Endoglin (CD105) and microvessel density in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Recent studies revealed that CD105 is intensively expressed in tumor vasculature, and may be an important prognostic indicator for the outcome in a number of malignancies. The aim of our study was to evaluate the CD105 expression and microvessel density in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Nineteen surgical specimens with OSCC were immunohistochemical analyzed with CD105 (Endoglin). We determined the microvessel density (MVD) by "hot spot method". Endoglin was intensively expressed in vessels from the inner and invading front of all investigated OSCC. The highest value of MVD, about 30.89 +/- 22.4, were record in peritumoral area of OSCC, since intratumoral MVD average was about 10.18 +/- 4.7. We did not observe any significant association of MVD with age, sex, primary tumor's location, clinical stage or differentiation grade. In conclusion, CD105 expression is up-regulated in OSCC, and has a significant role in the development of such malignancies.