No abstract

HIF-1 α higher group showed increase of VEGFR2 and MMP9 proteins. In epithelial cells, VEGF-A was correlated to MMP9 protein. Furthermore, considering leukocyte cells, VEGFR2 was negatively correlated to MMP9 protein levels. This pathway possibly prepares the cells for a higher activity in a hypoxic or an angiogenic microenvironment. Other in vitro and in vivo studies may clarify the activation mechanism and the response from the proteins HIF-1 α, VEGFR2 and MMP-9 in tegumentary leishmaniasis.

The highest number of MCs was observed in cysts. Moreover, the identification of VEGF and MVD was consistent with the immune mechanisms involved in the lesions.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between p16_CDKN2A methylation and epithelial dysplasia (ED). We also evaluated the expressions of proteins related to methylation (DNMT3B and DNMT1). Finally, we tested whether HPV-16/18 or the dmt3b (C46359T) polymorphism is associated with p16_CDKN2A methylation status. Methods: To test the hypothesis, a case-control study with 72 (control, n = 24; ED, n = 48) tissue samples from subjects was performed. Methylation-specific PCR, RFLP, and immunohistochemical analyses were performed to evaluate p16_CDKN2A methylation status, dmt3b (C46359T) genotyping, and protein levels, respectively. Results: The methylation of p16_CDKN2A and HPV-16 was associated with ED gradation (p = 0.001 and 0.002, respectively). In addition, most HPV-16-positive samples (77.8%) exhibited p16_CDKN2A methylation; however, changes in DNMT3B and DNMT1 protein levels were not observed in HPV-positive samples. Neither HPV-18 nor the dmt3b polymorphism was associated with p16_CDKN2A methylation. Conclusions: There is an association between the presence of HPV-16 in ED and the occurrence of p16_CDKN2A methylation. Both variables are also associated with ED development, but further studies are necessary to clarify if they operate independently and if they have any impact on OD malignization.

These results, in conjunction with previous studies, suggest that HIF-1α may play important roles in the chronicity of oral mucosa lesions of OLP patients. Taken together, we suggest that HIF-1α polymorphisms enhance its target genes, thereby altering the microenvironment and supporting sequential release of inflammatory mediators or cellular events in OLP. It appears unlikely that inhibition of a single proinflammatory mediator will prove useful in clinical practice, but several ways to reprogram mediators engaged in a wide array of roles simultaneously are encouraging.