Moreover, molecular biology studies evaluating the levels of these markers and their expression kinetics in these lesions are necessary not only to demonstrate the presence of these proteins but also to quantify the transcripts in each lesion. Further studies are also needed to investigate whether the OPG/RANKL/RANK system is involved in the development of cystic lesions in order to better understand the underlying mechanism and to establish new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of these lesions that are often highly destructive. “
“Candida species are commensal microorganisms with a presence that ranges from 20% to 50% of the microorganisms in the oral cavity of the healthy

dentate population. 1 However, under predisposing conditions, Candida spp. can behave as an opportunistic pathogen causing a variety of infections ranging from mucosal lesions to severe systemic dissemination. 2 and 3 17-AAG concentration Amongst these infections, Candida-associated Sirolimus concentration denture stomatitis is a common disease that is observed in approximately 45.3% of acrylic denture wearers, 4 with Candida albicans being the predominant isolate in these conditions.

4 and 5 However, Candida glabrata has frequently been isolated from the acrylic surface and the palatal mucosa, and represents the second most prevalent fungal pathogen in the oral cavity. 4 and 5 Fluconazole (FLZ) has been the preferred antifungal agent for the treatment of mucosal and systemic Candida spp. infections. 6 The widespread use of FLZ to treat Candida infections can be attributed to its high bioavailability, low hepatotoxicity,

reduced cost and the possibility Liothyronine Sodium of being administrated orally or intravenously. 6 However, acquisition of resistance to azole compounds has been recorded with several organisms, in particular C. albicans. 7 Acquired resistance to antifungal agents has been one of the major problems, as the treatment can lead to selection of microorganisms, favouring infections caused by non-albicans Candida species. 8 and 9 In particular infections caused by C. glabrata, which is naturally more resistant to antifungal treatment, is strongly associated with generalised systemic infections with high mortality rates. 9 and 10 Although some studies have been conducted evaluating the effect of FLZ on Candida biofilms or as planktonic cells, 11, 12, 13 and 14 these studies were conducted using FLZ after biofilm growth. 12 and 13 However, there have been no previous studies that have simulated the clinical conditions in which Candida biofilms were allowed to grow on denture surfaces whilst the patients were undergoing FLZ therapy, a condition that could lead to Candida spp. developing resistance to FLZ. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate whether FLZ could affect the bioactivity and cellular structure of C. albicans or C.