The interplay mechanism between IDH mutation, MGMT-promoter methylation, and PRMT5 activity in the progression of grade 4 astrocytoma: unraveling the complex triad theory

Background:The dysregulation of Isocitrate dehydrogenase(IDH)and the subsequent production of 2-Hydroxyglutrate(2HG)may alter the expression of epigenetic proteins in Grade 4 astrocytoma.The interplay mechanism between IDH,O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase(MGMT)-promoter methylation,and protein methyltransferase proteins-5(PRMT5)activity,with tumor progression has never been described.Methods:A retrospective cohort of 34 patients with G4 astrocytoma is classified into IDH-mutant and IDH-wildtype tumors.Both groups were tested for MGMT-promoter methylation and PRMT5 through methylation-specific and gene expression PCR analysis.Inter-cohort statistical significance was evaluated.Results:Both IDH-mutant WHO grade 4 astrocytomas(n=22,64.7%)and IDH-wildtype glioblastomas(n=12,35.3%)had upregulated PRMT5 gene expression except in one case.Out of the 22 IDH-mutant tumors,10(45.5%)tumors showed MGMT-promoter methylation and 12(54.5%)tumors had unmethylated MGMT.All IDH-wildtype tumors had unmethylated MGMT.There was a statistically significant relationship between MGMT-promoter methylation and IDH in G4 astrocytoma(p-value=0.006).Statistically significant differences in progression-free survival(PFS)were also observed among all G4 astrocytomas that expressed PRMT5 and received either temozolomide(TMZ)or TMZ plus other chemotherapies,regardless of their IDH or MGMT-methylation status(p-value=0.0014).Specifically,IDH-mutant tumors that had upregulated PRMT5 activity and MGMT-promoter methylation,who received only TMZ,have exhibited longer PFS.Conclusions:The relationship between PRMT5,MGMT-promoter,and IDH is not tridirectional.However,accumulation of D2-hydroxyglutarate(2-HG),which partially activates 2-OG-dependent deoxygenase,may not affect their activities.In IDH-wildtype glioblastomas,the 2HG-2OG pathway is typically inactive,leading to PRMT5 upregulation.TMZ alone,compared to TMZ-plus,can increase PFS in upregulated PRMT5 tumors.Thus,using a PRMT5 inhibitor in G4 astrocytomas may help in tumor regression.

CT与MRI扫描在脑胶质瘤术前诊断中的应用效果分析

目的探究脑胶质瘤术前诊断中CT与MRI的应用价值。方法此次研究对象选自本院及河南科技大学第一附属医院2018年12月至2022年3月期间收治的50例脑胶质瘤患者,所有患者全部进行CT与MRI扫描检查,分析两种诊断手段的结果。结果CT检查中,15例病灶单纯低密度影、25例混杂密度影、10例高密度影,6例合并钙化。星形细胞瘤患者中,8例无明显强化,16例明显强化,环状强化特征8例,环壁厚薄不均匀,合并囊变液化坏死低密度区,单纯实质斑片状增强3例,病灶花环状强化、斑片状或毛细血管纹状强化发生于实质期5例;MRI检查中,星形细胞瘤低信号或者等信号存于T1WI序列,高信号存于T2WI序列。增强扫描中无显著强化图像表现2例,4例斑片状明显强化、8例片状轻中度强化、10例不均匀斑点强化。在胶质母细胞瘤低信号存于T1WI序列,高信号存于T2WI序列,有明显水肿存于病灶周边。增强扫描中,有花环状明显强化特征,胼胝体受累患者较多,纵裂池出现变形情况。少突胶质细胞瘤低信号存于T1WI序列,高信号存于T2WI序列,有明显钙化灶和囊性改变出现于病灶,并发生中轻度水肿,增强扫描后,出现线条样和斑点样中轻度强化特征。MRI联合CT诊断脑胶质瘤的特异度和灵敏度显著高于单独应用CT、MRI(P<0.05)。结论脑胶质瘤应用MRI联合CT进行检查的特异度和灵敏度较高,可通过病灶图像表现特征、病灶累计范围制定手术方案。

