Mean Vascular Area Research Articles

ASPG and DAD1 are potential placental-derived biomarkers for ASD-like symptom severity levels in male/female offspring

IntroductionAn early evaluating system for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) severity is crucial. Questionnaire survey is challenging for accurately assessing the severity levels for ASD in children. MethodsOffspring with ASD-like phenotypes were induced by treating pregnant mice with Poly (I:C) at GD12.5 and the placentae corresponding to the offspring were obtained by caesarean. The autism severity composite score (ASCS) for offspring was calculated through behavioral tests. HE staining and immunohistochemistry were used to observe the morphology of placenta. Candidate biomarkers were identified by weighted protein co-expression network analysis (WPCNA) combined with machine learning and further validated by ELISA. Sperman's was used to analyze the correlation between biomarkers and metabolome. ResultsThe placental weight and mean vascular area of male offspring with ASD-like phenotypes were significantly decreased compared with typical mice. According to the WPCNA, four modules were identified and significantly correlated with ASCS of offspring. Two biomarkers (ASPG and DAD1) with high correlation with ASCS in offspring were identified. DiscussionVEGF pathway may contribute to sexual dimorphism in placental morphology within mice with ASD-like phenotypes in term. The placental ASPG and DAD1 levels could reflect ASD-like symptom severity levels in male/female mice offspring.

Correlation between Vascularity and Advancing Histological Grades of Oral Submucous Fibrosis with a Plausible Role in Malignisation: Systematic review of a persisting matter of conflict.

This study aimed to quantify the vascularity in histological grades of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) and to determine if there is any connection between vasculogenesis and malignisation. Recent studies show no significant change in vascularity as the stage advances as opposed to the conventional concept. A comprehensive database search until December 2022 was conducted for published articles on vascularity in OSMF following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. A total of 98 articles were screened of which 13 were included for systematic evaluation. The study included 607 cases, with a definite predilection for the male gender. Of the 13 studies, 11 evaluated mean vascular density. In more than half of the studies, the vascularity decreased as the stage advanced. Similar results were obtained for endothelial cells/μm2, mean vascular area percentage and mean vascular area. The present review supports the prevailing concept that vascularity decreases with the advancement of the OSMF stage. This denies the systemic absorption of carcinogens into the circulation with resultant longer exposure of compromised epithelium and malignisation.

Role of fluorescein angiography guided laser treatment in aggressive retinopathy of prematurity.

To compare disease regression in cases of Fluorescein Angiography (FA) guided laser vs. conventional laser treatment in infants with Aggressive retinopathy of prematurity (AROP). 60 eyes of 30 infants of AROP were randomized into two groups. In both the group's FA was done once. Montage of the fundus, FA images was created and the vascular area, avascular areas, and skip areas after laser treatmentwere demarcated and measured. In group 1, FA-guided laser treatment was done whereas in group 2 they were lasered without seeing FA. Infants were followed up every week to look for skip areas and disease regression. The mean vascular retinal area in group 1 and group 2 on fundus images was 302.7 sq. mm and 245.8 sq. mm respectively, while the same on FA was 285.2 sq. mm and 221.3 sq. mm respectively, suggesting overestimation of the vascular area on fundus imaging compared to FA which enabled more objective estimation of avascular loop areas. Retinal skip areas in group 1 and group 2 after 1st laser were 18.7 sq. mm and 73.1 sq. mm respectively (P = 0.001), after 2nd laser was 3.7 sq. mm and 19.2 sq. mm (P = 0.003), which suggests FA-guided laser led to significantly fewer skip areas. Infants had regression in 4.1 ± 0.3 wks and 4.2 ± 0.4 wks in groups 1 and 2, respectively. FA-guided laser ensured lesser skip areas and more complete laser treatment, though regression was similar in both groups.

Quantification of inflammatory, angiogenic, and fibrous components of reactive oral lesions with an insight into the pathogenesis.

