounds in its chemical composition.

Objective: To compare salivary and serum biochemical levels in patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis. Material and Methods: The sample was composed of 57 patients treated in Hemodialysis Reference Centers, from a state of Northeastern Brazilian, with age ≥21 years old with at least 3 months of hemodialysis treatment time. Serum data were obtained from records. Unstimulated and stimulated saliva were collected. Flow rate (mL/min) was measured. Spectrophotometry was performed for the measurement of salivary levels of calcium (570 nm), urea (340 nm), and creatinine (510 nm). Statistical analysis used Mann Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests (p

Oral candidiasis is one of the most common fungal infections in humans. Its incidence has increased widely, as well as the antifungal resistance, demanding for the search for novel antifungal therapeutic agents. Anadenanthera colubrina (Vell.) Brenan is a plant species that has been proven to possess pharmacological effects, including antifungal and anti-inflammatory activities. This study evaluated in vitro the effects of standardized A. colubrina extract on virulence factors of Candida albicans and its regulation on immune response through C. albicans-host interaction. Antifungal activity was evaluated by Broth Microdilution Method against reference Candida strains (C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis; C. dubliniensis). Anti-biofilm effect was performed on C. albicans mature biofilm and quantified by CFU/mL/g of biofilm dry weight. Proleotlytic enzymatic activities of proteinase and phospholipase were assessed by Azocasein and Phosphatidylcholine assays, respectively. Cytotoxicity effect was determined by Cell Titer Blue Viability Assay on Human Gingival Fibroblasts. Co-cultured model was used to analyze C. albicans coexisting with HGF by Scanning Electron Microscopy and fluorescence microscopies; gene expression was assessed by RT-PCR of C. albicans enzymes (SAP-1, PLB-1) and of host inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, IL-10). Cytokines secretion was analysed by Luminex. The extract presented antifungal effect with MIC

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of chronic inflammatory periapical diseases in different regions of Brazil and to compare with data from the literature. A multicenter study was carried out in four Brazilian referral centers in oral diagnosis. Histopathological records were reviewed, and all cases diagnosed microscopically as periapical granuloma, radicular cyst, and periapical abscess were included. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s chi-square test were performed. A total of 10,381 cases of chronic inflammatory periapical diseases were found (13.8% of 74,931 archived specimens) over a period of 65 years. Radicular cysts were the most common lesion (59.9%). Women (56.1%) with a mean age of 37.01 years old (range 13 to 100 ± 14.42) and people of white skin color (59.2%) were the most affected individuals by chronic inflammatory periapical diseases. The lesions were generally asymptomatic (28.1%), located in the maxilla (60.1%), and posterior region (49.8%). The radicular cysts were larger when compared to periapical granulomas (p < 0.001). The disagreement between the clinical and histopathological diagnoses was higher when the final diagnosis was a periapical granuloma (p < 0.001). Chronic inflammatory periapical diseases continue to be common lesions affecting mainly adults. This should be a consequence of the burden of untreated caries in permanent teeth. Women are more affected and radicular cyst was the most common lesion.

Abstract Regulatory T (Treg) cells can suppress antitumor immune response, but little is known about possible age-related differences in the number of these cells in the microenvironment of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC). The aim of this study was to determine the number of FoxP3+ Treg cells in the microenvironment of OTSCC in young (≤ 45 years) and older (≥ 60 years) patients, and to correlate the findings with clinicopathological parameters (sex, tumor size/extent, regional lymph node metastasis, clinical staging, and histopathological grade of malignancy). Forty-eight OTSCCs (24 diagnosed in young patients and 24 diagnosed in older patients) were selected. Lymphocytes exhibiting nuclear immunopositivity for FoxP3 were quantified at the tumor invasive front and the results were analyzed statistically using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test. FoxP3+ lymphocytes were observed in all cases assessed. The number of FoxP3+ lymphocytes in OTSCC tended to be higher in older patients (p = 0.055). Analysis of OTSCC in males and in early clinical stages revealed a higher number of Treg cells in older patients than in young ones (p < 0.05). In older patients, the number of Treg cells tended to be higher in smaller tumors (p = 0.079). Tumors with intense inflammatory infiltrate exhibited a larger number of Treg cells, both in young (p = 0.099) and older patients (p = 0.005). The results suggest a greater participation of Treg cells in immunoinflammatory responses in the microenvironment of OTSCC in older patients, particularly in males and in early stages.

