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Little is known about the specificity of angiogenic properties of oral cancer cells and the possible mechanisms. Stimulatory effects on proliferation and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) characterized the angiogenic properties of oral cancer cells but not normal oral keratinocytes (NOK). ELISA found the presence of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) both in the tested oral cancer cells and NOK. Attenuation of the proangiogenic effects by neutralizing VEGF antibodies suggests VEGF play a key role in the acquisition of the angiogenic phenotype in oral cancer cells. Western blotting of p53 and murine double mutant 2 (Mdm2) together with p53 DNA sequencing analysis indicate that p53 function loss by mutation or overexpression of Mdm2 occurred in all tested oral cancer cells regardless of their etiology. In summary, the angiogenic property of oral cancer cells is mediated by many factors in addition to VEGF and the functional status of p53. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral cancer is one of the most common types of human cancer in the world. Although the risk factors for oral cancer are well-recognized in different countries, the molecular mechanism responsible for this malignancy remains elusive particularly in the countries where betel quid chewing is prevalent. The cDNA microarray analysis was used to analyse the mRNA expression patterns of 1177 genes in ten oral cancer patients with betel quid chewing history. Eighty-four genes involving cell adhesion, cell shape, growth, apoptosis, angiogenesis, metastasis, and metabolism were deregulated. Although the expression profile of these genes was shared by certain clinical patients, there was no significant association of the expression profile with clinical staging. Functional implication of four validated genes including caspase-1, STAT-1, COX-2 and pleiotrophin was discussed. This study provides pilot data for understanding the pathogenesis of oral cancer in countries like Taiwan where betel quid chewing is prevalent. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]