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Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a highly conserved and fundamental process that governs morphogenesis in development and may also contribute to cancer metastasis. Transforming growth factor (TGF-beta) is a potent inducer of EMT in various developmental and tumor systems. The analysis of TGF-beta signal transduction pathways is now considered a critically important area of biology, since many defects occur in these pathways in embryonic development. The complexity of TGF-beta signal transduction networks is overwhelming due to the large numbers of interacting constituents, complicated feedforward, feedback and crosstalk circuitry mechanisms that they involve in addition to the cellular kinetics and enzymatics that contribute to cell signaling. As a result of this complexity, apparently simple but highly important questions remain unanswered, that is, how do epithelial cells respond to such TGF-beta signals? System biology and cellular kinetics play a crucial role in cellular function; omissions of such a critical contributor may lead to inaccurate understanding of embryonic EMT. In this review, we identify and explain why certain conditions need to be considered for a true representation of TGF-beta signaling in vivo to better understand the controlled, yet delicate mechanism of embryonic EMT., (2007 S. Karger AG, Basel)

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of cyclosporine solution versus triamcinolone acetonide in orabase in the treatment of oral lichen planus (OLP) in reducing signs and symptoms., Study Design: One hundred thirty-nine biopsy-proven OLP patients were randomly assigned to cyclosporine (68) or steroid (71) applied onto the target lesion and affected areas. Assessments were at weeks 0, 2, 4, 8 by clinical scoring and grid measurement of the target lesion (reticulation, erythema, ulceration). Patients ranked severity of pain and burning sensation using visual analog scales., Results: Although clinical response, pain, burning sensation, area of reticulation, erythema, and ulceration at week 4 were all worse in patients receiving cyclosporine than in those receiving steroid, the differences were not statistically significant. Large patient-to-patient variability was evident over the observation period, with little evidence of marked changes in levels over time in both treatment groups., Conclusion: Topical cyclosporine appears no more effective than steroid in the treatment of oral lichen planus.