Abstract The immunoexpression of p16, p53, and Bax in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) in young and elderly patients is assessed based on clinical and morphological parameters. The sample consists of 60 OTSCC cases: 30 in young (age ≤ 45 years) and 30 in elderly (age ≥ 60 years) patients. Clinical (tumor size, regional node metastasis, distant metastasis, and clinical stage) and morphological (histological grade of malignancy) parameters were evaluated. Immunohistochemical quantitative analysis was performed using anti-p16, anti-p53, and anti-Bax antibodies. None of the evaluated proteins exhibited statistically significant differences between young and elderly patients (p>0.05). There was a significant association of p16 immunoexpression with clinical parameters in elderly patients. There were no associations of p53 and Bax with any of the clinico-morphological parameters. Correlations between p16 and Bax and between p53 and Bax immunoexpression were observed in young patients (r = 0.363; p = 0.048) and in elderly patients (r = 0.433; p = 0.017), respectively. In conclusion, the assessed proteins could not be used to determine differences in the biological behavior of OTSCC between young and elderly patients. Therefore, all proteins activated the pro-apoptotic pathway of OTSCC in both groups.

Abstract Introduction Actinic cheilitis is a inflammatory condition affecting mainly the lower lip and it is caused by chronic and excessive exposure of the lips to the ultraviolet radiation in sunlight. Objective Identifying clinical and histopathologic characteristics in 40 cases histopathologically diagnosed as actinic cheilitis. In addition, to investigate possible associations between these aspects. Method Defined as an observational, transversal, retrospective and descriptive study, it registered data regarding age, gender, occupation, symptomatology, records of sun exposure, frequency of sunblock use, tabagism, skin color, clinical aspect and histopathological classification. The data was submitted to the chi square test of Pearson (p

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunoexpression of glucose transporters 1 (GLUT-1) and 3 (GLUT-3) in keratocystic odontogenic tumors associated with Gorlin syndrome (SKOTs) and non-syndromic keratocystic odontogenic tumors (NSKOTs), and to establish correlations with the angiogenic index. Seventeen primary NSKOTs, seven recurrent NSKOTs, and 17 SKOTs were selected for the study. The percentage of immunopositive cells for GLUT-1 and GLUT-3 in the epithelial component of the tumors was assessed. The angiogenic index was determined by microvessel count. The results were analyzed statistically using the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman’s correlation test. High epithelial immunoexpression of GLUT-1 was observed in most tumors (p = 0.360). There was a higher frequency of negative cases for GLUT-3 in all groups. The few GLUT-3-positive tumors exhibited low expression of this protein in epithelial cells. No significant difference in the angiogenic index was observed between groups (p = 0.778). GLUT-1 expression did not correlate significantly with the angiogenic index (p > 0.05). The results suggest that the more aggressive biological behavior of SKOTs when compared to NSKOTs may not be related to GLUT-1 or GLUT-3 expression. GLUT-1 may play an important role in glucose uptake by epithelial cells of KOTs and this process is unlikely related to the angiogenic index. GLUT-1 could be a potential target for future development of therapeutic strategies for KOTs.

The oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) very often affects subjects above the sixth decade of life. However an increasing incidence has been observed in younger individuals, below 40 years. We conducted a systematized review of the current clinical, histopathological and therapeutic aspects of OSCC in young patients. Our work included studies that addressed OSCC involving young patients in the period 2007 2012, and which were indexed in PubMed. Initially, 499 articles were obtained; after refinement, 340 articles had their titles and abstracts evaluated, with 17 included in the sample. The majority of studies reported male predominance (87.5%), association with tobacco and/ or alcohol use (66.6%), advanced clinical stages at diagnosis (77.7%) and, at histopathology, moderately differentiated tumors (72.7%). Based on the results, we believe there are differences in the factors associated with pathogenesis, biological behavior and prognosis in young patients, since most studies show more rapid and aggressive tumor progression in this age group. We suggest the conduction of research focusing on the pathogenesis and carcinogenesis of OSCC in young patients, thereby searching for better scientific evidence.

