Expression of p53, Ki-67, and EGFR in odontogenic keratocysts before and after decompression

BACKGROUND: Sixteen odontogenic keratocysts were examined morphologically and immunohistochemically for changes in proliferative activity before and after decompression using p53, Ki-67, and expression of growth factor (EGFR). METHODS: p53 and Ki-67 positivity was scored by counting 500 cells and then counting the number of brown staining nuclei out of these. EGFR was scored using guidelines for scoring Herceptest [Dako (Her-2)]. A Wilcoxon test was performed on the results. RESULTS: The values of Ki-67 and p53 before and after decompression were without significant change. There was no significant change in EGFR expression either. No correlation was found between inflammation or decompression time and expression of EGFR, p53, and Ki-67. The degree of change of the epithelium was varying, yet the reduction of the cysts size was considerable (18-100%-average 47.6%). CONCLUSION: The morphologic changes in the cysts could not be correlated with expression of Ki-67, p53 or EGFR, to the clinical reduction of the cysts or the time of decompression.