LAUSR

Background MCM3 is a marker of proliferation that has been used as a diagnostic or prognostic marker in many pathologic lesions. Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the proliferative activity of dentigerous cysts, odontogenic keratocyst and ameloblastoma using minichromosome maintenance 3 (MCM3) and compare it with Ki-67 proliferation marker. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 40 cases including 11 cases of dentigerous cyst, 14 odontogenic keratocyst, and 15 ameloblastoma were included. Immunohistochemical expression of MCM3 and Ki-67 were investigated and compared statistically using ANOVA, Chi-square, Tukey and Spearman's correlation tests. Results All subjects were positive for Ki-67 and MCM3. There was a significant difference in MCM3 and Ki-67 expression among all groups. Compared to Ki-67, MCM3 exhibited a higher level of expression. Ameloblastoma and odontogenic keratocyst revealed higher expression rate of both markers in comparison to dentigerous cysts. Conclusion The results showed MCM3 and Ki67 expression in the most common odontogenic cysts and tumors, especially more aggressive lesions. MCM3 might have a role in pathogenesis of these lesions and could be a reliable marker for assessing proliferation activity.