Reactive oral lesions pose diagnostic difficulties as they mimic each other clinically. A definitive diagnosis is made based on the histopathological presentation of this group of lesion. Stromal microenvironment is the key to the sequence of the stages of these lesions. Stringent quantification of each component of the stroma is important to understand the pathogenesis. The aim is to evaluate inflammation, angiogenesis, and fibrosis in the reactive group of lesions through quantitative analysis. Blocks of irritation fibroma, inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia, pyogenic granuloma, and normal mucosa were retrieved from the archives and Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and Masson Trichrome staining were done. The severity of inflammation, epithelial thickness, collagen proportionate area, integrated density of collagen, Mean Vascular Area (MVA), Mean Vascular Perimeter (MVP), and Mean blood vessel percentage area (MBVPA) were analysed quantitatively using Image J software version 1.8. The pattern of rete ridges at the epithelium-connective tissue interface was analysed qualitatively. Inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia presented with severe inflammation (60%). Mean Vascular Percentage Area (MVPA) and Mean Vascular Perimeter (MVP) were increased in pyogenic granuloma. The mean collagen proportionate area and the integrated density of collagen were found to be more in irritation fibroma (64.47%, 2519638.01 ± 810471.58 μm2). The epithelial thickness was highest in inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia (62.71 ± 18.86 μm). Reactive oral lesions are histologically distinct, yet they exhibit considerable overlap depending on the stage of the lesion. A morphometric quantitative exploration of the individual pathogenic components may aid in specific diagnosis.

Correlation of density of microvessels and myofibroblasts with the aggressiveness of central giant cell granulomas of jaws: A preliminary study.

Central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) is a fairly common lesion involving the jaw bones. CGCG can show relatively innocuous biological behaviour or it may show clinicoradiological features suggestive of aggressive biological behaviour. To date, there are no histological parameters which can be used to predict the behaviour of these lesions. This study was conducted to assess the utility of parameters of angiogenesis, i.e., total vascular area (TVA), mean vascular area (MVA) and microvessel density (MVD), and density of myofibroblasts in aggressive and non-aggressive CGCGs. The study was undertaken as a retrospective study. A total of 20 previously diagnosed cases (10 non-aggressive and 10 aggressive) of CGCGs were included in the study. The sections were subjected to immunohistochemistry using the markers CD34 and α-SMA. For the assessment of vascular parameters, image J software was used. The density of myofibroblasts was determined in each case ranging from score-1 to 4, using the criteria given by Sridhara et al. The correlation between mean values of vascular parameters and density of myofibroblasts with aggressiveness of CGCG was assessed using Mann-Whitney U test. The result of Mann-Whitney U test suggested that the differences between the values of TVA (P < 0.001), MVA (P < 0.003) and density of myofibroblasts, i.e., SMA mean (P < 0.001) and SMA score (P < 0.001), in two groups are statistically significant. The formula for the assessment of aggressiveness was obtained using discriminant analysis. Angiogenesis and density of myofibroblasts significantly differ in aggressive and non-aggressive cases of CGCGs. The aggressiveness of CGCG case can be predicted using the obtained formula by entering the values of vascular parameters and myofibroblasts.

Immunohistochemical evaluation of tumor angiogenesis and architectural changes in regional lymph nodes of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC)

Aim: To evaluate the mean vascular area (MVA) and to correlate it with immunomorphological pattern of lymph nodes. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 positive OSCC cases (clinically and histopathologically diagnosed) from Santosh Medical College and I.T.S Dental college, ghaziabad were taken for the study. The lymph nodes collected were stained with routine hematoxylin &amp; eosin and accessed for immunomorphological pattern. The sections were evaluated immunohistochemically by anti-von Willebrand factor (vWF) VIII to analyze the micro vessels in OSCC. Results: Three hundred and forty two lymph nodes were evaluated and the most predominant lymph node patterns were found to be Germinal Center Predominance (37.43%). Our results showed a significant association between tumor node metastasis (TNM) staging, histopathological grading, and mean vascular area with lymph node reactivity pattern. Conclusion: There was an increase in angiogenesis with in different grades of OSCC and mean vascular area with morphological pattern of lymph nodes can be used as an additional parameter which would help in assessing prognosis and survival of the patient.

