Clinical and histomorphometric characteristics of three different families with hereditary gingival fibromatosis

Idiopathic gingival fibromatosis and primary analysis of dominant bacteria in subgingival biofilm: a case report

Idiopathic gingival fibromatosis (IGF), a rare fibroproliferative disease of unknown etiology, affects gingival tissue and has substantial adverse effects on patients. Therefore, the pathogenesis of IGF requires more extensive and in-depth research. In this case, a patient with confirmed IGF underwent initial nonsurgical periodontal therapy and gingivectomy, and the prognosis was good. The patient had no loss of periodontal attachment but had a history of swelling and bleeding of the gingiva prior to fibrous enlargement, which prompted further investigation. We explored the patient's subgingival microbiome and found a high abundance of periodontal pathogens. Gingival tissue biopsy revealed abundant fibrous tissue containing multiple inflammatory cell infiltrates. These results suggest that gingival inflammation secondary to periodontal pathogens can contribute to IGF onset.

Seven-year follow-up of a patient with hereditary gingival fibromatosis treated with a multidisciplinary approach: case report

BACKGROUND

Hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) is rare in clinical practice, and the long-term results of the combined orthodontic-periodontal treatment of HGF are rarely reported.

CASE PRESENTATION

This study reports for the first time the results of seven years of follow-up in a seven-year-old girl with HGF. The diagnosis was confirmed by clinical signs, family history and histopathological examination. First, periodontal scaling and oral hygiene reinforcement were performed regularly in the mixed dentition stage. Next, gingivoplasty was performed on the permanent dentition. Two months after the surgery, treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances was conducted. The teeth were polished on a monthly basis, and oral hygiene was reinforced to control gingival enlargement. Gingival hypertrophy recurred slightly, and gingivectomies were performed in the months following the start of orthodontic treatment. Follow-up was performed for 24 months with orthodontic retention, and gingival enlargement remained stable after the combined treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of gingival hyperplasia recurrence during and after orthodontic treatment is high, but satisfying long-term outcomes can be achieved with gingivectomy, malocclusion correction, and regular follow-up maintenance.

Gingival fibromatosis with congenital hypertrichosis

Idiopathic gingival fibromatosis is a slowly progressive proliferative fibrous lesion of the gingival tissue, leading to functional, esthetic, and psychological difficulties. This entity is mainly associated with hypertrichosis and epilepsy either as an isolated disorder or as part of a syndrome. We present a case report of a female with severe generalized gingival fibromatosis and hypertrichosis which was treated by conventional gingivectomies under local anesthesia. Postoperative healing was uneventful with a marked improvement in patient's appearance and oral hygiene.

Fibroblasts from recurrent fibrotic overgrowths reveal high rate of proliferation in vitro - findings from the study of hereditary and idiopathic gingival fibromatosis

PURPOSE

Investigate the content of fibrotic fibrils in gingival tissue and the proliferation of fibroblasts collected from recurrent and non-recurrent hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) and idiopathic gingival fibromatosis (IGF).

METHODS

Gingival biopsies were collected from HGF (n = 3) and IGF (n = 3) donors with recurrent and non-recurrent gingival overgrowths and from a control group (Ctrl, n = 3). Hematoxylin staining was performed to evaluate the histomorphology of gingival tissue. Heidenhain's AZAN trichrome staining served for visualization of fibrotic fibrils in gingiva. Quantitative analysis of the content of fibrotic fibrils in gingival tissue was performed using a polarized light microscope. Proliferation was evaluated at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h in fibroblast cultures using a cell proliferation ELISA assay based on 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU).

RESULTS

Numerous blood vessels and fibroblasts were observed in recurrent overgrowths, whereas moderate blood vessels and moderate to scanty fibroblasts were detected in non-recurrent overgrowths. Heidenhain's staining revealed numerous collagen fibers in both recurrent and non-recurrent overgrowths. Quantitative analysis in a polarizing microscope showed significant accumulation of fibrotic fibrils exclusively in the overgrowths with the recurrence. In all time-points, increased proliferation of cells from all recurrent overgrowths was observed, but not from overgrowths which do not reoccur.

