Quantitative analysis of microvessels density in different grades of oral squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Background: Oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the world today. Angiogenesis plays a vital role in neoplasm growth and metastasis. It is modulated by both angiogenic stimulators and angiogenic inhibitors. Cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31) is expressed on endothelial cells and has been implicated in the adhesion and migration of endothelial cells during angiogenesis. Aims and Objectives: The aim and objectives of this study are to analyze the expression of CD31 in different histological grades of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), to determine the microvessel area (MVA) using a CD31 marker. Materials and Methods: The retrospective study was undertaken on 10 cases each of different grades of squamous cell carcinoma. Immunostaining using CD31 was used to demonstrate blood vessels. MVA was calculated using measurement tools in image analysis software and compared between the groups. One-way analysis of variance was used for comparing the parameter for multiple groups. Pairwise comparison of different grades of squamous cell carcinoma with the mean vascular area by Tukey's multiple analysis was done. Results: The mean vascular area decreased from well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma to moderately differentiated carcinoma and was statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05) and increased from moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma to poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma and showed no statistical significance (P ≥ 0.05). Conclusion: Our study suggests that CD31 can be used as a prognostic indicator in OSCC.