The Importance of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in Aggressiveness of Odontogenic Lesions

摘要

Angiogenesis is a major part of a variety of physiological and pathological processes, including tumour growth. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is a highly potent and specific angiogenic factor. Many studies have indicated the importance of VEGF in growth and expansion of lesions which contributes to the local invasion of odontogenic lesions.Aim: To investigate the expression of VEGF in Ameloblastoma and Dentigerous Cyst, using a monoclonal antibody, then compare between them to investigate the role in diagnosis and determination of biological behaviour of some odontogenic lesions.Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 15 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens of Ameloblastoma (Follicular-plexiform pattern) and 15 cases of Dentigerous Cyst that were conventionally stained with H and E and immunohistochemically stained with a monoclonal anti-VEGF antibody. VEGF expression in this specimen was qualitatively evaluated, calculating the percentage of VEGF positive cells in the epithelial and stromal cells.Results: The expression of VEGF in Ameloblastoma (Follicular-plexiform subtype) was varied between high and medial while its expression in Dentigerous Cyst was low, the statistical analysis indicated significant differences between these lesions (p<0.05).Conclusion: VEGF contributes to the invasion of aggressive odontogenic lesions, thus we concluded its role as diagnostic and prognostic markers in the prediction of the biological behaviour of odontogenic lesions.