Assessment of VEGF, CD-31 and Ki-67 Immunohistochemical Markers in Oral Pyogenic Granuloma: A Comparison with Hemangioma and Inflammatory Gingivitis

Objective(s) The aim of this study was to evaluate the expressions of two angiogenic immune-markers (CD-31 and VEGF), and one proliferative immune-marker (Ki-67) in oral pyogenic granulomas (PG), hemangiomas (Hem) and inflammatory gingivitis (IG). Materials and Methods Sixty cases of PG, Hem and IG (twenty cases each) were examined. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed based on routine techniques. The microvessel density (MVD) index was also evaluated. Results The male to female ratio was 1:2. The mean age was 33.3 years old (±20.52). The reactivity percentages for all three markers (CD-31, VEGF and Ki-67) were significantly higher in PG compared to Hem (56.8%, 13.8% and 23.0% vs. 28.3%, 7.0% and 5.4%, respectively). The mean MVD in PG was also significantly higher than in Hem (26.1±0.11 vs. 13.6±0.08). There was no statistically significant difference between PG and IG. Conclusion The current study supports the common nature of pyogenic granulomas and inflammatory gingivitis.