BRCA۱/۲ Immunohistochemical Analysis in Unicystic Ameloblastoma, Multicystic Ameloblastoma, and Ameloblastic Carcinoma

Background: Lesions arising from odontogenic tissues cover a wide spectrum, from simple cysts to benign tumors and even carcinomas. Unicystic ameloblastoma (UA), multicystic ameloblastoma (MA), and ameloblastic carcinoma (AC) are relatively common among these odontogenic lesions. Nevertheless, the exact origin of these lesions remains unclear. It is noteworthy that BRCA۱/۲ mutations have been identified as potential contributing factors to the onset of various cancers. The aim of the current study was to scrutinize the BRCA۱/۲ expression profiles in UA, MA, and AC samples. Methods: Biopsy specimens were collected from ۶۰ patients, with ۲۰ samples representing each lesion, sourced from the pathology department archive of a teaching hospital from ۲۰۰۰ to ۲۰۱۹. Immunohistochemical staining was conducted on all biopsy samples. Statistical analyses were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis H test. The differences in the data were compared with Mann- Whitney U test, and P<۰.۰۵ was considered to be significant. Results: The Kruskal-Wallis test results revealed significant differences between the examined samples in terms of the cytoplasmic expression level of the BRCA۱ basal cells (P<۰.۰۰۱). Regarding the cytoplasmic expression of BRCA۱ stellate reticulum-like cells, there was a statistically significant difference between the examined groups (P<۰.۰۰۱). Furthermore, the results of the Kruskal-Wallis test demonstrated a significant difference concerning the cytoplasmic expression levels of BRCA۲ basal cells between the studied groups (P<۰.۰۰۳). Based on the Kruskal-Wallis results, significant differences were found in terms of the cytoplasmic expression level of BRCA۲ stellate reticulum-like cells between the investigated samples (P<۰.۰۰۱). The Mann-Whitney U test compared differences between the two examined groups. Conclusion: The findings mainly revealed the expression of BRCA۱/۲ at the invasive front, which is composed of the most aggressive cells. Molecular interactions in this area may affect tumor progression. BRCA۱/۲ mutations can be a promising future treatment option for ameloblastoma and related lesions.