Assessment of angiogenic markers in oral hemangiomas and pyogenic granulomas

Myofibroblasts and increased angiogenesis contribute to periapical cystic injury containment and repair

Background

Myofibroblasts (MF) and angiogenesis are important factors in the development and expansion of cystic lesions, where these cells secrete growth factors and proteases, stimulating angiogenesis, matrix deposition and cell migration, affecting the growth of these periapicopathies. The present study aimed to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of CD34 and α-SMA in radicular cysts (RC) and residual radicular cysts (RRC), with the purpose of contributing to a better understanding of the expansion and progression of these periapical lesions.

Material and Methods

The present study os a descriptive, quantitative and comparative analysis of positive CD34 and α-SMA immunohistochemical expressions in 30 RC and 30 RRC specimens. α-SMA expression was evaluated in the fibrous capsule of the lesions, at 100x magnification below the epithelial lining. A total of 10 higher immunostaining fields were selected and subsequently, positive cells were quantified at 400x magnification, averaged per field. Regarding the angiogenic index, immuno-labeled microvessel counts for the anti-CD34 antibody were performed in 10 fields at 200x magnification.

Results

Statistically significant differences regarding α-SMA immunostaining were observed (p = 0.035), as well as a correlation between α-SMA versus CD34 (p = 0.004) in RRC. However, the angiogenic index obtained by immunostaining for CD34 indicated no statistical difference between lesions. Intense inflammatory infiltrates were predominant in RC, while mild and moderate degrees were more commonly observed in RRC (p <0.001). Intense inflammatory infiltrates were also more often noted in larger RRC (p = 0.041). Inflammatory infiltrates showed no significant correlation with α-SMA and CD34 immunostaining.

Conclusions

The results indicate that the significant correlation found between the presence of MF and the angiogenic index are related to the repair process in RRC.

Key words:Myofibroblasts, angiogenesis, inflammatory odontogenic cysts.

A Clinical Report of Solitary Gingival Overgrowth in a Young Female Patient

Pyogenic granuloma is a type of inflammatory hyperplasia. The term “inflammatory hyperplasia” is used to describe nodular growths of oral mucosa that histologically contain inflamed fibrous and granulation tissues. It is nonneoplastic. It is predominant in second decade of life in young adult females. Oral pyogenic granuloma is the most common gingival tumor with a striking predilection to gingiva. About one-third of the lesions occur following trauma. Poor oral hygiene may be a precipitating factor as 75% of all cases show calculus or foreign material in gingival sulcus. Lesions are more common in maxillary than mandibular gingiva; lesions are more common on the facial aspect of gingiva than gingival aspect. Clinically, pyogenic granuloma is a smooth, lobulated, exophytic lesion seen as small, red, and erythematous papules on a pedunculated or sessile base that is usually hemorrhagic. Clinical development of the lesion is slow, asymptomatic, and painless but may also grow rapidly; surface is characteristically ulcerated and friable, covered by yellow, fibrinous membrane with its color ranging from pink to red to purple depending on the age of the lesion. Pyogenic granuloma develops in about 5% of pregnancy, called as “pregnancy tumor’’ or “granuloma gravidarum.” Hormonal imbalance in pregnancy exaggerates the body’s response to bacterial irritation. Sometimes, pregnancy gingivitis may show a tendency for localized hyperplasia, which is called “pregnancy granuloma.” Generally, it appears in about second-to-third month of pregnancy. Although pyogenic granuloma is a nonneoplastic growth in the oral cavity, proper diagnosis, prevention, management, and treatment of the lesion is very important. Excisional surgery is the treatment of choice whereas cryosurgery, excision by Nd:YAG laser, and sclerotherapy are alternative therapies. Though pyogenic granuloma in pregnancy is because of the effect of sex hormonal imbalances, taking careful oral hygiene measures is important to avoid recurrence of the lesion. This article is a case report of a 22-year-old female patient with pyogenic granuloma in the buccal aspect of maxillary gingiva managed by surgical excision.