Os miofibroblastos são células especializadas que exibem um fenótipo híbrido, com características de fibroblastos e células musculares lisas. Devido sua habilidade contrátil e capacidade de síntese de componentes da matriz extracelular, citocinas, proteases e fatores pró-angiogênicos, os miofibroblastos têm sido implicados na patogênese de doenças fibrocontráteis e na progressão de diversos tumores, incluindo o carcinoma de células escamosas (CCE) oral. OBJETIVO: Fazer uma revisão da literatura sobre a origem dos miofibroblastos, seus principais aspectos morfofisiológicos e imuno-histoquímicos, assim como discutir sua relação com o CCE oral. MÉTODO: Realizou-se uma busca eletrônica na base de dados PubMed, selecionando os principais artigos da literatura em língua inglesa relacionados ao tema, publicados entre janeiro de 1991 e dezembro de 2011. CONCLUSÃO: Os miofibroblastos representam um componente importante do estroma de CCE orais, embora não estejam presentes em todos os casos desta neoplasia. A presença abundante destas células pode estar associada com a recorrência local da doença e diminuição da sobrevida dos pacientes. No entanto, em virtude do número relativamente limitado de estudos sobre o assunto, pesquisas ainda são necessárias para esclarecer os mecanismos moleculares pelos quais os miofibroblastos são capazes de influenciar no comportamento biológico do CCE oral.Myofibroblasts are hybrid-phenotype differentiated cells in between fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells. Due to their contractile features and ability to synthesize extracellular matrix components, cytokines, proteases, and proangiogenic factors, myofibroblasts have been implicated in the pathogenesis of fibrocontractive diseases and in the progression of many tumors, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). OBJECTIVE: To perform a literature review on the origin of myofibroblasts, their main morpho-physiological and immunohistochemical aspects, and to discuss the correlations with oral SCC. METHOD: A search was made on the PubMed database to select the main papers in the literature in English related to the subject, published between January 1991 and December 2011. CONCLUSION: Myofibroblasts are an important component of the stroma of oral SCCs, although they are not present in all tumors. Abundant presence of myofibroblasts may be associated with local disease recurrence and decreased patient survival. However, given the relatively limited number of studies on the subject, further research is needed to clarify the molecular mechanisms by which myofibroblasts influence the biological behavior of oral SCC.

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed and compared the immunoexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in radicular cysts (RCs) and residual radicular cysts (RRCs), relating them to the angiogenic index and the intensity of the inflammatory infiltrate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty RCs and 10 RRCs were evaluated by immunohistochemistry using anti-VEGF and anti-MMP-9 antibodies. The angiogenic index was determined by microvessel count (MVC) using anti-von Willebrand factor antibody. RESULTS: The expression of both VEGF and MMP-9 was higher in RCs than in RRCs. RCs and RRCs presented strong epithelial expression of VEGF, irrespective of the intensity of the inflammatory infiltrate. Lesions with strong expression of MMP-9 showed significantly higher number of immunopositive cells for VEGF (p

Recentemente, a Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) excluiu o padrão desmoplásico do espectro histopatológico do ameloblastomas sólidos e o enquadrou como uma variante distinta, designada ameloblastoma desmoplásico. OBJETIVO: Analisar os achados clínico-patológicos em uma série de casos de ameloblastomas sólidos. FORMA DE ESTUDO: Estudo de coorte transversal. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Dados sobre idade, sexo, localização e características clínicas foram obtidos em fichas de biópsia. Cortes histológicos foram avaliados quanto aos padrões histológicos existentes e o padrão histológico predominante. Os casos foram classificados com base no estudo de Waldron e El-Mofty (1987) e na classificação da OMS de 2005. RESULTADOS: Foram identificados 54 casos, com distribuição similar entre os sexos e média de idade de 38,3 anos. Cinquenta e três casos (98,1%) afetaram a mandíbula. Quarenta e nove casos (90,8%) foram classificados como ameloblastomas sólidos, 3 (5,6%) como ameloblastomas desmoplásicos e 2 (3,7%) como lesões híbridas. Os padrões histológicos folicular (77,6%), acantomatoso (69,4%) e plexiforme (65,3%) foram os mais frequentes nas lesões sólidas. Áreas focais de ameloblastoma desmoplásico foram identificadas em 11 ameloblastomas sólidos (22,4%). CONCLUSÃO: Embora enquadrado como uma variante distinta, nossos resultados revelam que áreas focais de ameloblastoma desmoplásico podem ser identificadas com relativa frequência em ameloblastomas convencionais.Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) excluded the desmoplastic pattern from the histopathological spectrum of solid ameloblastomas and classified it as a distinct variant, named desmoplastic ameloblastoma. AIM: To perform a retrospective analysis of the clinicopathologic aspects in a case series of solid ameloblastomas. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional cohort study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data regarding age, gender, location and clinical characteristics were retrieved from patient records. Histological sections were evaluated regarding existing histological patterns and the predominant histological pattern. Cases were classified according to the study of Waldron and El-Mofty (1987) and the WHO classification of 2005. RESULTS: A total of 54 cases were identified, with similar gender distribution and a mean age of 38.3 years. Fifty three cases (98.1%) affected the mandible. Forty nine cases (90.8%) were classified as solid ameloblastomas, 3 (5.6%) as desmoplastic ameloblastomas, and 2 (3.7%) as hybrid lesions. The most frequent histological patterns in solid ameloblastomas were follicular (77.6%), acanthomatous (69.4%), and plexiform (65.3%). Focal areas of desmoplastic ameloblastomas were identified in 11 solid ameloblastomas (22.4%). CONCLUSION: Despite its characterization as a distinct variant, our results revealed that focal areas of desmoplastic ameloblastomas can be observed with some frequency in conventional ameloblastomas.

