Transcriptomic Profiling Identifies a Distinct Molecular Signature in OSMF-Derived Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Kavitha Prasad, Sowmya Samudrala Venkatesiah, Dominic Augustine, Ananya Anurag Anand, Prashanthi Karyala, et al. Life, 2026 Background: Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) is a significant global oral health problem, particularly prevalent in India, with a high risk of progression to Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC). This study investigates the molecular mechanisms involved in the transformation of OSMF to OSCC using transcriptomic profiling. Methods: High-throughput RNA sequencing was performed on fresh de novo OSCC samples (n = 8) and OSMF derived OSCC using Illumina-compatible NEXTflex Rapid Directional RNA Sequencing. Normalization and differential gene expression analysis were conducted, and genes exhibiting an absolute log2 fold change of ≥2 with a co-variate-adjusted p-value ≤ 0.05 were identified as significant. Results: Upregulated genes were associated with cytokine and immune responses (ABRA, TTTY14, EIF1AY), cellular proliferation and apoptosis (LINC00314, RPS4Y1, SERPINA5, TRIM63, FABP7), and energy metabolism, indicating metabolic adaptations during malignant progression. Pathway analysis showed increased expression of TNNT1, TNNI1, MYL4, and ACTN3, implicating muscle development and embryonic pathways in OSMF transformation. Conversely, genes related to epithelial differentiation and keratinization (FLG, FLG2, HRNR, TCHH, KRT73), immune regulation and tumor suppression (HLA-G, UNC5D), and metabolic signaling were downregulated, reflecting loss of tissue integrity and immune control. Conclusions: OSMF-derived OSCC exhibits a distinct transcriptomic landscape compared with de novo OSCC, characterized by altered epithelial differentiation, immune modulation, and activation of developmental pathways. The observed gene dysregulation findings establish that OSCC developing in the background of OSMF is molecularly distinct from de novo OSCC, underscoring the biological impact of the pre-existing fibrotic milieu on tumor transcriptional architecture.
Use of Nimodipine in the Management of Iatrogenic Facial Nerve Injury: A Case Report Kavitha Prasad, Rajanikanth Belagur Rajaram, A. Nityasri Oral Surgery, 2026 BackgroundFacial nerve injury is a common complication of trauma, crush injuries, basilar skull fractures, resections of the head and neck, and nerve compression caused by tumour growth, which results in permanent functional deficits and facial paralysis. Maxillofacial surgical procedures account for 40% of iatrogenic injuries. These include parotid surgeries and temporomandibular joint replacement, which revolve around the facial nerve, making it susceptible to damage. In addition to the functional issues, the psychosocial quality of life is significantly affected by facial asymmetry. Treating facial paresis in the early post‐traumatic period with a multidisciplinary approach is important for accelerating the recovery process. Various treatment modalities such as thermal heat, acupuncture therapy, medical management with steroids, electrical stimulation, facial massage and facial strapping are important in assisting the healing process. Nimodipine, a calcium channel blocker, works as a selective cerebral vasodilator to minimise morbidity and mortality in patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage. It is hypothesised to protect neurons and smooth muscle cells against axonal swelling due to calcium overload. Nimodipine may enhance the flow of oxygen and nutrients to damaged neurons, thereby minimising cell death. In animal investigations and clinical studies, it has exhibited good preservation of facial nerve function when administered prophylactically with a speedy recovery of function.AimTo assess the outcome of nimodipine administration in the management of facial paresis following segmental resection of a tumour in the mandible.Materials and MethodsPatient was prescribed tablet nimodipine 60 mg QID (Four Times a Day) for 8 weeks with periodic follow‐up and reviews for evaluation of her symptomsResultsThere were significant improvements in the patient's symptoms during the time period, bringing her condition to nearly HB (House‐Brackmann) Grade I.ConclusionsSignificant functional recovery of the injured facial nerve was observed. Nimodipine can be considered for the treatment of facial nerve paresis induced by surgical trauma. Further prospective clinical studies are recommended to generate more evidence.
Effects of close surgical margins on prognosis and recurrence of oral squamous cell carcinoma Kavitha Prasad, A. Nityasri, Jugal Ashok Toprani, Shashank Madhusudan Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, 2025 Objectives To assess the relationships of close surgical margins with recurrence and prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Materials and Methods This retrospective study consisted of 198 patients who were diagnosed with OSCC based on histopathology. All patients underwent wide local tumor resection and neck dissection, followed by or preceded by chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. The tumor variables assessed were the pathological stage of disease, involvement site, tumor size, margin status, tumor differentiation, bone involvement if any, presence of lymphovascular or perineural invasion, adjuvant therapies including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, lymph node involvement, and ratio. Results The outcome of the disease based on margins was statistically significant, with close mar- gins associated with increased risk of disease fatality. Recurrence was associated with close margins, followed by adequate margins, and the relation-ship was significant within the first 2 years. Tumor stage and size significantly correlated with margin status. Close surgical margins correlated with one positive lymph node. Conclusion Close surgical margins are strong predictors for determining prognosis of OSCC.