An update of 77 cases diagnosed as oral hemangiomas based on GLUT-1 positivity

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate cases diagnosed as "oral hemangiomas" based on the immunohistochemical expression of human glucose transporter protein (GLUT-1) and on histopathological features, and to investigate whether the classification proposed by the ISSVA was used correctly to classify these lesions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All cases stored in the archives of an Oral Pathology Service and diagnosed as "oral hemangiomas" were reviewed. Seventy-seven cases were analyzed regarding the expression of GLUT-1. GLUT-1(+) specimens were classified as true infantile hemangioma (IH) and GLUT-1(-) specimens were reclassified based on their histopathological features. The nomenclature of these lesions was evaluated and some cases were reclassified.

RESULTS

Only 26 (33.8%) of the specimens were indeed IHs. Among the GLUT-1(-) specimens, 20 (26.0%) were reclassified as pyogenic granulomas (PGs) and 31 (40.2%) as vascular malformations. Considering the previously applied nomenclature, only 47.5% of the cases initially diagnosed as "hemangiomas" were IHs. In the group of "capillary hemangiomas", most cases (56.2%) were PGs. Among the three "cellular hemangiomas", two were PGs and one was IH. Most (88.8%) "cavernous hemangiomas" were vascular malformations.

CONCLUSION

Careful and parameterized review of cases of vascular anomalies is necessary using auxiliary tools such as GLUT-1, since the exclusive use of histopathological findings might be insufficient to differentiate some anomalies.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Accurate clinical examination and the use of biomarkers such as GLUT-1 are essential for the diagnosis.

Expressão imunoistoquímica da endoglina (CD105) e do fator de von Willebrand em carcinoma epidermoide oral e sua relação com parâmetros clinicopatológicos

Resumo Contexto A angiogênese tem sido associada à progressão de neoplasias malignas e, embora haja estudos acerca de marcadores angiogênicos no carcinoma epidermoide oral (CEO), existem resultados conflitantes na literatura. Objetivos Avaliar a expressão imunoistoquímica do CD105 e do fator de von Willebrand (FvW) em CEO e sua relação com parâmetros clínicos do tumor. Métodos A imunoexpressão dos referidos biomarcadores foi analisada em 30 casos de CEO e correlacionada a parâmetros clínicos do tumor (idade e sexo dos pacientes, localização anatômica e estadiamento clínico Tumor, Nodo e Metástase, TNM). Resultados A imunomarcação com o anticorpo anti-FvW foi mais efetiva que a do CD105 no CEO. No que concerne à localização anatômica, o assoalho bucal e a região retromolar apresentaram diferenças estatisticamente significativas quanto aos índices angiogênicos (p = 0,004), determinados pela técnica de contagem microvascular (MVC). Não houve relação estatisticamente significativa entre o estadiamento clínico TNM e os índices angiogênicos, com os dois biomarcadores. Conclusões Com base nos achados deste estudo, sugere-se um envolvimento da neoformação vascular na carcinogênese oral, embora não tenha sido evidenciada associação significativa com o estágio clínico da lesão.

Importance of GLUT1 in differential diagnosis of vascular anomalies

Vascular anomalies (VAs) include a group of distinct lesions, such as vascular system congenital malformations, as well as benign and malignant vascular tumors. These lesions may present similar clinical and histopathological features, leading to mistaken diagnoses and incorrect treatment choices. It is important that professionals responsible for monitoring the development of VAs conduct precise investigations and use the appropriate terminology. The human glucose transporter protein isoform 1 (GLUT1) has been proposed as a tool to aid in differential diagnosis between different VAs, given that it is a sensitive and specific marker for identification of infantile hemangiomas (HIs) in any organ. This article presents a review of the literature on this protein as an effective tool for identification and possible differential diagnosis between several VAs.