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha and vascular endothelial growth factor in Glioblastoma Multiforme:a systematic review going beyond pathologic implications

Glioblastoma multiforme(GBM)is an aggressive primary brain tumor characterized by extensive heterogeneity and vascular proliferation.Hypoxic conditions in the tissue microenvironment are considered a pivotal player leading tumor progression.Specifically,hypoxia is known to activate inducible factors,such as hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha(HIF-1α),which in turn can stimulate tumor neo-angiogenesis through activation of various downward mediators,such as the vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF).Here,we aimed to explore the role of HIF-1α/VEGF immunophenotypes alone and in combination with other prognostic markers or clinical and image analysis data,as potential biomarkers of GBM prognosis and treatment efficacy.We performed a systematic review(Medline/Embase,and Pubmed database search was completed by 16th of April 2024 by two independent teams;PRISMA 2020).We evaluated methods of immunoassays,cell viability,or animal or patient survival methods of the retrieved studies to assess unbiased data.We used inclusion criteria,such as the evaluation of GBM prognosis based on HIF-1α/VEGF expression,other biomarkers or clinical and imaging manifestations in GBM related to HIF-1α/VEGF expression,application of immunoassays for protein expression,and evaluation of the effectiveness of GBM therapeutic strategies based on HIF-1α/VEGF expression.We used exclusion criteria,such as data not reporting both HIF-1αand VEGF or prognosis.We included 50 studies investigating in total 1319 GBM human specimens,18 different cell lines or GBM-derived stem cells,and 6 different animal models,to identify the association of HIF-1α/VEGF immunophenotypes,and with other prognostic factors,clinical and macroscopic data in GBM prognosis and therapeutic approaches.We found that increased HIF-1α/VEGF expression in GBM correlates with oncogenic factors,such as miR-210-3p,Oct4,AKT,COX-2,PDGF-C,PLDO3,M2 polarization,or ALK,leading to unfavorable survival.Reduced HIF-1α/VEGF expression correlates with FIH-1,ADNP,or STAT1 upregulation,as well as with clinical manifestations,like epileptogenicity,and a favorable prognosis of GBM.Based on our data,HIF-1αor VEGF immunophenotypes may be a useful tool to clarify MRI-PET imaging data distinguishing between GBM tumor progression and pseudoprogression.Finally,HIF-1α/VEGF immunophenotypes can reflect GBM treatment efficacy,including combined first-line treatment with histone deacetylase inhibitors,thimerosal,or an active metabolite of irinotecan,as well as STAT3 inhibitors alone,and resulting in a favorable tumor prognosis and patient survival.These data were supported by a combination of variable methods used to evaluate HIF-1α/VEGF immunophenotypes.Data limitations may include the use of less sensitive detection methods in some cases.Overall,our data support HIF-1α/VEGF’s role as biomarkers of GBM prognosis and treatment efficacy.

毛细胞型星形细胞瘤116例临床病理及分子遗传学特征分析

目的探讨毛细胞型星形细胞瘤(PA)临床病理及分子遗传学特征,分析预后相关因素。方法回顾性分析116例PA患者临床病理随访资料及治疗信息,分析各指标预后意义。结果116例PA主要临床表现为头晕头痛和共济失调。免疫组化结果显示GFAP、Olig-2、ATRX、S-100阳性表达,IDH1阴性表达,NeuN大部分阴性表达,Ki-67增殖指数低,p53蛋白呈弱阳性或阴性表达,1p/19q绝大部分无缺失。KIAA1549-BRAF融合基因阳性率在年龄和肿瘤部位的差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。Log-rank单因素分析结果显示,肿瘤切除率是影响本组患者PFS的主要因素(P<0.05),年龄,性别,肿瘤部位、KIAA1549-BRAF融合基因对生存率的影响无统计学意义。Cox回归分析结果显示,肿瘤切除率仍是影响PFS的独立危险因素(P<0.05)。结论手术完整切除是PA首选治疗方式。分子遗传学特征及正确的组织形态学判断对于PA的精确诊断具有重要作用。