Immunohistochemical correlation of mast cells and angiogenesis in oral lichen planus

ObjectiveThe study was conceived with an aim to correlate mast cell expression and angiogenesis in oral lichen planus (OLP) and inflamed oral mucosa. DesignAn observational study was performed on fifty tissue blocks of OLP and inflamed oral mucosa which were stained immunohistochemically using mast cell tryptase, CD34 and CD105. The data was analysed using Mann Whitney U-test and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient test (p < 0.05). ResultsOLP showed significantly higher mast cell density for total and degranulated mast cells and higher microvessel density (CD105) compared to inflamed oral mucosa (p = 0.006, 0.000). Microvessel density, total and mean vascular area (CD34) were higher in inflamed oral mucosa with a non significant difference (p = 0.985, 0.977, 0.720). Mild negative association was observed between mast cells and angiogenesis in OLP (p = 0.879). A significant positive correlation was seen between degranulated mast cells and microvessel density (CD34) in inflamed oral mucosa (p = 0.009). ConclusionMast cells execute different roles in OLP depending upon stage of the disease. We found that although degranulation of mast cells is not the predominant pathway for angiogenesis in OLP, yet is one of the important precursor phenomena in inflamed tissues.

Ocular biometric parameters changes and choroidal vascular abnormalities in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 evaluated by OCT-A.

To analyze ocular biometric parameters alterations of the posterior pole and choroidal abnormalities in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) by adopting multimodal imaging, especially focusing on the role of novel diagnostic devices like swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA). In this prospective, case-controlled study, patients with NF1 and age-matched control subjects were quantitatively analyzed by using multimodal imaging. All the subjects underwent confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO), SS-OCT and SS-OCTA examinations. SS-OCT analysis revealed a lower macular retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in patients with NF1 compared with those with suspected NF1 (95.0±15.9 vs 109.7±11.3 μm; P = 0.001) and control subjects (106.8±14.4 μm, P = 0.003). Retinal thickness was significantly lower in NF1 patients compared to those with suspected NF1 (280.7±23.0 vs 304.2±15.3 μm; P < 0.001) and control subjects (298.7±23.8 μm, P = 0.003). The mean vascular flow area of the SCP was significantly higher in patients with NF1 (42.6±2.2%) and suspected NF1 (43.1±2.5%) compared to control subjects (41.0±2.0%; respectively, P = 0.017 and P = 0.002). In the second choroidal layer, the flow area was significantly lower in patients with NF1 compared to control subjects (45.4±4.8 vs 49.0±4.0%,; P = 0.011). Retinal thicknesses alterations and choroidal nodules are described as ocular manifestations in patients with NF1. In addition, OCTA could represent an important novel advanced imaging technique, capable of detecting early altered retinal and choroidal vascular flow area in patients with NF1.

Administration of a single dose of 300 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin seven days after the onset of estrus improves pregnancy rate in dairy goats by an unknown mechanism

