Abstract

Background: Salivary gland tumours comprise a significant proportion of oral tumours and are the next common neoplasm of the mouth after squamous cell carcinoma. These neoplasm’s have widely variable histopathologic and biologic characteristics, which makes it difficult to determine the pathogenesis and selection of therapeutic modalities. Alteration in some proto-oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes may lead to the development and progression of these tumours.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to analyze the immune histochemical expression of Bcl-2 and epithelial podoplanin and lymph angiogenesis in benign and malignant salivary gland tumours.

Material and method: The sample consisted of 20 formalin-fixed paraffin embedded blocks of benign and malignant salivary glands tumours. Immunohistochemical staining procedure was performed using monoclonal anti Bcl-2 antibody and D2-40 antibody. The sections were evaluated for Bcl-2 and epithelial podoplanin expression and D2-40 positive lymphatic vessels.

Results and conclusion: Bcl-2 showed positive immune expression in all benign and malignant salivary gland tumours with mucoepidermoid carcinomas showing most intense expression. Podoplanin immunostaining was also assessed, highest recorded score was in peripheral mucoepidermoid carcinoma (10.4? 3.05). Lymphatic micro vessel density expressed by podoplanin showed intense score in central mucoepidermoid carcinoma (5.05? 5.0). Present investigation demonstrated positive Bcl-2, podoplanin response and Lymphatic micro vessel density in both benign and malignant salivary gland tumours suggesting that Bcl-2 and podoplanin alteration may be associated with the progression of these neoplasms.

Keywords: Bcl-2; Podoplanin; Apoptosis; Lymph angiogenesis; Lymphatic micro vessel density