• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.5-11
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• 2018

Recent findings indicate that Type 2 taste receptors (T2Rs) are expressed outside the gustatory system, including in the gastrointestinal tracts and the exocrine glands, such as the submandibular (SM), parotid (P), lacrimal (L) glands and pancreas (PC). Specifically, T2Rs are found in some of the gastrointestinal endocrine cells, and these cells secreted peptide hormones in response to stimulation by bitter-tasting compounds. The results show that T2Rs may have significant physiological roles besides bitter taste reception. The functions of the T2Rs in the exocrine glands remain poorly understood. An expression levels analysis of T2Rs will help to determine those functions in the exocrine glands. The expression levels of the T2Rs in the exocrine glands were discovered via the qPCR. C57BL/6J mice of 42~60-day-old were used. Messenger RNAs were extracted from S, P, L and PC. Cloned DNAs were synthesized by reverse transcription. Quantitative PCRs were performed using the SYBR Green method. The expression levels of the T2Rs were calculated as relative expression levels to that of the GAPDH. The statistical significance among the observed exocrine glands was tested using the variance analysis (ANOVA test). Tas2r108, out of murine 35 T2Rs, was the most highly expressed in every observed exocrine gland. This finding was similar to previous results from tongue papillae, but the expression levels were lower than those of the tongue papillae. Tas2r137 of SM, P, L and PC were expressed a little lower than that of tongue papillae. The T2Rs in the exocrine glands may play slightly different roles from those in the tongue. We suggest that physiological studies such as a patch clamp and functional $Ca^{2+}$ imaging of acinar cells are necessary for understanding the Tas2r108 functions.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.240-244
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• 2012

Myofibroblastic sarcoma is a rare tumor that mostly develops in the soft tissues of the head and neck. Within the oral cavity, a tongue lesion is the most common. A myofibroblastic sarcoma tends to recur locally instead of metastasizing. We encountered a myofibroblastic sarcoma of the mandible of a 9-year-old male and performed mass excision and additional marginal alveolectomy. So far, there is neither recurrence nor metastasis. We report this case because of the uncommon location of this tumor type and its surgical approach compared to other forms of sarcomas.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.73-81
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• 2019

Purpose: There is sparse literature on treatment outcomes research on resectable oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC). The aim of this study was to measure the treatment outcomes, explore the failure patterns, and identify the potential clinicopathological prognostic factors affecting treatment outcomes for resectable OTSCC. Materials and Methods: It is a retrospective analysis of 202 patients with resectable OTSCC who underwent upfront primary surgical resection followed by adjuvant radiotherapy with or without concurrent chemotherapy if indicated. Results: The median follow-up was 35.2 months (range, 1.2 to 99.9 months). The median duration of locoregional control (LRC) was 84.9 months (95% confidence interval, 67.3-102.4). The 3- and 5-year LRC rate was 68.5% and 58.3%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that increasing pT stage, increasing pN stage, and the presence of extracapsular extension (ECE) were significantly associated with poorer LRC. The median duration of overall survival (OS) was not reached at the time of analysis. The 3- and 5-year OS rate was 70.5% and 66.6%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that increasing pT stage and the presence of ECE were significantly associated with a poorer OS. Conclusion: Locoregional failure remains the main cause of treatment failure in resectable OTSCC. There is scope to further improve prognosis considering modest LRC and OS. Pathological T-stage, N-stage, and ECE are strong prognostic factors. Further research is required to confirm whether adjuvant therapy adds to treatment outcomes in cases with lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, and depth of invasion, and help clinicians tailoring adjuvant therapy.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.81-86
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• 1989

Tumors originated from peripheral nerve tissues are neurofibroma, neurilemoma, plexiform neurofibroma, malignant schwannoma, and granular cell tumor. Neurofibromas seem to occur in two forms : The first one is circumscribed solitary neurofibroma and the second group is neurofibromatosis or Von Recklinghausen's disease, which is a congenital and familial disease, presenting abnormalities of the skin, nerve system, bones and soft tissue. A solitary neurofibroma is a benign, relatively circumscribed, noncapsulated tumor which often presents in the skin and subcutaneous tissue as a soft sessile or pedunculated mass. It may occur anywhere in the head and neck, but the common site of the occurrence is the tongue, buccal mucosa, palate in frequency. Since solitary neurofibroma is a relatively radioresistant and its recurrence rate seem to be low, the treatment of choice is surgical excision. The author would like to present a case of unusually large solitary neurofibroma occured in the chin, which was successfully treated with surgical excision and reconstructed using deltopectoral flap and tongue flap.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.17-25
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• 2012

To maintain good oral hygiene, plaque control is essential and the most common and effective method is appropriate brushing. However accurate brushing is so difficult for children that the importance of brush is getting higher. We investigated the effect of tooth brushing instruction in plaque control for 40 children who came to Kyunghee university dental hospital, department of pediatric dentistry. We examined basic information by self-assessment, evaluated plaque index, tooth & tongue cleanness, malodor index for 4 times and compared values before and after tooth brushing instruction. Plaque index decreased(p<0.01) and tooth & tongue cleanness increased(p<0.01). There were no significant differences in mal-odor index. In conclusion, tooth brushing instruction is effective in removing dental plaque and its beneficial role is highly expected in establishing children's good oral hygiene.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.255-260
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• 2008

