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 endothelialgrowth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in radicular cysts(RCs) and residual radicular cysts (RRCs), relating them to the angiogenic indexand the intensity of the inflammatory infiltrate.

Material and Methods

Twenty RCs and 10 RRCs were evaluated by immunohistochemistry using anti-VEGF andanti-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 RRCspresented strong epithelial expression of VEGF, irrespective of the intensity ofthe inflammatory infiltrate. Lesions with strong expression of MMP-9 showedsignificantly higher number of immunopositive cells for VEGF (p<0.05) andhigher MVC (p<0.05). Lesions with dense inflammatory infiltrate exhibitedsignificantly higher MVC (p<0.05) and higher number of immunopositive cells forVEGF (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 ofthe inflammatory infiltrate. In addition, it was observed a positive correlationbetween 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. Inthese lesions, the expression of these molecules and the MVC is closely related tothe intensity of the inflammatory infiltrate. The expression of VEGF in theepithelial lining of RCs and RRCs might be important for the enlargement of theselesions.