This study examined the effects of exogenous hCG administration on ovarian function and pregnancy rates in estrous-induced dairy goats during the transition into the breeding season. Eighty-six Toggenburg does received 60 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate intravaginal sponge for 6 d plus 200 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin and 30 μg of d-cloprostenol i.m. 24 h before sponge removal, and were then bred for 96 h. Seven days (D7) after first mating the does received either 1 mL of saline (the control group, n = 43) or 300 IU of hCG (the hCG-treated group, n = 43) i.m. Transrectal ovarian ultrasonography (B-mode and color Doppler) was performed on D7, D13, D17, and D21 and ultrasonographic pregnancy detection on D30. Pregnancy rate was higher (P < 0.05) in hCG-treated goats (90.7%; 39/43) than that in control animals (74.4%; 32/43). Accessory luteal structures (ALSs) were detected in 46.5% (20/43) of hCG-treated does. All hCG-treated does that had ALSs and 82.6% of goats without ALS post-treatment remained pregnant. The total luteal area increased (P < 0.05) from D7 to D13 in pregnant animals of both groups, whereas mean vascular area declined (P < 0.05) by D21 in all nonpregnant does. Serum progesterone concentrations increased (P < 0.05) on D21 in pregnant goats of both groups, but they were related to changes in luteal tissue content only in control does throughout the present study. Mean daily numbers of small- and medium-sized antral follicles decreased (P < 0.05) only in pregnant animals of both groups with a decline in medium follicle numbers occurring earlier in hCG-treated (D13) compared with control does (D17). To summarize, a single dose of hCG given on D7 after estrus was followed by a decrease in the number of medium-sized antral follicles in gestating hCG-treated does, induced the formation of ALSs in ~47% of all hCG-treated does, and significantly increased the pregnancy rate in estrous-induced Toggenburg goats in the transition to the breeding season.

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

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.

Pharmacological activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) protects against hypoxia-associated fetal growth restriction.

The hypoxia of high-altitude (HA) residence increases the risk of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and preeclampsia 3-fold, augmenting perinatal morbidity and mortality and the risk for childhood and adult disease. Currently, no effective therapies exist to prevent these vascular disorders of pregnancy. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) is an important regulator of uteroplacental vascular development and function and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of IUGR and preeclampsia. Here, we used a model of HA pregnancy in mice to determine whether hypoxia-induced fetal growth restriction reduces placental PPAR-γ protein expression and placental vascularization and, if so, to evaluate the effectiveness of the selective PPAR-γ agonist pioglitazone (PIO) for preventing hypoxia-induced IUGR. Hypoxia resulted in asymmetric IUGR, placental insufficiency, and reduced placental PPAR-γ expression; PIO prevented approximately half of the fetal growth restriction and attenuated placental insufficiency. PIO did not affect fetal growth under normoxia. Although PIO was beneficial for fetal growth, PIO treatment reduced placental vascular density of the labrynthine zone in normoxic and hypoxic (Hx) conditions, and mean vascular area was reduced in the Hx group. Our results suggest that pharmacological PPAR-γ activation is a potential strategy for preventing IUGR in pregnancies complicated by hypoxia, although further studies are needed to identify its likely metabolic or vascular mechanisms.-Lane, S. L., Dodson, R. B., Doyle, A. S., Park, H., Rathi, H., Matarrazo, C. J., Moore, L. G., Lorca, R. A., Wolfson, G. H., Julian, C. G. Pharmacological activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) protects against hypoxia-associated fetal growth restriction.

Red propolis and L-lysine on angiogenesis and tumor growth in a new model of hamster cheek pouch inoculated with Walker 256 tumor cells.

ABSTRACTObjective:To evaluate the effect of red propolis and L-lysine on angiogenesis and tumor growth in a new model of hamster cheek pouch inoculated with Walker 256 tumor cells.Methods:The study consisted of two experiments with four groups each (total: 57 hamsters). In the experiment 1, the animals were inoculated with Walker tumor cells, followed by administration of test substances (red propolis 200mg/5mL/kg or L-lysine 150mg/kg) or control substances (gum arabic 5mL/kg or water 5mL/kg) for 10 days. The animals in the experiment 2 received red propolis, L-lysine, gum arabic or water at the same doses, for 33 days prior to inoculation of Walker tumor cells, followed by 10 days of treatment with the same substances. Based on single-plane images, angiogenesis was quantified (mean vascular area), in percentage, and tumor area (mm2) and perimeter (mm).Results:In the experiment 1, compared to animals receiving water, the mean vascular area expressed in percentage was significantly smaller in animal treated with propolis (p<0.05) and L-lysine (p<0.001).Conclusion:Both red propolis and L-lysine inhibited tumor angiogenesis in the new hamster cheek pouch model when administered after tumor inoculation.

