Immunohistochemical Analysis of Metalloproteases in Dentigerous Cysts, Radicular Cysts and Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumors: Systematic Review

Abstract

Evidence suggests that metalloprotease expression may affect the biological behavior of odontogenic lesions. This study was conducted to review the literature about the role of metalloproteases in the development of odontogenic lesions. A search was carried out using one database, MEDLINE, via PubMed. Only articles written in English were included. Abstracts of all articles retrieved in the electronic search were evaluated for their relevance. Three articles met inclusion criteria. They analyzed the role of MMP-2, MMP-8 and MMP-13 in radicular cysts, dentigerous cysts and keratocystic odontogenic tumors, and of MMP-1, MMP-7 and MMP-27 in keratocystic odontogenic tumors. The immunostaining technique used for all studies was similar,

differing only in type of staining used. Different immunoreactivity results were found in the studies. The pattern of metalloprotease expression in odontogenic lesions was

different from the pattern found in other lesions. In the studies analyzed, there was a significant positive immunoreactivity for metalloproteases in odontogenic lesions, particularly in keratocystic odontogenic tumors, a finding that may explain KCOT aggressiveness.