M1 and M2 macrophages and their relation with angiogenesis in oral squamous cell carcinoma affecting young and elderly patients

Author(s)

Lucas Ribeiro Teixeira

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Ribeirão Preto.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (PCARP/BC)
• Defense date: 2019-03-15

Examining board members

Jorge Esquiche León; Ana Terezinha Marques Mesquita; Raquel Assed Bezerra Segato; Alfredo Ribeiro da Silva

• Advisor: Jorge Esquiche León

Abstract

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) corresponds to approximately 95% of all cases of oral cavity malignancies. The classic risk factors include smoking and alcoholism; however, immune system dysfunctions due to aging (immunoscencence) in OSCC pathogenesis are poorly studied. Comparative analyzes have been made to better characterize the profile of young and old patients affected by the OSCC, which remains controversial. Several studies have shown that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in OSCC of elderly patients exhibit a pro-tumoral M2 phenotype, with vascular stroma modulating properties, promoting angiogenesis. However, considering immunoscencence, the profile of TAMs and their effects on angiogenesis in OSCC affecting young patients is unknown. Thus, this study analyzed by immunohistochemical technique, the frequency and location of TAMs in correlation with angiogenesis in OSCC affecting young and elderly patients. Fiftyseven biopsies were divided into three groups (I: <40 years [n=17]; II: 40-65 years [n=20]; III: > 65 years [n=20]) and selected to compose this study, being classified morphologically following WHO (2017) recommendations. Groups I, II and III were compared for immunoexpression of CD68 and CD163 for analysis of TAMs, and CD34 (blood vessels) and D2-40 (lymphatic vessels) for evaluation of microvessel density (MVD), microvascular area (MVA) and total vascular area (TVA). Immunohistochemical analysis showed similar expression of CD68 and CD163 in the three groups (p>0.05). The evaluation of blood and lymphatic MVD, MVA and TVA also showed similar patterns, with a significant predominance (p<0.05) of blood vessels in the three groups analyzed. There was no significant correlation when evaluating macrophage and angiogenic markers. Our results show a similar profile of TAMs and angiogenesis when compared to the three groups studied, suggesting participation of molecular mechanisms of the tumor microenvironment in the maintenance of M2-polarized macrophages and blood vessels in OSCC affecting young and elderly patients (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/02502-4 - M1 and M2 macrophages and its relation with angiogenesis in oral squamous cell carcinomas affecting young and elderly patients
• Grantee: Lucas Ribeiro Teixeira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master