Role of Mast Cells in Progression of Oral Epithelial Dysplasia

Abstract

Introduction: Mast cells (MC) are the local residents of the connective tissue and are associated with the release of certain pro-inflammatory and mitogenic cytokines. These substances, when released from the mast cells, may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of diseases. MC infiltration and degranulation occur during oral carcinogenesis and the activation of these cells highly correlates with the distinct phases of dysplasia, carcinoma in situ, and invasive carcinoma. The objective of this study was to compare mast cell density (MCD) in different grades of oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) and determine its correlation with clinical and histopathologic parameters. Methodology: Forty samples, of which 10 each of control (normal oral mucosa), mild, moderate and severe epithelial dysplasia were analyzed using toluidine blue. Mast cells were counted and compared in different groups. Results: Mast cell density was significantly increased from mild to severe epithelial dysplasia. With no significant difference was detected between mild and moderate epithelial dysplasia samples. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that MCs are present in the tumor microenvironment and mast cell mediators play an important role in progression of dysplastic lesions.

Keywords

• Mast cell, Mast cell density, Mast cell mediators, Oral epithelial dysplasia.