Infantile hemangioma-like vascular lesion in a 26-year-old woman after abortion

A 26-year-old woman (G2P1A1) presented with a 5-week history of multiple red marks on her body after a therapeutic abortion. A physical examination found 15 palpable red marks on her head, neck, chest, arms and legs. Proliferating endothelial cells, which expressed CD31, CD34, von Willebrand factor, but not Glut-1 and merosin, were observed in the lesional area by histopathological analyses. Histocompatibility antigen typing of 2 lesions was identical to a sample from peripheral blood. Accelerated regression was observed in 2 lesions treated by intralesional injection of betamethasone, while spontaneous regression was observed within 9 months in the remaining lesions without any treatment. Rapid growth, spontaneous regression and histological analyses in this case support the diagnosis of 'infantile hemangioma-like vascular lesion'.

Treatment of pediatric pyogenic granulomas using β-adrenergic receptor antagonists

Propranolol and timolol are nonselective ß-adrenergic antagonists that induce peripheral vasoconstriction and affect angiogenic cytokines. Oral and topical ß-blocker therapy has become the de facto first-line treatment for complicated infantile hemangiomas because of its superior efficacy and tolerability. Pyogenic granulomas or lobular capillary hemangiomas are common acquired vascular tumors accounting for 0.5% of all skin nodules in children. Although they are benign vascular proliferations, treatment is often sought because of recurrent episodes of bleeding and for cosmetic considerations. Numerous treatment options are available, but recurrence rates are high. Noninvasive methods of treatment are being sought, particularly for young children. Herein we report a series of seven cases of cutaneous and mucosal pyogenic granulomas treated successfully using oral or topical ß-blockers.

Study of the etiopathogenesis and differential diagnosis of oral vascular lesions by immunoexpression of GLUT-1 and HIF-1α

BACKGROUND

To investigate whether the immunohistochemical expression of GLUT-1 and HIF-1α is related to the diagnosis and pathogenesis of oral vascular lesions.

STUDY METHODS

Thirty cases each of pyogenic granuloma (PG) and hemangioma were studied. Antibodies against GLUT-1 and HIF-1α were detected by immunoperoxidase staining in 3-μm histological sections, and the results were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively, respectively. Positive and negative cells were counted, and the mean number of positive cells was calculated for each case.

RESULTS

The initial diagnosis of hemangioma was maintained in only 7 (23%) of the 30 cases studied, which were positive for GLUT-1. The remaining 23 cases were reclassified as vascular malformation (VM) (n = 13) and PG (n = 10) due to the absence of staining. The endothelium of blood vessels was negative for GLUT-1 in all cases initially diagnosed as PG (n = 30). The percentage of HIF-1α-positive cells was higher in cases of PG, followed by hemangiomas and VMs (P = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Histological features are not sufficient to establish the correct diagnosis of oral hemangiomas, and an accurate anamnesis is essential in these cases. In addition, these findings demonstrate that vascular lesions express mediators of angiogenesis, HIF-1α, and suggest that his process may play a role in the pathogenesis of vascular.

Assessment of angiogenic markers and female sex hormone receptors in pregnancy tumor of the gingiva

PURPOSE

Oral pregnancy tumors (OPTs) arise on the inflamed gingiva of women after the first trimester of pregnancy. The expression of angiogenic markers and female hormone receptors was assessed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze the expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors and the expression of angiogenic factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor, fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and hypoxia inducible factors 1α and 3α (HIF1α and HIF3α). Experimental groups included 9 OPTs, 10 oral pyogenic granulomas from nonpregnant women of the same age, and 9 oral pyogenic granulomas from postmenopausal women.

RESULTS

VEGF expression in stromal histiocytes and endothelial cells of small vessels was positively correlated in the OPT group (P < .05 by χ(2) test). VEGF receptor also was overexpressed in stromal histiocytes and endothelial cells of OPTs compared with oral pyogenic granulomas from nonpregnant and postmenopausal women (P < .005 by χ(2) test). No correlation was detected among estrogen and progesterone receptors, FGF and HIF1α and HIF3α (ER and PgR respectively) in the 3 experimental groups.

CONCLUSIONS

VEGF-associated angiogenesis is most likely involved in the pathogenesis of the lesion. These results imply that local inhibition of VEGF activity could be an adjuvant therapeutic approach for OPTs to control hemorrhage, which can be massive at the surgical excision of such lesions during pregnancy.