AGE-RELATED CHANGES IN CHOROIDAL VASCULAR DENSITY OF HEALTHY SUBJECTS BASED ON IMAGE BINARIZATION OF SWEPT-SOURCE OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY.

To analyze the vascular density of the choroid in a healthy population using swept-source optical coherence tomography. A cross-sectional, noninterventional study. best-corrected visual acuity between 20/20 and 20/25, spherical equivalent between ±3 diopters, no systemic or ocular diseases, and ages ranging between 3 and 85 years. One hundred and thirty-six eyes from 136 subjects were analyzed, 86 eyes (63.2%) were from male and 50 eyes (36.8%) from female subjects. The eyes were divided into different age groups to analyze the possible age-related changes. Twelve-millimeter horizontal, fovea-centered B-scans were used. Choroidal stroma and vessel area analysis involved automated segmentation and binarization using validated algorithms. Mean age was 33.1 ± 24.5 years. Mean choroidal area was 0.5554 ± 0.1377 mm. Mean stromal area was 0.2524 ± 0.0762 mm, and mean vascular region area was 0.3029 ± 0.0893 mm. The percentage of choroidal vascularity (vascular area/total area) was 54.40 ± 8.35%. Choroid area, vascular region, and percentage of choroidal vascular density were statistically higher in the <18-year-old group versus the >18-year-old group (P < 0.001). The stromal region was not different (P = 0.46). In the same way, choroid area, vascular region, and percentage of choroidal vascular density between the 5 age groups were statistically different (P < 0.001), showing larger figures in the 0 to 10-year-old group, but not stromal region (P = 0.71). There were no gender-related differences. The luminal area and the percentage of vascular/total area decrease with increasing age, while the stromal area remains stable.

OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY REVEALS BLOOD FLOW IN CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULAR MEMBRANE IN REMISSION PHASE OF NEOVASCULAR AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION.

The aim of the study was to investigate blood flow in choroidal neovascular membrane in remission phase of neovascular age-related macular degeneration using optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography. OCT angiography was obtained in eyes with remission phase of neovascular age-related macular degeneration after treatments, defined as no exudative change (such as macular edema, subretinal fluid, and subretinal hemorrhage) observed in eyes without any treatment for neovascular age-related macular degeneration within the previous 6 months. Irregular blood flows shown in the segmentation of outer retina detected by OCT angiography were considered as blood flows in choroidal neovascular membrane. The vascular area and vessel density were obtained from OCT angiography images. Twenty eyes of 20 patients were included in this analysis. The blood flows in choroidal neovascular membrane were observed in all eyes (100%) using OCT angiography. The mean vascular area was 3.81 ± 3.41 mm and the mean vessel density of lesion was 28.9 ± 8.2%. The vessel density was significantly correlated with best-corrected visual acuity and duration of remission (best-corrected visual acuity: P = 0.008, r = -0.576; duration of remission: P = 0.017, r = -0.525, respectively). Optical coherence tomography angiography revealed that blood flows in choroidal neovascular membrane remained in eyes with clinically inactive neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Effect of prenatal exposure to alcohol on the development of brain vessels in human embryos and fetuses

