ALK1 expression in oral lichen planus: a possible relation to microvessel density. (14th December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hazzaa, Hala H. A.; El‐Wakeel, Naglaa M.; Attia, Enas A. S.; Abo Hager, Eman A.
• Is Part Of: Journal of oral pathology & medicine. Volume 45:Number 5(2016)
• Page Start: 373
• Page End: 380
• Publication Date: 2015-12-14
• Subjects: ALK1 -- CD34 -- microvessel density -- oral lichen planus; Dentistry -- Periodicals; Teeth -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 617
• DOI: 10.1111/jop.12396
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0904-2512

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To assess the expression of activin receptor‐like kinase 1 (ALK1) and investigate its possible relationship with microvessel density (MVD) in different forms of oral lichen planus (OLP) compared to controls' biopsies. Methods: Biopsies from 20 reticular/papular OLP (R/PLP), 20 atrophic/erosive OLP (A/ELP) patients, and 20 healthy subjects were immunohistochemically analyzed and statistically compared and correlated for ALK1 expression and MVD as assessed by CD34 expression. Results: All OLP specimens revealed the presence of positive cytoplasmic CD34 immunostaining in endothelial cells, with statistically high significant MVD in each of R/PLP (Median; M = 4.40) and A/ELP ( M = 7.69) compared to controls ( M = 1.16) ( P < 0.001). Statistically significant MVD was found in A/ELP compared to R/PLP ( P < 0.001). All control specimens revealed negative ALK1 immunostaining of the few inflammatory cells found, while 85% of A/ELP cases and 70% of R/PLP cases showed positively immunostained sections for ALK‐1, with statistically significant higher ALK1 expression In A/ELP ( M = 1.95) compared to R/PLP ( M = 0.86) ( P = 0.005). No significant correlation between CD34 and ALK1 was detected in R/PLP ( r = 0.081), while a barely moderate positive correlation was found in A/ELP ( r = 0.396). Conclusions: ALK1 expression and MVD are increased in OLP, particularly in A/ELP type.