Young and elderly oral squamous cell carcinoma patients present similar angiogenic profile and predominance of M2 macrophages: Comparative immunohistochemical study

BACKGROUND: M2 macrophages are often detected in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), which, influenced by hypoxic conditions, appear to have high angiogenesis-inducing capacity. However, the effects of immunosenescence on tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and angiogenesis in OSCC are unknown. METHODS: Fifty-seven OSCCs were divided into 3 groups (I: <40 years [n = 17]; II: 40-65 years [n = 20]; III: >65 years [n = 20]). Immunohistochemistry for CD68 and CD163 (TAMs), and CD34 and D2-40 for microvessel density (MVD), microvessel area (MVA), and total vascular area (TVA) were performed. RESULTS: All groups showed similar clinicopathological and immunohistochemical findings. Similar CD68 and CD163 expression, confirmed a M2 phenotype. MVD, MVA, and TVA were similar, however, with significant predominance of blood vessels. No significant correlation between macrophage and angiogenic markers was observed. CONCLUSIONS: A similar TAM and angiogenesis profile suggests the participation of other mechanisms, instead immunosenescence, in young and elderly OSCC patients.