Expression of Twist in different subtype of ameloblastomas

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate the pattern of Twist expression in a series of ameloblastomas, and to study the possible role of Twist in the bone destruction and local invasiveness of ameloblastoma variants.Study designImmunohistochemical study was performed for Twist protein in 53 ameloblastomas (32 solid/multicystic [SA] and 21 unicystic [UA]).ResultsThe salient finding was that expression of Twist was related to the histological subtype of tumors, as there was a higher expression in SA (14/32, 43.75%) as compared to UA (4/21, 19.05%) (P < .05). Both nuclei and cytoplasm positivities were detected in positive cases, whereas cytoplasmic staining was diffused and predominant. Cases rich in stromal cells showed a higher percentage of positive cells than those with less stroma.ConclusionsOur results suggest that Twist expression might be associated with invasion in ameloblastoma variants, and stromal cells might play a regulatory role during tumor development.