Transcriptomic Profiling Identifies a Distinct Molecular Signature in OSMF-Derived Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma K Prasad, S Samudrala Venkatesiah, D Augustine, AA Anand, P Karyala, ... Life 16 (3), 454 , 2026 2026
Use of Nimodipine in the Management of Iatrogenic Facial Nerve Injury: A Case Report K Prasad, R Belagur Rajaram, A Nityasri Oral Surgery 19 (1), 35-38 , 2026 2026
Cognitive Computing Approaches for Assessing Mandibular Third Molar Impaction: A Systematic Review M Munthasir, G Prathibha, P Sagar, K Prasad 2026
Comparative Evaluation of Erich Arch Bars with Hybrid Arch Bars for Maxillomandibular Fixation in the Treatment of Mandibular Fractures: A Prospective Clinical Study S Kapoor, P Sagar, K Prasad Journal of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, 1-7 , 2025 2025
Efficacy of Topical Insulin Gel Dressing Versus Collagen Dressing in Treating Facial Soft Tissue Abrasions: A Split Face Clinical Study A Abhilasha, KV Kumar, K Prasad, K Ranganath, R Reddy Journal of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery 24 (5), 1297-1302 , 2025 2025
Ethical and Legal Reflections on First-in-Class Drugs Exploring Biomaterials and Compulsory Licensing PG Prajitha, B Venugopal Trends in Biomaterials and Artificial Organs 39 (1), 113-120 , 2025 2025
Effects of close surgical margins on prognosis and recurrence of oral squamous cell carcinoma K Prasad, A Nityasri, JA Toprani, S Madhusudan Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons 51 (3 … , 2025 2025
Comparative evaluation of lag screws and miniplates in the fixation of anterior mandibular fractures–a prospective study S Jawa, G Prathibha, K Prasad, K Ranganath, P Sagar, S Chandra Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 29 (1), 112 , 2025 2025
Effect of hyaluronic acid gel with and without metronidazole on healing of extraction sockets in diabetic patients—a randomized controlled study A Nityasri, K Prasad, R Deveswaran, K Ranganath Oral and maxillofacial surgery 29 (1), 72 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
Comparative Evaluation of Effect of Therapeutic Nutrition on Serum Albumin Levels and Nutritional Indices in Patients Undergoing Open Reduction and Internal Fixation for … BR Rajanikanth, AT Achar, K Prasad, H Arvind Journal of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery 24 (1), 110-116 , 2025 2025
Comparative evaluation of self-tapping and self-drilling screws in mandibular inter-foraminal fractures: A randomized controlled clinical trial PK Bharadwaj, VK Kumar, K Prasad 2025
Assessment of Prognostic Nutritional Index as a Preoperative Prognostic Indicator in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study at a Tertiary Centre in India AT Achar, K Prasad, BR Rajanikanth, AS Kapali Journal of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, 1-7 , 2024 2024
A “Window” to Protect the Facial Nerve: A Descriptive Cadaveric Study BR Rajanikanth, A Kotharkar, K Prasad Journal of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery 23 (5), 1296-1303 , 2024 2024 Citations: 1
Evaluation of the Vertical Loop of the Inferior Alveolar Nerve at the Mental Foramen Region-A Retrospective Study BR Rajanikanth, K Prasad, S Kapoor, A Choudhary Annals of Maxillofacial Surgery 14 (2), 175-179 , 2024 2024
Unicystic Ameloblastoma Masquerading as Vascular Lesion-A Case Report A Choudhary, P Sagar, K Prasad, K Ranganath 2024
Comparative Evaluation of the Local Anesthetic Action of Tramadol Hydrochloride With Adrenaline Versus Lidocaine Hydrochloride With Adrenaline for Maxillary Exodontia: A … YR Kr, P Sagar, K Prasad, P Shridhar, K Ranganath Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 82 (4), 478-484 , 2024 2024 Citations: 1
A rare case report on infratemporal, masticator and parapharyngeal space infection secondary to decayed upper wisdom tooth BR Rajanikanth, K Prasad, AT Achar Journal of Oral Medicine and Oral Surgery 30 (3), 22 , 2024 2024 Citations: 2
Co-existence of Odontogenic Myxoma and Fragile X Syndrome: A Rare Report and Review of Management Considerations RB Rajaram, M Gunasekaran, D Augustine, K Prasad World Journal of Dentistry 14 (5), 466-470 , 2023 2023
Maxillary Leiomyosarcoma with Lymph Node Metastasis: report of an unusual case S Tazeen, K Prasad, P Singh, SK Munoyath, G Prathibha Journal of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery 22 (2), 391-393 , 2023 2023 Citations: 1
Traumatic ulcerative granuloma with stromal eosinophilia (TUGSE)-a diagnostic enigma S Krishna, K Prasad, P Sagar Case Rep Rev 4, 137 , 2023 2023 Citations: 1
