Wender Rodrigues Nazário

This study analyzed the frequency and distribution of biopsied oral and maxillofacial lesions in a Brazilian geriatric population. Biopsy records of patients aged ≥60 years diagnosed over the last 45 years were retrospectively reviewed. Data on sex, age, anatomical site, and histopathological diagnosis were collected. Absolute and relative frequencies and their associations with clinicopathological variables were evaluated using the chi-square test and the two-proportions Z test. Among 21,367 lesions diagnosed between 1978 and 2023, 2,794 (13.1%) occurred in patients aged ≥60 years, predominantly in the 60–79 age group (90.6%) and in females (54.6%). The most frequent diagnostic categories were reactive lesions (56.6%), neoplasms (25.1%), and cysts/pseudocysts (8.5%). Fibrous hyperplasia (32.9%) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (15%) were the most common individual diagnoses. Females showed higher proportions of reactive lesions, immunological diseases, and bone lesions, with male-to-female ratios of 1:1.7, 1:2.2, and 1:5.7, respectively. The frequency and profile of oral and maxillofacial lesions in older Brazilians are consistent with previous reports. The high burden of inflammatory and neoplastic lesions reflects the cumulative effects of poor oral health and limited healthcare access. These findings highlight the need for strengthened preventive, diagnostic, and long-term oral healthcare strategies, particularly focusing on the aging population.

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most frequent head and neck cancers. The 4‐nitroquinoline 1‐oxide (4NQO) mouse model of oral carcinogenesis is a well‐established model to investigate the mechanism behind OSCC development, including epigenetic alterations. Studies have shown that histone acetylation is a key regulator of gene expression and may play a role in such a tumor. This study investigates the acetylation of H3K9, H3K14, and H3K27 and the KAT2A gene expression in a sex‐based approach in a 4NQO/ethanol (EtOH)‐induced OSCC mouse model. Methods: A total of 120 C57Bl/6J mice (60 males and 60 females) were divided into four groups ( n = 15). In the first 10 weeks, they were treated with 5 mg/mL propylene glycol (PPG) or 100 μg/mL 4NQO in drinking water, followed by either sterilized water or 8% EtOH for 15 weeks. After euthanasia, tongues were analyzed histopathologically. Immunohistochemistry and qPCR were also employed to study the histones and gene expression. Results: Female mice showed increased H3K9ac and H3K14ac expression from normal mucosa to dysplasia, followed by decreased expression in OSCC. H3K9ac and H3K14ac expression in males was lower in the 4NQO/EtOH group. H3K27ac was higher in dysplastic lesions compared to OSCC, particularly in females. Comparatively, females had higher H3K9ac and H3K14ac expression in the 4NQO/EtOH group than males. KAT2A expression was lower in females treated with PPG/EtOH and 4NQO/H ₂ O than in males. Conclusion: Our results indicate that H3 acetylation and KAT2A gene expression may play a key role in oral carcinogenesis on a sex‐related basis.

Atherosclerosis is an age‐related disease affecting the tunica intima of large and medium‐sized arteries. Its occurrence in extracranial head and neck arteries is rare, with only five cases reported. This study is aimed at reporting the sixth case of atherosclerosis of the angular artery, a branch of the facial artery, in an elderly male patient with a history of hypertension. Morphological characterization using special stains and a literature review are included. Clinically, a painless, nodular lesion measuring 1.2 cm was observed at the right labial commissure. The lesion was excised, and atherosclerosis of the angular artery was diagnosed. After 6 months, there was no recurrence or other arterial issues. Despite its rarity in the oral and maxillofacial region, dental clinicians must be aware of this condition and its clinical manifestations, especially in elderly patients with chronic systemic diseases, to establish an accurate diagnosis.