Assessment of PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK pathways activation in oral lymphatic malformations.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Lymphatic malformations are characterized by the overgrowth of lymphatic vessels during development. Activation of PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways occur in isolated lymphatic malformation and in those associated with syndromes such as CLOVES and Klippel-Trenaunay. We aimed to assess the activation of these pathways in sporadic oral lymphatic malformations. STUDY DESIGN: A convenience sample of 14 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples of oral lymphatic malformations underwent immunohistochemical reactions for the phosphorylated forms of AKT1 (pAKT-Ser473) and ERK1/2 (pERK1/2-Thr202/Tyr204), which are markers of PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK pathways activation, respectively. RESULTS: Positive staining for pAKT1 and pERK1/2 was observed in the endothelial cells in all samples of oral lymphatic malformations evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that activation of PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways participates in the pathogenesis of oral lymphatic malformations.