Angiogenic squamous dysplasia-like phenomenon in oral epithelial precursor lesions

• Main Authors: Siar CH, Oo VPA, Nagatsuka H, Nakano K, Ng KH, Kawakami T
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2009-07-01
• Series: European Journal of Medical Research
• Subjects: Oral precursor lesions; angiogenic squamous dysplasia; immunohistochemistry; CD31; CD34; CD105
• Online Access: http://www.eurjmedres.com/content/14/7/315

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Statement of the problem</p> <p>Dysplasia, the morphological yardstick of epithelial precursor lesions, is the collective term for a variety of architectural and cytological changes within the altered oral epithelium. Angiogenic squamous dysplasia (ASD), a distinct morphological characteristic in pre-invasive bronchial lesions, describes the presence of capillary tufts that are closely juxtaposed to and projecting into the dysplastic bronchial epithelium.</p> <p>Objective</p> <p>To determine whether ASD-like phenomenon occurs in oral epithelial precursor lesions, and to speculate on its relevance.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Twenty cases each of mild, moderate and severe oral dysplasia (inclusive of carcinoma-in-situ), and 10 normal oral mucosa (normal controls) were serial sectioned for H and E staining, and for microvessel density (MVD) scoring with CD31, CD34 and CD105. Microcapillary pattern images were digitally captured for 3-D reconstruction.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Oral ASD foci consisting of CD31-and CD34-positive capillary loops abutting onto the overlying dysplastic oral epithelium (and causing it to assume an irregular or papillary surface configuration) were identified in moderate (3/20; 15%) and severe dysplasia (13/20; 65%), but not in normal oral mucosa and mild dysplasia. MVD score demonstrated increasing vascularity as epithelium progressed from normal to severe dysplasia (p < 0.05). CD105 demonstrated increase neovascularization in all dysplasia grades (p < 0.05).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>These preliminary findings taken together suggest that: 1. ASD-like phenomenon may be an important intermediary biomarker in oral precursor lesions; and 2. architectural alterations of the entire disturbed mucosa may be a more useful pre-malignancy index.</p>