A comparative study of the effect of fibrin glue versus sutures on clinical outcome in patients undergoing pterygium excision and conjunctival autografts

Purpose

To compare the effect of using fibrin glue or 10-0 nylon sutures on the clinical outcome of patients undergoing pterygium excision and conjunctival autografting.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 52 eyes from 46 patients who underwent pterygium excision and conjunctival autografting and were followed up for more than 3 months. The operation duration, postoperative inflammation, complications, and recurrence rates were compared between groups of 20 patients (22 eyes) for whom fibrin glue was used (fibrin glue group) and 26 patients (30 eyes) for whom suturing was performed with 10-0 nylon (suture group) in pterygium excision and conjunctival autografting.

Results

The operation duration was 27.71 (5.22) minutes in the fibrin glue group and 43.30 (8.18) minutes in the suture group (p = 0.000). Seven days after the operation, the fibrin glue group showed milder conjunctival inflammation than the suture group (p = 0.000). Postoperative complications and corneal recurrence rates were not statistically different between the two groups.

Conclusions

The use of fibrin glue in pterygium excision with conjunctival autografting is likely to be a more effective, safer procedure than suturing.

Urinary bladder pyogenic granuloma: a case report

Introduction

Although more than 100 cases of hemangioma of the urinary bladder have been reported, capillary-type hemangiomas of the bladder are rare. Pyogenic granulomas, which are common tumor-like vascular lesions of the skin and oral mucous membranes, reveal histopathological findings similar to capillary-type hemangiomas and are differentiated from ordinary hemangiomas by clinical features and etiologic factors. Little is known regarding the occurrence of pyogenic granulomas in the urinary bladder.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 78-year-old Japanese man who had developed a hemangiomatous lesion in his bladder which led to acute clot retention. He had a recent history of chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer. A solitary pedunculated mass measuring 1.2 cm was observed in the bladder. Histopathological analysis of the resected mass revealed marked lobular capillary proliferation with surface erosions.

Conclusion

Cystoscopic and pathologic findings in addition to possible predisposing factors supported a diagnosis of pyogenic granuloma of the urinary bladder.

Comparison of effects of clodronate and zoledronic acid on the repair of maxilla surgical wounds - histomorphometric, receptor activator of nuclear factor-kB ligand, osteoprotegerin, von Willebrand factor, and caspase-3 evaluation

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to compare clodronate and zoledronic acid regarding their influence on the repair of surgical wounds in maxillae (soft tissue wound and tooth extraction) and their relation to osteonecrosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty-four Wistar rats were allocated into three groups according to the treatment received: (i) 12 animals treated with zoledronic acid, (ii) 12 animals treated with clodronate and (iii) 10 animals that were given saline solution. All animals were subjected to tooth extractions and surgically induced soft tissue injury. Histological analysis of the wound sites was performed by means of hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining and immunohistochemical staining for receptor activator of nuclear factor-kB ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), von Willebrand factor, and caspase-3.

RESULTS

The zoledronic acid group showed higher incidence of non-vital bone than did the clodronate group at the tooth extraction site. At the soft tissue wound site, there were no significant differences in non-vital bone between the test groups. RANKL, OPG, von Willebrand factor, and caspase-3 did not show significant differences between the groups for both sites of surgical procedures.

CONCLUSION

Both of the bisphosphonates zoledronic acid and clodronate are capable of inducing maxillary osteonecrosis. Immunohistochemical analysis suggests that the involvement of soft tissues as the initiator of osteonecrosis development is less probable than has been pointed out.

Pyogenic granuloma presenting as an orbital mass

Pyogenic granuloma (PG) of the eyelid and orbit is typically associated with trauma or surgery. We report a rare case of an orbital intraconal PG arising de novo in association with an orbital artery.

Immunohistochemical expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in radicular and residual radicular cysts

Objective

This study assessed and compared the immunoexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in radicular cysts (RCs) and residual radicular cysts (RRCs), relating them to the angiogenic index and the intensity of the inflammatory infiltrate.

