Immunohistochemical expression of osteonectin, matrix metalloproteinases-9 and Ki-67 in ameloblastoma

BACKGROUND: Ameloblastoma (AM) is a benign odontogenic neoplasm characterized by local invasiveness and recurrence. We have evaluated the immunohistochemical expressions of osteonectin (ON), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and Ki-67 in AM to understand the biologic behavior of this neoplasm. AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the expression of ON, MMP-9 and Ki-67 in AM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study sample included archival tissues embedded in paraffin blocks histopathologically diagnosed as AM (20 cases). Three serial sections of each tissue specimen were stained separately with ON, MMP-9 and Ki-67 (immunohistochemistry stain) and evaluated. The data were analyzed using Spearman rank correlation test. RESULTS: All AM cases 20/20 (100%) exhibited positive immunostaining for ON, MMP-9 and Ki-67. CONCLUSION: Increased expression of ON, MMP-9 and Ki-67 in AM indicates that these molecules might play a role in the regulation and aggressive nature of this neoplasm.