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Evaluation of treatment outcome after impacted mandibular third molar surgery with the use of autologous platelet-rich fibrin: a randomized controlled clinical study N Kumar, K Prasad, L Ramanujam, J Dexith, A Chauhan Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 73 (6), 1042-1049 , 2015 2015 Citations: 239
Buccal pad of fat and its applications in oral and maxillofacial surgery: a review of published literature (February) 2004 to (July) 2009 J Singh, K Prasad, RM Lalitha, K Ranganath Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and … , 2010 2010 Citations: 151
“A comparative evaluation between single noncompression titanium miniplate and three dimensional titanium miniplate in treatment of mandibular angle fracture”–a randomized … K Vineeth, RM Lalitha, K Prasad, K Ranganath, V Shwetha, J Singh Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery 41 (2), 103-109 , 2013 2013 Citations: 107
Lipid metabolism in cancer: a systematic review W Khan, D Augustine, RS Rao, S Patil, KH Awan, SV Sowmya, ... Journal of carcinogenesis 20, 4 , 2021 2021 Citations: 82
Comparative study of intravenous Tramadol versus Ketorolac for preventing postoperative pain after third molar surgery–A prospective randomized study P Gopalraju, RM Lalitha, K Prasad, K Ranganath Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery 42 (5), 629-633 , 2014 2014 Citations: 81
Molecular pathways of oral cancer that predict prognosis and survival: A systematic review S Lakshminarayana, D Augustine, RS Rao, S Patil, KH Awan, ... Journal of carcinogenesis 17, 7 , 2018 2018 Citations: 68
Cyanoacrylate for intraoral wound closure: a possibility? P Sagar, K Prasad, RM Lalitha, K Ranganath International journal of biomaterials 2015 (1), 165428 , 2015 2015 Citations: 58
Three-dimensional v/s standard titanium miniplate fixation in the management of mandibular fractures–A randomized clinical study S Sehgal, L Ramanujam, K Prasad, R Krishnappa Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery 42 (7), 1292-1299 , 2014 2014 Citations: 54
Giant cell tumor of the temporal bone–a case report SB Pai, RM Lalitha, K Prasad, SG Rao, K Harish BMC Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders 5 (1), 8 , 2005 2005 Citations: 49
Assessment of pretreatment neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and platelet/lymphocyte ratio in prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma S Tazeen, K Prasad, K Harish, P Sagar, AS Kapali, S Chandramouli Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 78 (6), 949-960 , 2020 2020 Citations: 42
Role of cancer stem cells in head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma–A systematic review P Singh, D Augustine, RS Rao, S Patil, KH Awan, SV Sowmya, ... Journal of Carcinogenesis 20, 12 , 2021 2021 Citations: 37
Role of early diagnosis and multimodal treatment in rhinocerebral mucormycosis: experience of 4 cases K Prasad, RM Lalitha, EK Reddy, K Ranganath, DR Srinivas, J Singh Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 70 (2), 354-362 , 2012 2012 Citations: 34
Soft tissue injuries of the maxillofacial region occurring from motorcycle accidents MZ Arif, BR Rajanikanth, K Prasad Journal of maxillofacial and oral surgery 18 (3), 432-439 , 2019 2019 Citations: 28
Arthrocentesis in TMJ internal derangement: a prospective study VE Kuruvilla, K Prasad Journal of maxillofacial and oral surgery 11 (1), 53-56 , 2012 2012 Citations: 27
The role of helmet fastening in motorcycle road traffic accidents Z Arif, BR Rajanikanth, K Prasad Craniomaxillofacial Trauma & Reconstruction 12 (4), 284-290 , 2019 2019 Citations: 25
Biomarkers in tumorigenesis using cancer cell lines: a systematic review L Raju, D Augustine, RS Rao, S SV, VC Haragannavar, S Nambiar, ... Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer prevention: APJCP 18 (9), 2329 , 2017 2017 Citations: 21
Prediction of metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma through phenotypic evaluation and gene expression of E-cadherin, β-catenin, matrix metalloproteinase-2, and matrix … SV Sowmya, RS Rao, K Prasad Journal of Carcinogenesis 19, 8 , 2020 2020 Citations: 20
Arteriovenous malformations of the head and neck: experience with magnetic resonance angiography and therapeutic embolisation MR Sreevathsa, RM Lalitha, K Prasad British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 41 (2), 75-77 , 2003 2003 Citations: 19
Procedures and pitfalls in incisional biopsies of oral squamous cell carcinoma with respect to histopathological diagnosis RS Rao, KR Chatura, K Prasad, S Lakshminarayana, FM Ali, KH Awan, ... Disease-a-month 66 (12), 101035 , 2020 2020 Citations: 18
Does microbiome shift play a role in carcinogenesis? A systematic review L Mallika, D Augustine, RS Rao, S Patil, AWH Alamir, KH Awan, ... Translational Cancer Research 9 (4), 3153 , 2020 2020 Citations: 18