Updates on management of gliomas in the molecular age

Gliomas are primary brain tumors derived from glial cells of the central nervous system,afflicting both adults and children with distinct characteristics and therapeutic challenges.Recent developments have ushered in novel clinical and molecular prognostic factors,reshaping treatment paradigms based on classi-fication and grading,determined by histological attributes and cellular lineage.This review article delves into the diverse treatment modalities tailored to the specific grades and molecular classifications of gliomas that are currently being discussed and used clinically in the year 2023.For adults,the therapeutic triad typically consists of surgical resection,chemotherapy,and radiotherapy.In contrast,pediatric gliomas,due to their diversity,require a more tailored approach.Although complete tumor excision can be curative based on the location and grade of the glioma,certain non-resectable cases demand a chemotherapy approach usually involving,vincristine and carboplatin.Addi-tionally,if surgery or chemotherapy strategies are unsuccessful,Vinblastine can be used.Despite recent advancements in treatment methodologies,there remains a need of exploration in the literature,particularly concerning the efficacy of treatment regimens for isocitrate dehydrogenase type mutant astrocytomas and fine-tuned therapeutic approaches tailored for pediatric cohorts.This review article explores into the therapeutic modalities employed for both adult and pediatric gliomas in the context of their molecular classification.

婴儿促纤维增生型星形细胞瘤一例

1病例患儿,男性,7月,因“癫痫”就诊。患儿为第二胎,足月顺产,无产伤,无窒息史,生长发育与月龄基本一致。影像学检查:颅脑MRI平扫示右侧额颞顶叶交界区体积缩小,右侧基底节区结构显示不清,右侧额颞顶叶及基底节区见片状及囊状T1WI低T2WI高信号,信号欠均匀,边缘可见,部分与蛛网膜下腔相通,邻近侧脑室稍扩张并向右移位;左侧额颞顶交界区脑沟增宽、加深,其内见增粗迂曲血管影走行。考虑右侧额颞顶叶及基底节区脑软化灶伴周围胶质增生、限局性脑萎缩、脑穿通畸形。患儿未行CT扫描及脑电图等其它检查,到重庆儿童医院就诊。手术及病理所见:患儿在重庆儿童医院行“右侧额颞叶癫痫病灶切除术”。术中见右额颞叶皮层脑沟回稍黄,额颞交界区软化灶皮层约4cm×2cm,其下见软化灶及胶质增生。病理大致形容为灰白色碎软组织,大小约3×2×0.8cm。镜下见所送组织显示病变区呈胶质细胞增生区、血管纤维增生区及神经元增生区,其内见少量皮质组织及室管膜上皮,微钙化多见。多灶脑软化及慢性炎症细胞浸润。免疫组化:GFAP(+)S-100(+)NF(+)OLig-2(-)CD68小灶(+)EMA(-)Ki67约2%(+)。提示右侧额颞顶叶混合性神经元-胶质细胞增生性病变伴脑软化,考虑为婴儿促纤维增生的星形细胞瘤,WHOⅠ级。患儿术后五年期间总共四次在我院复查颅脑磁共振,术后未见复发征象,预后良好。

