[Correlations of extrocellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer and microvessel density to invasiveness of ameloblastoma].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in local invasion of ameloblastomas. This study was to evaluate the role of matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) in angiogenesis in ameloblastomas by analyzing EMMPRIN expression and microvessel density (MVD) in ameloblastomas and odontogenic cysts. METHODS EMMPRIN expression and MVD in 41 specimens of ameloblastoma and 40 specimens of odontogenic cyst were examined by SP immuno-histochemistry. RESULTS EMMPRIN was detected in all specimens of ameloblastomas and odontogenic cysts. The strong positive rate of EMMPRIN was significantly higher in ameloblastomas than in odontogenic cysts (85.4% vs. 62.5%, P<0.05). MDV was positively correlated to EMMPRIN expression to some extent (r=0.677, P<0.01). CONCLUSION EMMPRIN may play an important role during the progression of ameloblastoma via controlling angiogenesis and degradation of extracellular MMPs.