INTRODUÇÃO: O cisto linfoepitelial oral é uma lesão incomum, assintomática e de pequenas dimensões, geralmente descoberto durante exames de rotina da cavidade bucal. OBJETIVO: Relatar quatro casos de cisto linfoepitelial oral, confrontando seus aspectos com aqueles reportados em outros 119 casos publicados na literatura. RELATO DOS CASOS: Três casos em mulheres, com idade entre 16 e 23 anos, e um caso em homem, com 45 anos, caracterizados por nódulos assintomáticos, de pequenas dimensões e coloração variando do branco ao amarelado. Dois casos estavam localizados na superfície ventral da língua, um em assoalho bucal e outro em orofaringe. Histologicamente, as lesões revelaram cavidade cística contendo quantidade variável de células epiteliais descamadas, revestida por epitélio pavimentoso estratificado, predominantemente paraceratinizado, de interface plana com o tecido conjuntivo. A cápsula fibrosa exibiu um denso infiltrado linfocítico, com identificação de centros germinativos em apenas dois casos. CONCLUSÃO: A análise conjunta dos casos apresentados neste trabalho e de outros 119 casos relatados na literatura revela que os cistos linfoepiteliais orais exibem predileção pelo gênero masculino, com ápice de incidência na terceira década de vida. Em geral, essas lesões se apresentam como pequenos nódulos assintomáticos localizados no assoalho bucal. Histologicamente, a maioria dos casos revela epitélio cístico com padrão de maturação paraceratinizado e exibe centros germinativos na cápsula fibrosa.INTRODUCTION: The oral lymphoepithelial cyst is a rare, asymptomatic lesion with small dimensions, commonly discovered during routine examination of the oral cavity. OBJECTIVE: To report four cases of oral lymphoepithelial cyst and compare their aspects with other 119 cases reported in the literature. CASE REPORT: Three cases in women, age range 16 to 23, and one case in a 45-year-old man, all of them presenting small, asymptomatic, yellowish-white nodules. Two cases were located in the ventral surface of the tongue, one in the buccal floor and one in the oropharynx. Histologically, the lesions showed cystic cavity with variable amount of desquamated epithelial cells, lined with a parakeratinized stratified squamous epithelium and a plane interface with the connective tissue. The fibrous capsule showed a dense lymphocyte infiltrate with germinal centers in only two cases. CONCLUSION: The analysis of the cases herein and the other 119 cases reported in the literature reveals that oral lymphoepithelial cysts present a predilection for males, with peak of incidence in the third decade of life. Characteristically, these lesions consist of small asymptomatic nodules located in the buccal floor. Histologically, most cases show a parakeratinized epithelial lining and germinal centers in the fibrous capsule.

