Immunohistochemical Characterization of Gingival Fibromas

This study aims to expand upon the immunohistochemical characterization of GFs, and to confirm their osteoblastic phenotype.MethodsFormalin fixed, paraffin embedded GFs, POFs and fibroepithelial polyps (FEPs) of the gingiva were examined. Immunohistochemical staining was performed for special AT-rich sequence binding protein 2 (SATB2), runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), osteocalcin and alpha-smooth muscle actin ( αSMA). Sections were evaluated by light microscopy and the immunohistochemical staining patterns were assigned immunoreactive scores (IRS) based on percentage of stained cells and intensity of staining.ResultsGFs, POFs, and FEPs of the gingiva expressed osteoblastic markers SATB2, RUNX2 and osteocalcin. GFs and POFs expressed αSMA while FEPs of the gingiva did not. GFs and POFs had similar staining patterns of SATB2, RUNX2 and αSMA.DiscussionThese findings demonstrate that GFs and POFs exhibit a similar immunohistochemical profile, and supports a theory that GFs are osteoblastic lesions possibly related to POFs.

Source: Head and Neck Pathology - December 6, 2022 Category: Pathology Source Type: research