IntroductionHuman embryos are most susceptible to exogenous effects during the first weeks of development.AimStudy the effects of prenatal alcohol intoxication on morphometric measures of developing vessels in the human embryonic and fetal cerebrum.MethodsEmbryos and fetuses (7–12 weeks): 23 obtained from alcoholic women with stage II alcoholism (the experimental group) and 30 from healthy women (the control group). The research involved electron microscopy, computer morphometry, parametric method of variational statistics and Scion software to determine mean vascular cross-sectional area, the relative cross-sectional area of vessels, the number of vessels per unit area, and the perimeter of vessels.ResultsFrom 10 weeks, vessels in the human brain start to differentiate into arteries and veins. At 12 weeks, capillary basal membranes were already clearly visible. We established a series of characteristics distinguishing brain tissues in the experimental group vs. that in controls: mean vessel cross-sectional areas and vessel perimeters were significantly reduced by 11 weeks vs. controls. The tendency persisted at 12 weeks. Relative vessel cross-sectional area in the experimental group was greater than in controls.ConclusionsMaternal alcoholization during pregnancy significantly influences the development of the cerebral circulatory system, manifesting mainly in changes in the vascularization of the growing brain.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Early Stage Oral Submucous Fibrosis is Characterized by Increased Vascularity as Opposed to Advanced Stages.

The degree of vascularity of the diseased mucosa in Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) has always been a matter of debate with conflicting results. Knowledge of this aspect is important to understand pathogenesis of OSMF, which in future could be translated into therapeutic strategies. In the present study, attempt has been made to investigate parameters like Mean Vascular Density (MVD), Total Vascular Area (TVA) and Mean Vascular Area (MVA) using CD34 antibody. Forty five previously untreated histopathologically diagnosed cases of OSMF were retrieved from archives and fifteen age and sex matched healthy volunteers without habits were included in the control group. Sections were immunohistochemically stained for CD 34 and morphometric analysis was performed. For statistical analysis ANOVA, Kruskal Wallis test and Mann Whitney U tests were used and p-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. MVD was more in Stage I OSMF followed by Control, Stage II and Stage III with statistically significant differences (p< 0.001). Statistically significant differences were observed in the MVD between control versus Stage III OSMF. Similarly, TVA was statistically significant when compared between control versus OSMF, control versus Stage II OSMF, control versus Stage III OSMF, Stage I versus Stage II OSMF, Stage I versus Stage III OSMF, and Stage II versus Stage III OSMF. For MVA, significant differences were between control versus OSMF, control versus Stage II OSMF, control versus Stage III OSMF, Stage I versus Stage III OSMF and Stage II versus Stage III OSMF. Angiogenesis is seen in early stages of OSMF with decreasing trend in advanced stages. Decreased vascular areas seen in advanced stages could be attributed to the increasing fibrosis surrounding the blood vessels.

Aging is associated with impaired angiogenesis, but normal microvascular network structure, in the rat mesentery.

Using a multidimensional approach, we present evidence supporting that aged microvascular networks display vessel density and patterning similar to adult networks despite also being characterized by a decreased capacity to undergo angiogenesis. Thus, vessel loss is not necessarily a characteristic of aging.

Grading angiogenesis in oral squamous cell carcinoma: A histomorphometric study

Like normal tissues, tumors require an adequate supply of oxygen, metabolites and an effective way to remove waste products. This is achieved by angiogenesis, which is defined as the process by which new blood vessels are produced by sprouting from preexisting vasculature. There is a large spectrum of physiological and pathological processes in which angiogenesis occur, ranging from tissue hypertrophy, wound healing, and inflammation to tumors. The present study was designed to morphometrically evaluate the angiogenesis in different grades of oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) under light microscope by the use of H and E stained sections and to assess that whether the parameters of vascularity like mean vascular density (MVD), mean vascular area (MVA), and total vascular area (TVA) can be used to histologically grade the tumors. A total of 10 cases each of well-, moderately- and poorly-differentiated SCC cases were retrieved from the archives of the Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology and were morphometrically analyzed for mean vascular density (MVD), MVA, and TVA. Ten cases of normal oral mucosa were taken as Control. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 19.0 version (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA) software for windows. Group mean for MVD, TVA and MVA were calculated for 10 cases of each group. "Student's t-test" was applied to assess the intergroup variation of mean values of MVD, TVA, and MVA. Our results showed significant differences between all the three parameters, that is, MVD, MVA and TVA when poorly differentiated OSCC was compared with the normal mucosa, well- and moderately-differentiated OSCC. However, when comparison was made between the well- and moderately-differentiated OSCC, the differences in the three parameters were present but not statistically significant. There was an increased MVD, MVA and TVA in poorly differentiated OSCC, which could be used as an additional criterion to histologically grade the tumor.