INTRODUÇÃO E OBJETIVO: As neoplasias de glândulas salivares constituem um grupo de lesões, clínica e morfologicamente diverso, capaz de determinar importantes desafios diagnósticos e terapêuticos. O escopo do trabalho é determinar a frequência relativa e a distribuição das neoplasias de glândulas salivares diagnosticadas no Instituto Maranhense de Oncologia Aldenora Bello (IMOAB). MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Realizou-se estudo retrospectivo dos casos de neoplasia de glândula salivar diagnosticados no IMOAB, no período de janeiro de 1997 a dezembro de 2007. Dados sobre sexo, idade e localização anatômica foram obtidos em prontuários médicos. Cortes histológicos foram avaliados sob microscopia de luz e os casos foram categorizados segundo a classificação da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS)(4). Os dados coletados foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva. RESULTADOS: Foram identificados 232 casos, dos quais 178 eram neoplasias benignas (76,7%) e 54 (23,3%), malignas. Os três tipos histológicos mais frequentes foram: adenoma pleomórfico (59,5%), tumor de Warthin (13,8%) e carcinoma adenoide cístico (6,9%). A maioria dos casos foi diagnosticada em pacientes do sexo feminino, com proporção homem:mulher de 1:1,3. As neoplasias benignas e malignas apresentaram picos de incidência na quarta e sétima décadas de vida, respectivamente. Com relação à localização anatômica, 154 casos (66,4%) afetaram a parótida, 43 (18,5%) acometeram a glândula submandibular e 35 (15,1%) envolveram glândulas salivares menores. CONCLUSÃO: Em conjunto com outros estudos, os resultados da presente pesquisa sugerem discretas variações na frequência relativa e distribuição das neoplasias de glândulas salivares entre as populações do Brasil e de outras regiões do mundo.INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The salivary gland neoplasms are a clinically and morphologically diverse group of lesions able to determine important diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. The objective of this study is to determine the relative frequency and distribution of salivary gland neoplasms diagnosed at Aldenora Bello Institute of Oncology - Maranhão State (Instituto Maranhense de Oncologia Aldenora Bello [IMOAB]). MATERIAL AND METHODS: It was performed a retrospective analysis of the salivary gland neoplasms diagnosed at IMOAB between January 1997 and December 2007. Data regarding gender, age, and anatomic site were retrieved from medical records. Histological slides were evaluated by light microscopy and cases were categorized according to the World Health Organization classification(4). The collected data were analyzed through descriptive statistics. RESULTS: A total of 232 cases were identified, of which 178 were benign neoplasms (76.7%) and 54 (23.3%) were malignant. The three most frequent histological types were pleomorphic adenoma (59.5%), Warthin's tumor (13.8%) and adenoid cystic carcinoma (6.9%). Most cases were diagnosed in females, with a male-female ratio of 1:1.3. The benign and malignant neoplasms showed incidence peaks at the 4th and 7th decades of life, respectively. Regarding anatomic site, 154 cases (66.4 %) affected the parotid gland, 43 (18.5%) affected the submandibular gland and 35 (15.1%) involved minor salivary glands. CONCLUSION: In association with other studies, the present results suggest slight variations in the relative frequency and distribution of salivary gland neoplasms between Brazilian and worldwide populations.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated whether some components of the extracellular matrix and CD68 expression may drive the differences between the central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) of the jaws and giant cell tumor (GCT) of long bones, which present distinct evolution and clinical behavior. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eight cases of CGCG and 7 cases of GCT were selected and immunohistochemically analyzed to verify the pattern of expression of CD68, tenascin (Tn) and fibronectin (Fn). RESULTS: A large number of the mononuclear cells and multinucleated giant cells CD68+ was observed in both of the studied lesions, indicating histiocyte/ macrophage origin. Seven cases of CGCG of the jaws showed intense staining of Fn, with uniform distribution predominantly. In all 7 cases of GCT of long bones the Fn displayed intense expression, with distribution pattern varying from uniform to reticulate/fibrillar. Six cases of CGCG were intensively stained by Tn, presenting focal expression in half of specimens, and reticulate/ fibrillar pattern of expression in 4 cases. All cases of GCT of the long bones presented intense expression of Tn, uniform distribution, and reticulate/fibrillar pattern of expression in four cases. CONCLUSIONS: The immunoexpression of CD68 in mononuclear cells and multinucleated giant cells and staining patterns of Fn and Tn were similar in both entities. These findings indicate that these proteins could not be used to explain the differences between the CGCG of the jaws and GCT of the long bones.

O significativo avanço na elaboração de protótipos de vacina contra a cárie é resultado de inúmeras investigações genéticas e moleculares direcionadas aos S. mutans e S. sobrinus e ao mecanismo de resposta imune do hospedeiro. Tais investigações têm permitido o reconhecimento não apenas dos melhores antígenos estreptocócicos candidatos à vacina, como também das melhores vias de administração do imunógeno, capazes de reduzir a colonização bacteriana e, conseqüentemente, o número de lesões cariosas. O presente trabalho propõe-se a fazer uma análise crítica dos aspectos atuais relacionados ao progresso e às limitações dos principais tipos propostos de vacinas anticárie.