Purpose: Tongue cancer is the most common malignant tumor of the oral cavity and the ultimate goal in treatment of the cancer is not only complete excision and meticulous closure of the wound, but also, reconstruction of a demensional and functional tongue. Our study focuses on various factors, such as defect size, extent of tumor, age, application of mandibulectomy or radiotherapy, and their influences on postoperative speech and swallowing function. Methods: Our study was based on 59 patients who underwent tongue cancer operation and reconstruction of the tongue. Speech and swallowing were evaluated according to categories documented by Sultan and Teichgraeber. Patients were classified into 3 groups as partial glossectomy, hemiglossectomy and total glossectomy groups for evaluation. The average age of the patients were 51, and the mean follow-up period was 4 years 2 months. Results: The partial glossectomy group showed statistically relevant results for speech articulation and swallowing abilities compared to the total glossectomy group. In cases of defects involving the mouth floor, the group showed decreased results compared to the group without mouth floor involvement. Increased age showed decreased postoperative results with statistical significance, while mandibulectomy and radiotherapy revealed no statistically significant data. Analysis according to TNM staging resulted in decreased functional result with advanced staging without statistical significance. Conclusion: To summarize the factors influencing the functional outcome in tongue reconstruction, younger patients and early stage cancer with minimal surgical extent revealed more satisfying results while mandibulectomy and radiation did not have influence on our analysis. Addition of various influencing factors and studies with longer follow up periods on our patient groups may provide effective data for more satisfying functional outcomes in the future.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.557-562
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• 2006

Purpose: Advanced carcinoma of the tongue is a devastating disease which may cause severe speech or swallowing dysfunction. But, none to date has provided all of the complex functions of the tongue. The purpose of this study is to review our experiences with individuals who underwent glossectomy followed by reconstruction using free tissue transfer. Methods: Between February 1998 and February 2005, twenty-four patients underwent glossectomy followed by free tissue transfer reconstruction. The defects of tongue caused by partial or subtotal glossectomy were reconstructed by means of radial forearm or lateral thigh free flap with nerve innervation. Especially for the patients who underwent total glossectomy, we reconstructed deglutition muscles anatomically with nerve reinnervation, a procedure that allows the grafted muscle to maintain good tongue bulk without obvious atrophy. Results: Patients were reviewed to determine their functional outcome as it related to speech, deglutition, and aspiration. All patients achieved oral intake of a soft diet and acceptable speech. Conclusion: Although reconstruction following glossectomy using free tissue transfer is not ideal, this procedure is safe and reliable, and provides predictable results. A future challenge is the development of a surgical procedure for reconstruction of a tongue that maintains mobility and sensation using neurotized flaps.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.87-91
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• 2000

Lymphangiomas are uncommon benign congenital tumors. Most occur in the head and neck and most lesions present by the age of 2 years. We present our experience with four patients who have lymphangiomas of the head and neck with tongue involvement. First case is a 7-year-old male who has the cystic lymphangioma of left submandibular area. Second a 22-year-old female has a lesion involving the border of right tongue. Third case is the lymphangioma which occurs in the right upper lip of a 6-year old male. The last patient is a 28-year old male who fell down and whose right face was swollen up. He had undergone an operation and been treated with steroid before. The characteristic appearances of imaging methods were described and all lesions best depicted on T2-weighted images. Our experience indicates that MRI is useful in the diagnosis and treatment planning of lymphangioma.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.657-665
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• 1999

The effects of application of mustard oil (MO), a small-fiber excitant and inflammatory irritant into the rat maxillary molar tooth pulp on arterial blood pressure and heat race, and electromyographic (EMG) activity of the jaw muscles were assessed in the anesthetized rats. In addition, Evans blue extravasation following pulpal MO application was measured. Application of MO into the tooth pulp produced a significant increase in mean arterial pressure and heat rate which gradually returned to baseline level. Application of MO into the tooth pulp induced a significant and short-lasting increase in EMG activity of digastric masseter and tongue muscle. Application of MO into the tooth pulp significantly increased the plasma extravasation of Evans blue dye. However, Application of mineral oil into the tooth pulp did not produce any significant changes in EMG activity of the digastric, masseter and tongue muscles, mean arterial pressure and heart rate, and plasma extravasation of Evans blue dye. These findings indicate that changes in arterial blood pressure, heart rate, jaw muscle activity and plasma extravasation accompanying noxious tooth pulp stimulation call be utilized as indirect measure of orofacial pain and inflammation.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.447-463
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• 2001

Dendroaspis natriuretic peptide (DNP), a fourth member of the natriuretic peptide isolated from the venom of the Dendroaspis angusticeps snake, has been reported to be present in human plasma and atrial myocardium and caused vasorelaxation and diuresis in experimental animals. However, it is uncertain whether they are present in peripheral organs other than the heart and its further physiological roles also remains to be clarified. To assess the possible physiological role of DNP in the salivary glands, I investigated the localization of DNP peptide in the rat salivary glands by immunohistochemistry and the binding sites for radiolabelled DNP in the rat salivary glands and oral mucosa using in vitro autoradiography. DNP immunoreactivity was widely distributed in the submandibular, sublingual and parotid glands, particularly in the ducts such as the intercalated and striated ducts, where atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) was colocalized in consecutive sections, but not in acini. High density $^{125}I-DNP$ binding sites were localized in the epithelia of the tongue and hard palate, while low density binding sites for $^{125}I-DNP$ were also distributed in the submandibular, sublingual, and parotid glands. In the hard palate and tongue, the precise location of this binding was revealed on the basal and parabasal cells of the epithelia by emulsion microautoradiography. These results suggest that DNP may not only have a role in the salivary glands but also play a role in the regulation of growth in the oral epithelium, particularly in the hard palate and tongue.