CONCLUSIONS

The study revealed that recurrent gingival overgrowths consist of highly fibrotic and dense connective tissue with numerous blood vessels and abundant fibroblasts. We also demonstrated that unlike fibroblasts derived from overgrowths, which did not present recurrence, fibroblasts derived from highly fibrotic and recurrent overgrowths maintain high rate of proliferation in vitro.

Hereditary Gingival Fibromatosis: a Case Report with Seven-Year Follow-up

Introduction

Hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) is a rare disease characterized by gingival enlargement, normal color with benign and firm consistency. This growth may be exacerbated by use of drugs and plaque build-up. The treatment for this clinical condition is surgical excision of the enlarged gingival tissue or the extraction of all teeth.

Case Report

A 20-year-old Brazilian female handicapped patient with a chief complaint of exaggerated gingival enlargement who had been prescribed Carbamazepine and Gardenal was referred to our center. According to the clinical presentation and family history, the final diagnosis of gingival enlargement was HGF. Full dental treatment was performed, including basic periodontal treatment, restorations, sealants, and gingivoplasty with internal bevel. Special care was taken to ensure that there was no change in patient’s anticonvulsant medication. The patient has been monitored for seven years without signs of recurrence of gingival hyperplasia due to constant professional and home control of plaque.

TIMP-1 association with collagen type I overproduction in hereditary gingival fibromatosis

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the processes associated with the excessive production of collagen I in hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three HGF subjects and five controls were enrolled in the study. Histomorphological and immunohistological analyses were performed on gingival tissues. The expression of heat-shock protein 47 (HSP47), collagen I, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) by gingival fibroblasts isolated from HGF and controls was analysed using qRT-PCR, Western blotting and ELISA.

RESULTS

Considerable accumulation of fibrotic fibrils and increased synthesis of HSP47 were noted in HGF gingival tissues. The synthesis of collagen I, HSP47, TGF-β1, CTGF and TIMP-1 was significantly elevated in HGF gingival fibroblasts compared with controls, while the production of MMP-1 was decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

We report that fibrosis in HGF gingival tissues is associated with increased synthesis of HSP47. This finding was confirmed by an in vitro study, where excessive production of collagen I was associated with increased synthesis of HSP47, TGF-β1 and CTGF by HGF gingival fibroblasts. Moreover, the shift in the TIMP-1/MMP-1 ratio identifies increased synthesis of TIMP-1 as one of the processes associated with collagen I overproduction in HGF fibroblasts.

Ultrastructural evaluation of gingival connective tissue in hereditary gingival fibromatosis

OBJECTIVE

To describe the ultrastructural features of hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) in affected family members and compare microscopic findings with normal gingival (NG) tissue.

STUDY DESIGN

Gingival tissue samples from nine patients with HGF from five unrelated families were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy. Nine NG tissue samples were used for comparison.

RESULTS

Areas containing collagen fibrils forming loops and folds were observed in both groups, whereas oxytalan fibers were frequently identified in the HGF group. The diameter of collagen fibrils and the interfibrillar space among them were more uniform in the NG group than in the HGF group. Fibroblasts were the most common cells found in both the HGF and NG groups and exhibited enlarged, rough endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria with well-preserved crests, conspicuous nucleoli, and euchromatic chromatin. Other cells, such as mast cells, plasma cells, and macrophages, were also observed.

CONCLUSIONS

HGF tissues had ultrastructural characteristics that were very similar to those of NG tissues. Oxytalan fibers were observed more frequently in the HGF samples than in the NG samples. Other studies of HGF in patients from different families should be performed to better understand the pathogenesis of this hereditary condition.

