Estimation of Bcl-2 and Ki-67 in Gingival Epithelium of Epileptic Patients

Introduction: Gingival overgrowth is one of several oral side effects of phenytoin, a potent antiepileptic drug.  Several mechanisms have been elucidated to understand the pathogenesis of drug induced gingival overgrowth. The frequency of gingival overgrowth associated with chronic phenytoin therapy remains controversial. and the possible subclinical effects of this drug on the gingival epithelium should be investigated histopathologically and immunohistochemically. Purpose of the study: To investigate the Bcl-2 for apoptosis rate and Ki-67 for the epithelial proliferative activity in epileptic patients. Materials and methods: Twenty four samples of gingival tissue from epileptic patients treated with phenytoin and in eight samples of gingival tissue from healthy patients who didn’t use phenytoin (control) were evaluated for Bcl-2 and Ki-67 immunohistochemically. Results: The results revealed moreproliferative activity of the overlying epithelium and an increased pattern of Bcl-2 and Ki-67 in phenytoin users compared to controls. Conclusion: These results concluded that the increased epithelial thickness observed in phenytoin induced gingival overgrowth is associated with increased apoptotic rate and mitotic activity , especially in the oral epithelium.   &nbsp