Activation of the Akt/mTOR pathway in dentigerous cysts, odontogenic keratocysts, and ameloblastomas

Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate the Akt/mTOR pathway in dentigerous cysts (DCs), odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs), and ameloblastomas. Study design. A total of 90 cases were studied (30 DCs, 30 OKCs, and 30 ameloblastomas). Patient records on age, sex, lesion location, symptoms, and radiographic and histopathologic features were collected. The phosphorylation of components of the Akt/mTOR pathway [p-Akt (Ser473), p-Akt (Thr308), and phosphorylated-ribosomal protein S6 (p-RPS6)] was studied using immunohistochemistry. Correlations with clinical features were analyzed using the Spearman rank test. Results. Over 90% of OKCs and ameloblastomas and 60% of DCs stained positive for p-Akt (Ser473). Phospho-Akt (Thr308) was positive in 73% of ameloblastomas, 40% of OKCs, and 20% of DCs. Phospho-RPS6 was detected most frequently in OKCs (83%), followed by ameloblastomas (76%) and DCs (53%). No correlations were noted between the immunohistochemical findings and the clinicopathologic parameters. Conclusions. The Akt/mTOR pathway is upregulated in DCs, OKCs, and ameloblastomas. This pathway may be involved in the development of these lesions.