p53 and MDM2 expression in odontogenic cysts and tumours

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this report was to assess p53 and MDM2 expression in odontogenic cysts and tumours, as they are known to play important roles in cell proliferation and tumorigenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expression of p53 and MDM2 proteins was determin ed immunohistochemically in 51 formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded specimens of odontogenic cysts and tumours. RESULTS: No positivity to p53 was found in the cases studied. MDM2 expressi on in ameloblastoma was higher than in radicular cysts, but lower than that observed in odontogenic keratocysts. No difference was observed between MD M2 expression in radicular cyst and adenomatoid odontogenic tumour. The cle ar-cell odontogenic ametoblastoma presented strong immunoreaction to this a ntigen. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that MDM2 overexpression may be involved i n the pathogenesis of some odontogenic lesions.