Comparison of microvessel density using CD34 and CD105 in oral submucous fibrosis and its correlation with clinicopathological features: An immunohistochemical study

Objectives: To compare immunohistochemical expression of CD34 and CD105 in oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) and normal oral mucosa (NOM) and correlate with clinicopathological features of OSF. Materials and Methods: Total of thirty clinically diagnosed and histologically confirmed cases of OSF and 15 NOM were included in the study. Tissues sections were immunostained using CD34 and CD105 antibodies. Results: Twenty-eight cases (93.33%) were positive for CD34, and only 12 cases (40%) were positive for CD105 in OSF. In NOM all cases were positive for CD34 and only one case was positive for CD105. CD34 and CD105 significantly expressed in moderately advanced OSF when compared to very early, early, and advanced cases. It was found that the microvessel density (MVD) in NOM was significantly higher as compared to OSF and MVD decreased wth advanced OSF. MVD was higher in CD34 when compared to CD105. MVD decreased with disease progression in OSF using both the markers. Conclusion: The role of CD34 in determining the premalignant nature of OSF could not be ascertained, since all endothelial cells were positive for CD34, whereas CD105 appeared to be more specific as it is associated with hypoxia-induced angiogenesis which is occurring in OSF due to hyalinization suggesting, CD105 to be more specific marker to determine neoangiogenesis in OSF. Thus further follow-up study of the cases positive for CD105 is required to determine the true nature of angiogenesis in OSF patients.