Daily oscillations of the TGF-β1 and VEGF in the peripheral blood in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma

Purpose: Generally, oral squamous cell carcinoma has a poor prognosis due to its tendency towards local invasion and subsequent metastasis, which is mediated by multiple factors and angiogenesis. The role of polypeptyde growth factors in pathogenesis in neoplastic diseases is currently subject several investigations. Conflicting data suggest that TGF beta 1 can inhibit or promote the progression of neoplastic cells. However it seems that in early stages of cancer diseases the neoplastic cells are sensitive to TGF beta 1 mediated growth arrest so TGF beta 1 can act as an anti-tumor promoter. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is known to play crucial role in tumor angiogenesis in many different tumor types. VEGF levels may affect tumor growth and metastatic potential. Aim: The aim of presented study was to determine serum concentration of TGF beta I and VEGF in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma. Material and Methods: The investigation were carried out in group of 30 men and women. They were all hospitalized at the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery of the Silesian Medical Academy in Katowice because of oral squamous cell carcinoma. The control group was consisted of 10 healthy volunteers. Blood samples were collected at 8.00 AM, 2.00 PM, 8.00 PM and 2.00 AM. In all blood serum samples the concentrations of the TGF beta 1 and VEGF were determined. Results: In peripheral blood in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma total daily TGF beta 1 secretion was significantly lower as compared to controls. Simultaneously, daily oscillations of the mean values of the VEGF in these patients were significantly higher in comparison to healthy controls. Conclusion: Our data showed that the changes can be an important pathogenic elements involving in the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma.