Comparative analysis of the immunohistochemical expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in keratocystic odontogenic tumor, dentigerous cyst and radicular cyst.

Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of cysts. Both these factors seem to be interrelated to each other. The importance of the MMPs in the induction of the angiogenic process has recently been described. MMPs, which are produced by microvascular endothelial cells, break down the extracellular matrix. This is one of the earliest and sustained events in the process of new capillary formation. Thus, we studied the expression of VEGF and MMP-9 in Keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KCOTs), dentigerous cysts (DCs) and radicular cysts (RCs).

Materials And Methods: Ten cases each of KCOTs, DCs and RCs and were included in the study and immunohistochemistry was performed using anti-VEGF and anti-MMP-9 antibody using standard protocol.

Result: When the data of positive cells in the epithelium of KCOTs was compared with DCs and RCs, it showed highly significant results (P<0.05). Furthermore, the expression of VEGF and MMP-9 in the stroma of KCOTs showed a significant result when compared to DCs and RCs. The expression of VEGF in inflammatory cells was more in RCs when compared to DCs. Also, the expression of MMP-9 was more in RCs and DCs as compared to KCOTs.

Conclusion: Higher expression of VEGF and MMP-9 in KCOTs could be responsible for the aggressive behavior of this cyst that is currently considered a cystic tumor rather than a developmental cyst.