Gingival fibromatosis: clinical, molecular and therapeutic issues

Gingival fibromatosis is a rare and heterogeneous group of disorders that develop as slowly progressive, local or diffuse enlargements within marginal and attached gingiva or interdental papilla. In severe cases, the excess tissue may cover the crowns of the teeth, thus causing functional, esthetic, and periodontal problems, such as bone loss and bleeding, due to the presence of pseudopockets and plaque accumulation. It affects both genders equally. Hereditary, drug-induced, and idiopathic gingival overgrowth have been reported. Hereditary gingival fibromatosis can occur as an isolated condition or as part of a genetic syndrome. The pathologic manifestation of gingival fibromatosis comprises excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins, of which collagen type I is the most prominent example. Mutation in the Son-of-Sevenless-1 gene has been suggested as one possible etiological cause of isolated (non-syndromic) hereditary gingival fibromatosis, but mutations in other genes are also likely to be involved, given the heterogeneity of this condition. The most attractive concept of mechanism for drug-induced gingival overgrowth is epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, a process in which interactions between gingival cells and the extracellular matrix are weakened as epithelial cells transdifferentiate into fibrogenic fibroblast-like cells. The diagnosis is mainly made on the basis of the patient's history and clinical features, and on histopathological evaluation of affected gingiva. Early diagnosis is important, mostly to exclude oral malignancy. Differential diagnosis comprises all pathologies in the mouth with excessive gingival overgrowth. Hereditary gingival fibromatosis may present as an autosomal-dominant or less commonly autosomal-recessive mode of inheritance. If a systemic disease or syndrome is suspected, the patient is directed to a geneticist for additional clinical examination and specialized diagnostic tests. Treatments vary according to the type of overgrowth and the extent of disease progression, thus, scaling of teeth is sufficient in mild cases, while in severe cases surgical intervention is required. Prognosis is precarious and the risk of recurrence exists.

Non-syndromic hereditary gingival fibromatosis in three Chinese families is not due to SOS1 gene mutations

Non-syndromic hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) is a rare condition, characterized by a progressive gingival hyperplasia that occurs as an isolated disease. Hitherto, only one insertion (g.126,142-126,143insC) in son-of-sevenless-1 (SOS1) gene has been associated with non-syndromic HGF in a Brazilian family. The aim of the present study was to determine if SOS1 is the causative gene of non-syndromic HGF in the Chinese population. Peripheral blood samples were collected from six affected and seven unaffected individuals from three Chinese families with history of non-syndromic HGF. Genomic DNA was extracted and SOS1 gene exons were sequenced. Neither g.126,142-126,143insC nor any other novel mutation was detected in SOS1 gene. Our results suggest that the SOS1 may not be the gene responsible for HGF in these three Chinese families and, therefore, it is possible that other genes are involved in the manifestation of HGF in these Chinese HGF families.

Hereditary gingival fibromatosis: a review and a report of a rare case

Hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) is a rare condition which manifests itself by an enlarged gingival tissue covering teeth to various extents. The condition may occur isolated or as part of a syndrome. This paper presents a case of 9-year-old female patient suffering from HGF with chief complaint of mouth protrusion. Cephalometric findings showed severe mandibular deficiency and vertical maxillary excess. Patient exhibited perioral muscle contraction on mouth closing. After discussing the treatment possibilities with the patient and her parents, the decision was made to wait until growth potential decreases (following the adolescent growth spurt) and to correct the problem with orthognathic surgery.

Gingival fibromatosis with multiple unusual findings: report of a rare case

Gingival fibromatosis is a rare disease, especially its syndromic form. Here, we review the literatures on gingival fibromatosis and briefly summarize some characters on clinical, etiological, genetic and histopathological aspects. We also present a rare case of gingival fibromatosis with multiple unusual findings in a 21-year-old man. And we differentiate it from some well-known syndromes including gingival fibromatosis. Maybe it implies a new syndrome within the spectrum of those including gingival fibromatosis.

