Immunoexpression of angiogenesis, nitric oxide synthase, and proliferation markers in gingival samples of patients with aggressive and chronic periodontitis

J Periodontol. 2010 May;81(5):718-26. doi: 10.1902/jop.2010.090524.

Abstract

Background: In periodontal tissues, angiogenesis seems to be important for the maintenance of healthy tissues and in periodontal diseases. Angiogenesis is regulated through a complex interplay of molecular signals mediated by growth factors involving extracellular matrix remodeling, endothelial cell migration and proliferation, capillary differentiation and anastomosis. However, the influence of angiogenesis in the development, progression, and healing of periodontal lesions is currently under investigation. This immunohistochemical study evaluates the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), microvessel density (MVD), nitric oxide synthase (NOS) 1 and 3, and Ki-67 in gingival tissues of patients with aggressive and chronic periodontitis.

Methods: Twenty-seven human gingival biopsies were taken from patients with chronic periodontitis (n = 14 patients), generalized aggressive periodontitis (n = 6 patients), and healthy periodontia (n = 7 patients). The specimens were immunohistochemically stained for VEGF, MVD, NOS 1 and 3, and Ki-67.

Results: The levels of VEGF, MVD, NOS 1 and 3, and Ki-67 were found to be significantly different among groups (P >0.001). Patients with aggressive periodontitis had higher levels of these markers compared to those in patients with chronic periodontitis and healthy patients.

Conclusions: The analysis demonstrates a higher expression of all immunologic markers particularly in subjects with aggressive periodontitis. In summary, the data from this pilot investigation suggests that VEGF is an important factor in the pathogenesis of the aggressive and chronic forms of periodontitis.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aggressive Periodontitis / pathology*
  • Biomarkers / analysis
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Chronic Periodontitis / pathology*
  • Endothelial Cells / pathology
  • Endothelium, Vascular / pathology
  • Epithelial Attachment / blood supply
  • Epithelial Attachment / pathology
  • Epithelium / blood supply
  • Epithelium / pathology
  • Factor VIII / analysis
  • Female
  • Gingiva / blood supply
  • Gingiva / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Ki-67 Antigen / analysis
  • Male
  • Microvessels / pathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic / physiology*
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase / analysis*
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type I / analysis
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III / analysis
  • Periodontium / pathology
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / analysis
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Ki-67 Antigen
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Factor VIII
  • NOS1 protein, human
  • NOS3 protein, human
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type I
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III