The effect of aging on microvascular density and angiogenesis (665.4)

Age related pathologies are commonly associated with vessel loss or excess vessel growth. An important question is whether or not angiogenesis, defined as the growth of new vessels from existing ones, is altered during aging. Angiogenesis in aged populations is commonly thought to be impaired. However, much of this supporting evidence is based on local changes in angio‐regulator molecules. The objective of this study was to quantitatively compare microvascular network remodeling metrics during angiogenesis in adult versus aged rat strains. Mesenteric tissues from adult (9 months) and aged (24 months) male Fischer 344 rats were harvested according to 4 experimental groups: 1) Adult Unstimulated (n=4 rats, 16 tissues), 2) Aged Unstimulated (n=4 rats, 16 tissues), 3) Adult Stimulated (n=4 rats, 16 tissues), 4) Aged Stimulated (n=4 rats, 16 tissues). For stimulated groups, tissues were harvested 3 days post compound 48/80‐induced mast cell degranulation stimulation. Unstimulated aged microvascular networks displayed larger mean vascular area per tissue area compared to the unstimulated adult networks. Following angiogenic stimulation, both adult and aged networks displayed similar increases in vascularized area and vessel length density compared to their respective unstimulated control groups, indicating that both adult and aged networks are capable of undergoing angiogenesis. However, capillary sprouting was significantly lower in stimulated aged networks compared with stimulated adult networks, supporting the hypothesis of impaired angiogenesis during aging. Interestingly, our results provide metric specific evidence for both comparable and impaired angiogenesis during aging and offer a possible explanation for conflicting results from the literature.Grant Funding Source: Supported by Tulane Center for Aging and NIH 5‐P20GM103629‐02

Perfusion MDCT of Prostate Cancer: Correlation of Perfusion CT Parameters and Immunohistochemical Markers of Angiogenesis

The aim of our study was to correlate perfusion MDCT parameters and immunohistochemical markers of angiogenesis in prostate cancer. Twenty-two patients scheduled for radical surgical prostatectomy because of biopsy-proven prostate cancer underwent perfusion CT on a 64-MDCT scanner. Eight contiguous 5-mm sections were acquired at 1-second intervals for 45 seconds followed by three additional scans every 10 seconds after the administration of 80 mL of iodinated contrast medium (350 mg I/mL). Blood volume, blood flow, mean transit time, and permeability surface-area product were calculated, dividing each slice into nine square regions. Values obtained were correlated with the mean microvessel density (MVD) and mean vascular area of corresponding areas on histologic macrosections. The mean values of the perfusion parameters detected on all square fields of patients with prostate cancer, benign hyperplasia, chronic prostatitis, and healthy tissue were, respectively, 18.36 ± 6.30, 19.49 ± 8.46, 19.67 ± 11.44, and 20.32 ± 4.53 mL/min/100 g for blood flow; 8.45 ± 2.75, 6.21 ± 4.32, 4.94 ± 2.31, and 5.44 ± 2.67 mL/100 mg for blood volume; 19.19 ± 4.45, 18.74 ± 4.91, 16.24 ± 4.12, and 16.37 ± 4.83 seconds for mean transit time; and 26.34 ± 11.88, 18.67 ± 9.15, 18.08 ± 7.72, and 19.93 ± 7.22 mL/min/100 g for permeability surface-area product. Both blood volume and the permeability surface-area product of cancerous squares showed the highest correlation with mean MVD and mean vascular area (0.618 [p < 0.01] and 0.614 [p < 0.01], respectively) and the highest area under the curve (0.769 and 0.708). Our results show that blood volume and permeability surface-area product measurements obtained with perfusion CT have the highest correlation with immunohistochemical markers of angiogenesis in prostate cancer.