Angiogenesis and MMP-2expression in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma&Verrucous Carcinoma and its Correlation with Clinicopathological Parameters

Background: An important step of tumor progression in which Matrix metalloproteinase have been implicated is angiogenesis, because these enzymes degrade the extracellular matrix and provide a permissive microenvironment for the growth of new blood vessels. The present study conducted to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression ofMatrixmetalloproteinase -2(MMP-2) andangiogenic marker (CD34) in Oralsquamous cell carcinoma(SCC)versus verrucous carcinoma(VC) and to correlate their expressions with the clinicopathological parameters. Material & Methods: MMP-2 and CD34 expression was examined immunohistochemically in twenty four paraffin tissue blocks of squamous cell carcinoma and verrucous carcinoma (twelve cases of each). Results: All cases of Oral SCC exhibited positive immunostaining for MMP-2, while only one case of VC showed –ve expression. Interestingly all cases of VC showed –ve MMP-2 immunostaining of the basal cell layer. Generally lymphatic vessels were more than blood vessels in both VC&SCC cases. The mean MMP-2 immunoexpression was (59.00%) for both stage I &stage II, while the higher CD34 immuno expression was in stage I. The mean expression of MMP-2 was higher in well differentiated OSCCs, while for CD34 it was higher in poorly differentiated OSCCs followed by moderately differentiated, then well differentiated, however no statistically significant difference was found. Non- significant correlation was found concerning the expression of both markers for both lesions. Conclusion: No statistical correlation was found between MMP-2 expression and angiogenesis in OSCC and OVC