Material and Methods

Twenty RCs and 10 RRCs were evaluated by immunohistochemistry using anti-VEGF and anti-MMP-9 antibodies. The angiogenic index was determined by microvessel count (MVC) using anti-von Willebrand factor antibody.

Results

The expression of both VEGF and MMP-9 was higher in RCs than in RRCs. RCs and RRCs presented strong epithelial expression of VEGF, irrespective of the intensity of the inflammatory infiltrate. Lesions with strong expression of MMP-9 showed significantly higher number of immunopositive cells for VEGF (p<0.05) and higher MVC (p<0.05). Lesions with dense inflammatory infiltrate exhibited significantly higher MVC (p<0.05) and higher number of immunopositive cells for VEGF (p<0.05). There was a positive correlation between both MVC (p<0.05) and the quantity of immunopositive cells for VEGF (p<0.05), with intensity of the inflammatory infiltrate. In addition, it was observed a positive correlation between the number of immunopositive cells for VEGF and MVC (p<0.05).

Conclusions

VEGF and MMP-9 might play important roles in the angiogenesis in RCs and RRCs. In these lesions, the expression of these molecules and the MVC is closely related to the intensity of the inflammatory infiltrate. The expression of VEGF in the epithelial lining of RCs and RRCs might be important for the enlargement of these lesions.

CO2 laser-assisted treatment of a giant pyogenic granuloma of the gingiva

BACKGROUND

Pyogenic granuloma (PG) may develop in the oral cavity of pregnant women. The periodontal treatment outcomes during and after pregnancy are described.

METHODS

A 34-year-old woman in the 39th week of pregnancy presented for surgical treatment with a mass on the lingual mandibular gingiva. She had been surgically treated alio loco in the 37th week, but this failed. The patient was reassured and an individual oral hygiene programme was initiated in our department. The tumour was about 20 mm in diameter. A CO(2) laser-assisted surgical excision was performed 4 weeks after delivery. The lesion was analysed histopathologically using a von Willebrand Factor immunoreactivity staining. The highly vascularized tissue with a dense inflammatory infiltrate was in accordance with the diagnosis of a PG.

RESULTS

The initial wound healing was uneventful. A 12-month follow-up revealed no recurrence of the mass and healthy periodontal tissues.

CONCLUSION

This report describes an oral complication during pregnancy for which surgical excision of a PG after delivery seemed the best treatment. It is possible that gender-specific periodontal disease risk factors contributed to the development of the lesion. This is another reason why pregnant women should be encouraged to be assessed by oral health professionals before late pregnancy.

Tumor suppressor U19/EAF2 regulates thrombospondin-1 expression via p53

Inactivation of U19/EAF2 has been shown previously to lead to tumorigenesis in multiple organs; however, the mechanism of U19/EAF2 tumor suppression remains unclear. In this paper, we report that the expression of an anti-angiogenic protein, thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) is down-regulated in the prostate and liver of U19/EAF2 knockout mouse. The U19/EAF2 knockout liver displayed increased CD31-positive blood vessels, suggesting that the TSP-1 down-regulation can contribute to increased angiogenesis. TSP-1 is reported to be a p53-target gene and p53 is a known binding partner of ELL, which binds to U19/EAF2. Here, we show that U19/EAF2 can co-localize and co-immunoprecipitate with p53 in transfected cells. In a TSP-1 promoter-driven luciferase reporter assay, p53 transfection suppressed the TSP-1 promoter activity and U19/EAF2 co-transfection blocked the p53 suppression of TSP-1 promoter. However, U19/EAF2 transfection alone had little or no effect on the TSP-1 promoter. The above observations together suggest that U19/EAF2 regulates the expression of TSP-1 via blocking p53 repression of the TSP-1 promoter.

