Comparative Expression of Angiogenic Markers CD105 and VEGF in Dentigerous Cyst,Ameloblastoma,Odontogenic Keratocyst,and Angiomatous Granuloma: A Cross-sectional Immunohistochemical Study

Abstract

Objectives:

Angiogenesis drives the growth and biological aggressiveness of odontogenic and vascular lesions. CD105 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are key angiogenic markers across odontogenic lesions, but their roles remain limited. Beyond diagnostic differentiation, angiogenic marker expression may reflect lesion-specific vascular phenotypes associated with biological risk. This study compares CD105 and VEGF expression in dentigerous cysts (DCs), ameloblastomas (AMs), odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs), and angiomatous granulomas (AGs) to assess lesion-specific angiogenic activity and identify high-risk angiogenic phenotypes within the odontogenic microenvironment.

Methods:

A total of 41 cases were analyzed (DC = 12, AM = 12, OKC = 12, AG = 5). CD105 and VEGF expression were quantified using standardized immunohistochemistry. Statistical analyses included Shapiro–Wilk tests for normality, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Kruskal–Wallis tests for non-parametric confirmation, Mann–Whitney U tests for post-hoc pairwise comparisons, and Cohen’s d for effect size estimation. Pearson’s correlation coefficient assessed the relationship between CD105 and VEGF expression.

Results:

AG showed the highest CD105 (362.67 ± 202.70) and VEGF (89.40 ± 19.19) expression, while DC showed the lowest (CD105 = 66.28 ± 52.74; VEGF = 56.71 ± 9.17). Differences among groups were significant for both CD105 (F = 9.50, p = .0003) and VEGF (F = 7.86, p = .0004). AM showed higher CD105 than DC (p = .0727; d = 0.89), and OKC was significantly greater than DC (p = .027; d = 1.43). AG exceeded AM (p = .002; d = 2.00) and OKC (p = .004; d = 1.53). VEGF was significantly higher in AG than DC (p = .001; d = 2.59) and OKC (p = .0005; d = 2.86). CD105 and VEGF demonstrated a moderate positive correlation (ρ = 0.58, p < .01), indicating partial coupling of endothelial proliferation and angiogenic signaling.

Conclusion:

AG exhibited the strongest, and DC the weakest, angiogenic activity. AM and OKC showed comparable intermediate expression, reflecting similar aggressive potential. The moderate CD105–VEGF correlation highlights angiogenic heterogeneity within the odontogenic microenvironment, enabling identification of high-risk angiogenic phenotypes rather than merely aiding differential diagnosis. Quantitative angiogenic profiling may therefore support risk stratification and biologically informed clinical decision-making.

Keywords

Angiogenesis CD105 Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)Ameloblastoma Odontogenic keratocyst Dentigerous cyst Angiomatous granuloma

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