Expression of GALECTIN-3 and GLUT1 in dental germ, adenomatoid odontogenic tumor, and ameloblastoma: an immunohistochemical study

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to evaluate and compare the immunohistochemical expression of Galectin-3 and GLUT1 in dental germ, adenomatoid odontogenic tumor, and ameloblastoma, and to correlate these findings with clinicopathological features.

Methods: This is a retrospective, cross-sectional, observational, and analytical study. Histological samples previously diagnosed as dental germ, adenomatoid odontogenic tumor, and ameloblastoma will be selected from the archives of the Department of Diagnostic Oral Pathology and Medicine at the Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de la República, in accordance with predefined inclusion criteria. Clinicopathological data associated with each case will be collected and recorded in an electronic spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel). Tissue sections will be processed using immunohistochemical techniques with specific antibodies against Galectin-3 and GLUT1. Immunohistochemical expression will be assessed using a semiquantitative scoring system, considering both staining intensity and the percentage of positive cells. The results will be statistically analyzed to identify significant differences in marker expression among the different lesion types, as well as possible correlations with clinicopathological variables. The level of statistical significance will be set at p < 0.05. Expected Results: It is expected to identify specific expression patterns in the dental germ and in the different types of tumors, allowing for the characterization of the immunohistochemical profile of the selected markers and contributing to a better understanding of molecular aspects involved in their formation and progression.