Vascular endothelial growth factor and microvessel density around healthy and failing dental implants

Inflammatory infiltrate may be important in the evolution of inflammatory p rocesses involving periimplant tissues. Angiogenesis is an important featur e of inflammation and healing, but its role in the development and progress ion or in the healing of periodontal lesions has not been elucidated. Vascu lar endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent inducer of endothelial cel l proliferation. The aim of the present study was to conduct a comparative immunohistochemical evaluation of VEGF and microvessel density (MVD) in nor mal keratinized gingiva and in peri-implant soft tissues surrounding failin g implants. Fifteen patients participated in this study. Ten biopsies were taken from healthy keratinized gingiva, and 10 were taken from peri-implant soft tissues surrounding failing non-submerged implants. In healthy sites, the endothelial lining cells of the vessels always tested positive for VEG F; also, VEGF intensity was high in most cases. Stromal cells were positive for MGF in 70% to 90% of samples, The MVD was 60.250 +/- 5.123, In peri-im plantitis samples, the cells of the inflammatory infiltrate were positive f or VEGF in 80% to 100% of cases, and the VEGF intensity was low in all case s. The stromal cells were positive for VEGF in 90% to 100% of cases, and in most cases the intensity was low. The MVD was 101.800 +/- 11.256. The diff erence in MVD between healthy sites and peri-implantitis was statistically significant (p =.0158). Expression of VEGF was lower in peri-implantitis sa mples, and this difference was statistically significant (P =.0373). Becaus e of its extensive presence, VEGF is probably a factor in both the maintena nce of periodontal physiology and in the progression of peri-implant inflam matory disease.