儿童松果体区不同级别星形细胞瘤的CT和MRI表现特征分析

目的探讨儿童松果体区不同级别星形细胞瘤的CT和MRI表现特征。方法对2005年1月-2022年3月间,经手术病理证实的17例儿童松果体区星形细胞瘤的CT和MRI资料进行回顾性分析,研究肿瘤大小、形态、钙化、密度、信号、表观弥散系数(ADC)值和强化特征。结果17例患者中,WHOⅠ级6例,Ⅱ级7例,Ⅲ及4例;肿瘤呈圆形或类圆形,最大径范围1.95-4.52cm,肿瘤有钙化者4例,Ⅰ-Ⅱ级肿瘤呈稍低密度、Ⅲ级者呈略高密度。肿瘤T1WI呈稍低信号,T_(2)WI呈略高信号,增强后肿瘤实性成分强化明显。肿瘤ADC值范围0.83-1.46×10^(-3)mm^(2)/s。结论儿童松果体区星形细胞瘤CT平扫呈低密度、T1WI低信号,T_(2)WI随级别升高信号由高逐渐减低,ADC值偏高增强后明显强化是其表现特征。

儿童毛细胞型星形细胞瘤术后综合治疗研究进展

毛细胞型星形细胞瘤(PA)是最常见的儿童低级别脑肿瘤,常见于视神经、视交叉、下丘脑、脑干、小脑和大脑等部位。PA往往边界清楚、生长缓慢,属于WHO I级肿瘤,手术切除是治疗的首选方案。然而,由于视神经、视交叉、下丘脑或脑干等处神经功能的重要性,手术不一定能做到全切。目前临床对于儿童PA术后的治疗方案尚无定论,国内外对于儿童PA术后的主要治疗方式包括放疗、化疗、靶向治疗和随访观察。随着影像学和放射技术的进步,除了传统分次放疗,还包括适形放疗、立体定向放射治疗和质子治疗。但目前多数学者尚不推荐将放疗作为儿童PA术后的一线治疗选择。以长春新碱联合卡铂的化疗方案是进展性PA的首选,伊立替康-贝伐单抗可作为二线治疗用药。靶向治疗的发展如火如荼,以丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(MEK)抑制剂为首的靶向药物因其更少的毒副反应和良好的疗效而有望在未来成为儿童PA术后的一线用药,但目前尚缺乏高级别的临床证据。随访观察是儿童PA术后的选择之一,有学者提出儿童PA的分层治疗方案,推荐低风险层患者于术后随访观察。该文对儿童PA术后综合治疗进展作综述报道。

1例小脑毛细胞型星形细胞瘤^(18)F-FDG PET/MRI表现

患者女,27岁,头痛头晕10余天、行走轻微不稳;外院CT示右侧小脑半球囊实性占位,囊壁伴钙化。查体:闭目难立征可疑阳性,皮肤散在咖啡色斑块。实验室检查未见明显异常。^(18)F-FDG PET/MRI示右侧小脑半球囊实性团块,实性部分1.7cm×1.2 cm,囊性部分5.5cm×3.9 cm.

Screening of differentially expressed genes related to differentiation and proliferation by gene expression profiling of different grade astrocytoma cell lines

