Conclusion
WNT1 and PTCH genes were expressed in peripheral blood of patients with odontogenic lesions. WNT1 and PTCH genes may be potential predictors in individuals who would develop odontogenic lesions. Further studies on expression of WNT1 and PTCH genes with larger number of samples might give a future scope for target therapy in odontogenic lesions.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, two groups were included: Group 1-blood samples from 8 individuals with odontogenic cysts and tumours, and Group 2-blood samples of 8 individuals without Odontogenic lesions. 2 ml of blood sample was collected from radial veins into PAX gene tubes containing RNA stabilizing agent and stored at a temperature of 2 to 4 degrees and transported to Enable Biolabs India Pvt Ltd., Chennai. PAX gene tubes were subjected to centrifugation at 8000 rpm to separate plasma fraction. Reverse transcription of mRNA was performed using miScript II RT Kit (Cat#218161, Qiagen, Germany) to synthesize cDNA. GAPDH house-keeping gene used as control.
Results
The study group had 3 males and 5 females (n = 8) with a mean age group of 32.6 years and the control group had 2 males and 6 females (n = 8) with mean age of 35.2 years. Group I (study group) showed 37.5% positive expression of WNT1 gene with a p value of 0.055 (p > 0.05) and 50% positive expression of PTCH with a p value of 0.021 (p < 0.05) (Figs. 3 and 4) which was statistically significant when compared with control group. Group II (control group) showed 100% negative expression for WNT1 and PTCH genes.