Angiogenesis and mast cells as predictive factors in behavior of Odontogenic cysts

Purpose: The aim of this study was to verify the density of mast cells (MCs) and microvessels in odontogenic cysts. Furthermore, the correlation between MCs and microvessels was evaluated to assess the contribution of MCs to angiogenesis and growth of odontogenic cysts. This approach may be a basis for the development of future pharmaceuticals addressed to MCs performance to manage odontogenic cysts.
Methods:45 cases of odontogenic cysts consisting of 15 radicular cysts (RCs), 15 dentigerous cysts (DCs) and 15 odontogenickeratocysts (OKCs) were included in this study. Five high power fields in connective tissue wall were counted for each sample. Moreover, a total mean of five fields was calculated to calculate MVD and MCD of the samples.
Results: RC showed the highest mean numbers of microvessels (p < 0.05) and OKC showed the highest mean number of mast cells. A positive correlation between the numbers of MCs and microvessels was observed.
Conclusion: Increase in angiogenesis of OKC confirms that aggressive lesions require a larger number of blood vessels and highlights the concept of unique clinical behavior of this cyst. In OKCs and DCs cysts, the MVD is closely related to of the inflammatory infiltrate. Mast cells are imperative in the pathogenesis of odontogenic cysts. Mast cells have a role in promoting the growth of odontogenic cysts, particularly OKC. Further studies on the in vivo functions of MCs will make the concept more clear.