Immunohistochemical Characterization of Gingival Fibromas

Purpose Gingival fibromas (GFs) are fibrous lesions of the gingiva that are not well defined in the literature. They are histologically similar to peripheral ossifying fibromas (POFs), both being characterized as cellular proliferations of dense fibrous tissue, with POFs differing in that they demonstrate foci of calcification. This study aims to expand upon the immunohistochemical characterization of GFs, and to confirm their osteoblastic phenotype. Methods Formalin fixed, paraffin embedded GFs, POFs and fibroepithelial polyps (FEPs) of the gingiva were examined. Immunohistochemical staining was performed for special AT-rich sequence binding protein 2 (SATB2), runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), osteocalcin and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha SMA). Sections were evaluated by light microscopy and the immunohistochemical staining patterns were assigned immunoreactive scores (IRS) based on percentage of stained cells and intensity of staining. Results GFs, POFs, and FEPs of the gingiva expressed osteoblastic markers SATB2, RUNX2 and osteocalcin. GFs and POFs expressed alpha SMA while FEPs of the gingiva did not. GFs and POFs had similar staining patterns of SATB2, RUNX2 and alpha SMA. Discussion These findings demonstrate that GFs and POFs exhibit a similar immunohistochemical profile, and supports a theory that GFs are osteoblastic lesions possibly related to POFs.