Current concepts on gingival fibromatosis-related syndromes

Gingival fibromatosis is a rare, benign, slowly-growing fibrous overgrowth of the gingiva, with great genetic and clinical heterogeneity. Gingival fibromatosis/overgrowth can be inherited as an isolated trait (hereditary gingival fibromatosis) and/or as a component of a syndrome, or it can be drug induced. As a clinical manifestation of a syndrome, gingival fibromatosis is usually associated with generalized hypertrichosis, mental retardation, or epilepsy. Gingival fibromatosis and its related syndromes are mainly inherited in an autosomal-dominant manner, but autosomal-recessive inheritance has also been reported. Clinical syndromic presentation includes Zimmermann-Laband syndrome, Ramon syndrome, Rutherford syndrome, Cowden syndrome, Cross syndrome, Göhlich-Ratmann syndrome, Avani syndrome, and I-cell disease. However, a phenotypic overlap has been suggested, as many combinations of their systemic manifestations have been reported. Treatment of choice is usually gingivectomy with gingivoplasty. Before any therapy, clinical practitioners must take into consideration the clinical course of a particular syndrome and every possible functional and esthetic disorder.

Hereditary gingival fibromatosis: a three-generation case and pathogenic mechanism research on progress of the disease

BACKGROUND

Hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) is a rare benign disorder characterized by progressive overgrowth of gingiva. Although the clinical and histopathologic characteristics of HGF are explicit, the pathogenic mechanism remains unclear. The goal of this article is to describe a three-generation HGF case and discuss the diagnosis, treatment, and inheritance of the disease. The known cellular and molecular features of HGF are also emphasized.

METHODS

Family and medical histories of the patients were recorded, and a series of preliminary examinations, including clinical, histologic, radiographic, and gene examination, were performed to make a diagnosis and learn about the genetic characteristics. An all-quadrant flap surgery was performed to remove excess gingiva, and orthodontic treatment was undertaken to help tooth eruption. Recent advances were reviewed for further knowledge of genetic, cellular, and molecular features of HGF.

RESULTS

The patient's manifestations and examinations showed a typical HGF characteristic. There was no recurrence after surgery, and the premolars and molars erupted to bite plane. Genetic studies have found several gene mutations involved in HGF. Only the son-of-sevenless-1 gene is identified. Multiple molecular factors, such as transforming growth factor-β and matrix metalloproteinases, participate in HGF, regulating the extracellular matrix.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical intervention is the usual treatment of HGF, but patients still have to deal with the risk of recurrence. Once the correlations between gene mutations, molecular changes, histology, and clinical situation are clear, they can be applied to clinical application, providing novel methods for disease prognosis and diagnosis and targets for disease prevention and treatment.

Increased expression of integrin alpha2 and abnormal response to TGF-beta1 in hereditary gingival fibromatosis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the possible correlation between integrin alpha1, alpha2, and beta1 expression and excessive collagen synthesis in fibroblasts from 3 unrelated Chinese families with hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF).

DESIGN

Gingival fibroblasts from three Chinese HGF patients and three healthy subjects were included. The expression of alpha1, alpha2, and beta1 integrin subunits was examined by immunohistochemistry, quantitative PCR, and flow cytometry. We also investigated the effects of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) on the expression of these integrin subunits.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrate that the expression of alpha2 was significantly higher in HGF fibroblasts compared with control fibroblasts (P < 0.01). No significant differences in the expression of alpha1 and beta1 were detected. Furthermore, TGF-beta1 promoted the expression of alpha1 and alpha2 in fibroblasts from both HGF patients and controls. However, it had a larger effect on the expression of alpha2 in HGF fibroblasts than in control cells. In contrast, alpha1 expression was stimulated more in control fibroblasts.

CONCLUSION

The increased expression of integrin alpha2 and the increased response to TGF-beta1 of HGF fibroblasts may be related to the excessive collagen deposition in HGF patients.