Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) are vital regulators of angiogenesis that are expressed in response to soluble mediators, such as cytokines and growth factors. Their physiologic functions include blood vessel formation, regulation of vascular permeability, stem cell and monocyte/macrophage recruitment and maintenance of bone homeostasis and repair. In addition, angiogenesis plays a pivotal role in chronic pathologic conditions, such as tumorigenesis, inflammatory immune diseases and bone loss. According to their prevalence, morbidity and mortality, inflammatory diseases affecting periodontal tissues and oral cancer are relevant non-communicable diseases. Whereas oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is considered one of the most common cancers worldwide, destructive inflammatory periodontal diseases, on the other hand, are amongst the most prevalent chronic inflammatory conditions affecting humans and also represent the main cause of tooth loss in adults. In the recent years, while knowledge regarding the role of VEGF signaling in common oral diseases is expanding, new potential translational applications emerge. In the present narrative review we aim to explore the role of VEGF signaling in oral cancer and destructive periodontal inflammatory diseases, with emphasis in its translational applications as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Psoriasis is a prevalent worldwide chronic immuno-inflammatory skin disease with various variants and atypical cases. The use of biomarkers for the diagnosis of psoriasis can favor timely treatment and thus improve the quality of life of those affected. In general, the search for biomarkers in oral fluids is recommended as it is a non-invasive and fast technique. This narrative review aimed to identify biomarkers in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and saliva to diagnose psoriasis. To achieve this goal, we selected the available literature using the following MESH terms: “psoriasis”, “saliva” and “gingival crevicular fluid”. The studies analyzed for this review cover original research articles available in English. We found three full articles available for psoriasis biomarkers in GCF and ten articles available for psoriasis biomarkers in saliva. Studies showed that in the saliva of healthy individuals and those with psoriasis, there were differences in the levels of inflammatory cytokines, immunoglobulin A, and antioxidant biomarkers. In GCF, individuals with psoriasis showed higher levels of S100A8, IL-18 and sE-selectin in comparison to healthy individuals, independent of periodontal status. Despite these findings, more studies are required to determine an adequate panel of biomarkers to use in saliva or GCF for psoriasis.

Emerging epidemiological evidence links atopic dermatitis (AD) and periodontitis, although the mechanisms remain unclear. Th2-derived cytokines are key in the development of both diseases, and different gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) profiles among healthy and diseased subjects have been previously reported. This case–control study examined the GCF levels of interleukins (IL)-13, IL-31, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) in 29 subjects with moderate-to-severe AD and 33 controls. All subjects underwent comprehensive clinical and oral evaluations, followed by GCF collection. GCF levels of IL-13, IL-31, and TSLP were assessed using a multiplex-bead immunoassay. Demographic and periodontal parameters were similar among groups (p > 0.05). The GCF levels of IL-31 and TSLP were higher in AD subjects compared to controls (p < 0.05), whereas no significant differences in the GCF levels of IL-13 were noticed (p = 0.377). Moderate-to-severe AD was positively associated with the GCF levels of IL-31 and TSLP, whereas severe periodontitis was negatively associated with IL-31 (p < 0.05). The GCF levels of IL-13 showed no significant associations with either condition (p = 0.689). There was no significant interaction between AD and periodontitis for IL-31 (p < 0.869). These results suggest that AD and periodontitis independently influence the GCF levels of IL-31 in opposing ways, whereas AD alone influences the levels of TSLP.