Afonso, M. [UNESP]Perrotti, V.Rapani, M.Iaculli, F.Piccirilli, M.Onuma, T.Shibli, J. A.Oliveira Bello, V. deSposto, M. R.Artese, L.2015-12-072015-12-072014Minerva Stomatologica, v. 63, n. 3, p. 59-67, 2014.0026-4970http://hdl.handle.net/11449/130990In the present immunohistochemical study, the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, nitric oxide synthase 1 and 3, and Ki-67 in the gingival tissues of renal transplant patients treated with cyclosporin A was assessed. Gingival overgrowth (GO) frequently occurs in transplant patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclosporine and this gingival inflammation might play an important role in the pathogenesis of drug-induced GO. Twenty-eight human gingival biopsies were taken from healthy patients with chronic periodontitis (N.=14 control group), and from renal transplant recipients treated with cyclosporin A (N.=14 test group). The retrieved specimens were immunohistochemically processed and stained for vascular endothelial growth factor, nitric oxide synthase 1 and 3, and Ki-67. The levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, nitric oxide synthase 1 and 3, and Ki-67 were found to be significantly different among groups (P>0.001), with patients treated with cyclosporin A showing higher levels of all the analyzed markers compared to control group. In summary, the data from this pilot study suggests that the investigated factors have a role in the inflammation processes associated to immunosuppressive therapy. However, further studies with a larger sample population need to be conducted for an exhaustive knowledge of the mechanisms leading to GO.59-67engArtigoAcesso restrito24632797