Immunohistochemical expression of MMP-9 and VEGF in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.

Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) account for approximately 95% of all oral malignant neoplasms and for about 38% of all malignant head and neck tumors, especially affecting the tongue and lips. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of MMP-9 and VEGF in oral SCC according to the occurrence of metastasis. Eighteen cases of tongue SCC without metastases and 17 cases of tongue SCC with metastases were subjected to immunohistochemical methods. High immunohistochemical expression of MMP-9 and VEGF by neoplastic cells and stroma was observed in tongue SCCs at the invasion front. Metastatic tumors tended to express higher levels of MMP-9 and VEGF than non-metastatic tumors, but the difference was not significant (P > 0.05). Spearman's correlation test showed no significant correlation between VEGF-immunopositive vessels and metastasis (P > 0.05). The present results demonstrate the importance of the expression of MMP-9 and VEGF for the development of SCC of the tongue. However, no significant association was observed between the overexpression of MMP-9 or VEGF and the presence of metastases.

Immunoexpression of MMP-9, VEGF, and vWF in central and peripheral giant cell lesions of the jaws.

BACKGROUND: Central giant cell lesion (CGCL) and peripheral giant cell lesion (PGCL) are pathological conditions of the jaws that share the same microscopic features, but differ clinically in terms of their behavior. Our aim was to compare the immunoexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in CGCL and PGCL, relating them to the angiogenic index. METHODS: Twenty CGCL and 20 PGCL were selected for analysis of the immunoexpression of MMP-9 and VEGF in multinucleated giant cells (MGC) and mononucleated cells (MC). Angiogenic index was determined by microvessel count (MVC) using anti-von Willebrand factor antibody. RESULTS: The CGCL showed slightly higher expression of MMP-9 than PGCL. In comparison with PGCL, the CGCL showed higher expression of VEGF both in MC (P < 0.05) and in total cells (P < 0.05). PGCL exhibited higher MVC than CGCL (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: MMP-9 and VEGF might play an important role in the osteoclastogenesis process in CGCL. The higher MVC in PGCL might be related to the reactive nature of these lesions.

Ossifying fibromyxoid tumor in the mandibular gingiva: case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Ossifying fibromyxoid tumors (OFTs) are uncommon soft tissue neoplasms. Only one case arising in the gingiva has been described. METHODS: A 21-year-old woman presented with a painless exophytic mass located in the right posterior mandibular gingiva, which was identified 6 months earlier. Radiographs showed irregular calcifications inside the lesion, discrete irregularity of alveolar bone, and integrity of buccal and lingual cortical bone. An incisional biopsy was performed based on the clinical diagnostic hypothesis of peripheral ossifying fibroma or peripheral giant cell granuloma. Microscopic features were compatible with the diagnosis of ossifying fibroma. The entire mass was excised and submitted to histopathologic and immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS: Histopathologic analysis revealed proliferation of round to spindle-shaped cells arranged in cords and nests and embedded in a fibromyxoid matrix. An incomplete shell of bone trabeculae located beneath the fibrous pseudocapsule was observed at the periphery. Immunohistochemical analysis showed positivity for vimentin and S-100 protein and negativity for smooth muscle actin, muscle-specific actin, and glial fibrillary acidic protein. The definitive diagnosis was OFT. The patient showed no clinical signs of recurrence 7 months after surgical excision. CONCLUSIONS: OFTs located in the gingiva are extremely rare. At this site, these tumors are clinically indistinguishable from other reactive or neoplastic lesions. Although many cases present an indolent biologic behavior, the local recurrence of OFTs has been reported; therefore, long-term follow-up is mandatory.