Assessment of angiogenesis using endoglin in salivary gland tumors - An immunohistochemical study.

Background: Endoglin, a co-receptor of transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 and TGF-ß2, is indispensable for endothelial cell proliferation and modulation of tumor promotion activities of TGF-ß1. The assessment of neovascularization using endoglin expression has been considered a potential predictor of prognosis in various solid malignancies. Aims and Objectives: To analyze the expression of endoglin by immunohistochemistry in both benign and malignant salivary gland tumors. Materials and Methods: Fifteen cases of benign salivary gland tumors and seventeen cases of malignant salivary gland tumors were included in the study, and immunohistochemistry was performed using anti-CD105 antibody using standard protocol. Results and Conclusion: The study demonstrated that there is increased endoglin expression in malignant tumors as compared to their benign counterparts which is suggestive of increased angiogenic activity in tumor areas and could be responsible for the aggressive behavior of the malignancies. The highest density of endoglin-positive blood vessels was observed in the inflammatory tumor stromal areas. Furthermore, a significant increase in endoglin expression was evident as the grade of malignant salivary gland tumor increased. The results of the study indicate that the increased expression of endoglin in high-grade malignancies contributes to their aggressive nature.

Oral bacterial flora and oral cancer: The possible link?

Oral cancer exhibits multifactorial etiology with tobacco and alcohol long been implicated as the primary risk factors. In addition, betel nut, dietary factors and poor oral hygiene have also been found to have a role in the etiology of oral cancer. Past research has uncovered a great deal of information regarding the association of exogenous bacteria with cancer. However, our definitive knowledge of the oral commensal bacteria and oral cancer link remains inadequate. In the present article, we hypothesize a causal role for oral bacterial flora in oral cancer although an indirect one. We propose that the normal bacterial flora in conjunction with the already established risk factors such as alcohol consumption may play a role in cancer development. The continued exploration of this topic may aid in better understanding of the pathogenesis of oral cancer thereby helping in appropriate treatment and better prognosis.