Assessment of Biochemical Markers in Two Particular Cases with Maxilary Cysts

Abstract

Biochemical markers have been previously described as predictors of bone remodelling in dental disorders. Here we present 2 cases, diagnosed with inflammatory maxillary cysts in whom biochemical markers of bone remodeling have been evaluated. Clinical evaluations, radiological and laboratory tests, including histopathological examinations were performed in both patients. Laboratory test results indicated an activation of osteoblasts in both cases. Bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP) serum levels, as a marker for bone deposition, were significantly increased in both patients. In addition, differences in the cyst size and the tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP-5b) test results have been noted in these cases. In the first case, with a cyst [ 1.5 cm in diameter, TRACP-5b serum levels were within the normal reference laboratory values, suggesting that the process of bone resorption may be slightly decreased or potentially lacking. In the second case, with a cyst ] 3 cm in diameter, TRACP-5b serum levels were 1.5 times higher than the upper limit of the normal reference laboratory values, suggesting that a process of osteolysis apparently occured. The two cases diagnosed with maxillary cyst presented differences in the size and the TRACP-5b test results. This suggest a possible correlation between TRACP-5b serum levels, bone resorption and the size of maxillary cysts. Further studies should be performed to confirm this hypothesis.