The Differences in Expression of Tumor Marker KI-67 and Proliferation Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) in Ameloblastoma with Histopathological Subtypes Follicular, Plexiform, and Mixed (Follicular-Plexiform)

Ameloblastoma, though classified as a benign tumor, can induce deformities and functional abnormalities in the craniofacial region. Ki-67 is a typical marker for cell proliferation, with its expression peaking the M phase of the cell cycle or mitosis, indicating active cell division. Cells with high levels of Ki-67 expression are typically in a state of active proliferation. In addition, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), a nuclear protein, plays a role in regulating the cell cycle and is involved in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) replication and repair processes. PCNA acts as a cofactor in DNA replication and repair processes.This study used 37 postoperative paraffin blocks for ameloblastoma patients in the period of 2015 to 2023. The samples in the inclusion criteria involved 24 samples with ameloblastomas diagnosis. Immunohistochemistries were used to observe the expression of Ki-67 and PCNA.The lowest expression of Ki-67 and PCNA was found in the plexiform subtype, whereas the highest expression values were found in mixed subtype (follicular-plexiform). The Tukey honestly significant difference test indicated a significant difference in Ki-67 expression in mixed subtypes compared to the plexiform and follicular types, with values of 0.001 (<i>p</i> < 0.05), and for PCNA expression was found with significant difference, 0.001 and 0.000 (<i>p</i> < 0.05), in the mixed subtypes, higher compared to the follicular and plexiform type.There is a significant difference in the expression values of Ki-67 and PCNA in the follicular subtype when compared to the plexiform subtype. However, no significant difference in values was observed between the follicular type and the mixed type.