Phenytoin-induced gingival overgrowth: a review of the molecular, immune, and inflammatory features.

Abstract

Gingival overgrowth (GO) is a side effect associated with some distinct classes of drugs, such as anticonvulsants, immunosuppressant, and calcium channel blockers. GO is characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix in gingival connective tissues, particularly collagenous components, with varying degrees of inflammation. One of the main drugs associated with GO is the antiepileptic phenytoin, which affects gingival tissues by altering extracellular matrix metabolism. Nevertheless, the pathogenesis of such drug-induced GO remains fulfilled by some contradictory findings. This paper aims to present the most relevant studies regarding the molecular, immune, and inflammatory aspects of phenytoin-induced gingival overgrowth.

• Authors: Jôice Dias Corrêa, Celso Martins Queiroz-Junior, José Eustáquio Costa, Antônio Lúcio Teixeira, Tarcilia Aparecida Silva
• Journal: ISRN dentistry (ISRN Dent) Vol. 2011 Pg. 497850 ( 2011) ISSN: 2090-438X [Electronic] Egypt
• PMID: 21991476 (Publication Type: Journal Article)