Pulmonary angiogenesis in a rat model of hepatopulmonary syndrome

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS), defined as intrapulmonary vasodilation, occurs in 10%-30% of cirrhotics and increases mortality. In a rat model of HPS induced by common bile duct ligation (CBDL), but not thioacetamide (TAA)-induced nonbiliary cirrhosis, lung capillary density increases, monocytes accumulate in the microvasculature, and signaling factors in the angiogenesis pathway (Akt and endothelial nitric oxide synthase [eNOS]) are activated. Pentoxifylline (PTX) directly decreases lung endothelial Akt and eNOS activation, blocks intravascular monocyte accumulation, and improves experimental HPS; we evaluated whether pulmonary angiogenesis develops in this model.

METHODS

TAA- and PTX-treated animals were evaluated following CBDL. Lung angiogenesis was assessed by quantifying factor VIII-positive microvessels and levels of von Willebrand factor (vWf), vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Angiogenic factors including phospho-Akt, phospho-eNOS, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, and phospho-VEGF receptor-2 (p-VEGFR-2) were compared and monocyte accumulation was assessed.

RESULTS

Following CBDL, but not TAA exposure, rats developed HPS that was temporally correlated with increased numbers of lung microvessel; increased levels of vWf, VE-cadherin and PCNA; and activation of Akt and eNOS. Angiogenesis was accompanied by increased pulmonary VEGF-A and p-VEGFR-2 levels, with VEGF-A staining in accumulated intravascular monocytes and alveolar endothelial cells. Following CBDL, PTX-treated rats had reduced numbers of microvessels, reduced lung monocyte accumulation, downregulation of pulmonary angiogenic factors, and reduced symptoms of HPS.

CONCLUSIONS

A specific increase in pulmonary angiogenesis occurs as experimental HPS develops, accompanied by activation of VEGF-A-associated angiogenic pathways. PTX decreases the angiogenesis, reduces the symptoms of HPS, and downregulates VEGF-A mediated pathways.

Immunoexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor in periapical granulomas, radicular cysts, and residual radicular cysts

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to assess and compare the immunoexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in periapical granulomas (PGs), radicular cysts (RCs), and residual radicular cysts (RRCs), relating it to the angiogenic index and the intensity of the inflammatory infiltrate.

STUDY DESIGN

Twenty PGs, 20 RCs, and 10 RRCs were evaluated by immunohistochemistry using anti-VEGF antibody. Angiogenic index was determined by microvessel count (MVC) using anti-von Willebrand factor antibody.

RESULTS

The PGs and RCs showed higher expression of VEGF than the RRCs. Lesions presenting few inflammatory infiltrate revealed the lowest immunoexpression of VEGF (P < .05). Irrespective of the intensity of the inflammatory infiltrate, most of the RCs and RRCs showed moderate to strong epithelial expression of VEGF. Lesions showing dense inflammatory infiltrate presented higher MVC indices (P < .05). VEGF expression and MVC did not reveal a significant correlation (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

VEGF is present in periapical inflammatory lesions but at a lower level in RRCs. The expression of this proangiogenic factor is closely related to the intensity of the inflammatory infiltrate in these lesions.

Oral pyogenic granuloma: a review

Pyogenic granuloma is one of the inflammatory hyperplasias seen in the oral cavity. This term is a misnomer because the lesion is unrelated to infection and in reality arises in response to various stimuli such as low-grade local irritation, traumatic injury or hormonal factors. It predominantly occurs in the second decade of life in young females, possibly because of the vascular effects of female hormones. Clinically, oral pyogenic granuloma is a smooth or lobulated exophytic lesion manifesting as small, red erythematous papules on a pedunculated or sometimes sessile base, which is usually hemorrhagic. The surface ranges from pink to red to purple, depending on the age of the lesion. Although excisional surgery is the treatment of choice for it, some other treatment protocols such as the use of Nd:YAG laser, flash lamp pulsed dye laser, cryosurgery, intralesional injection of ethanol or corticosteroid and sodium tetradecyl sulfate sclerotherapy have been proposed. Because of the high frequency of pyogenic granuloma in the oral cavity, especially during pregnancy, and necessity for proper diagnosis and treatment, a complete review of published information and investigations about this lesion, in addition to knowledge about new approaches for its treatment is presented.