BACKGROUND： The detection of differential gene expression in brain is possible by cDNA microarray technology, and the screening of differentially expressed genes might provide a biological basis for gene-targeted therapy for tumors. OBJECTIVE： To detect the differential expression of genes among astrocytoma SHG-44 （WHO grade Ⅳ）, CHG-5 （WHO grade Ⅱ）, and ATRA-treated SHG-44 cell lines by cDNA microarray. DESIGN： Laboratory experiments in vitro. SETTING： Department of Neurobiology, the Third Military Medical University. MATERIALS： The experiment was performed at the Department of Neurobiology in the Third Military Medical University of the Chinese PLA from January to October 2007. The SHG-44 cell line （WHO grade Ⅳ） was established by Prof. Ziwei Du, and the CHG-5 cell line （WHO grade Ⅱ） was set up by Prof. Xiuwu Bian from the Third Military Medical University of the Chinese PLA. The cDNA microarray containing 9182 known genes was prepared and provided by Dr. Yang Zhong at the City University of Hong Kong. METHODS： To screen differentially expressed genes from the gene expression profiles detected by cDNA microarray comparisons were made between CHG-5 and SHG-44 cells and between SHG-44 cells with or without treatment with 10 μmol/L ATRA. Some differentially expressed genes were selected randomly for Northern Blot analysis to confirm the results of the microarray. The determination criteria for differential gene expression were as follows. ① The ratio of Cy5 signal to Cy3 was greater than 2.0 or less than 0.5. ② The results of the triplicate microarray hybridizations showed the same trend in three experiments. ③ A gene appeared at least two times on the triplicate microarray hybridizations, and the 3^rd value did not show a contradictory trend. A normalized ratio of Cy5 intensity to Cy3 greater than 2.0 or less than 0.5 was considered to represent up-regulated or down-regulated gene expression, respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： The identification of genes that were similarly regulated （overlapping） during tumor progression and differentiation, by comparison of gene expression profiles between CHG-5 and SHG-44 cells, and between SHG-44 cells with or without treatment with ATRA. RESULTS： Thirty-one overlapping genes were found to have similar regulatory effects on astrocytomas; among them, twenty genes were up-regulated and eleven were down-regulated in both comparisons between CHG-5 and SHG-44 cells, and between SHG-44 cells with or without treatment with ATRA. The four reported genes, SERPINFI, MAPKI 1, HIFIA and SOD2, were up-regulated in this study. CONCLUSION： The differentially expressed genes in different grade astrocytoma cell lines were revealed primarily by cDNA microarray; among them, five identified overlapping genes, SERPINF1, MAPK11, DCTN2, HIF1 A and SOD2, were related to the malignant progression of astrocytoma cells.

Magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging and fibertracking diffusion tensor tractography in the management of spinal astrocytomas

Some specially imaging of magnetic resonance imaging,the diffusion-weighted imaging(DWI),the diffusion tensor imaging and fractional anisotropy(FA),are useful to described,detect,and map the extent of spinal cord lesions.FA measurements may are used to predicting the outcome of patients who have spinal cord lesions.Fiber tracking enable to visualizing the integrity of white matter tracts surrounding some lesions,and this information could be used to formulating a differential diagnosis and planning biopsies or resection.In this article,we will describe the current uses for DWI and fiber tracking and speculate on others in which we believe these techniques will be useful in the future.

Pilomyxoid Astrocytoma in Cerebellum

Pilomyxoid astrocytoma is a new identified variant type of pilocytic astrocytoma,and typically locates in the hypothalamic and chiasmatic region.Herein,we reported a nine-year-old boy with pilomyxoid astrocytoma in the cerebellum.MRI scanning showed a tumor involved the cerebellar vermis,tonsil,the forth ventricle and brainstem.It was homogeneous isointensity on T1WI,relative hyper-intensity on T2WI,hyper-intensity on fluid attenuated inversion recovery （FLAIR） images,and uniform enhancement on contrast T1WI.The tumor was sub-totally removed and was proved histologically to be pilomyxoid astrocytoma.Follow-up at the 5th month,MRI showed the residual tumor enlarged at the brainstem.The patient survived 10 months after the operation,and finally died of respiration failure resulting from brainstem dysfunction.

Prevention against diffuse spinal cord astrocytoma: can the Notch pathway be a novel treatment target?

This study was designed to investigate whether the Notch pathway is involved in the develop-ment of diffuse spinal cord astrocytomas. BALB/c nude mice received injections of CD133＋and CD133？ cell suspensions prepared using human recurrent diffuse spinal cord astrocytoma tissue through administration into the right parietal lobe. After 7–11 weeks, magnetic resonance imaging was performed weekly. Xenografts were observed on the surfaces of the brains of mice receiving the CD133＋ cell suspension, and Notch-immunopositive expression was observed in the xenografts. By contrast, no xenografts appeared in the identical position on the surfaces of the brains of mice receiving the CD133？ cell suspension, and Notch-immunopositive expres-sion was hardly detected either. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining revealed xenografts on the convex surfaces of the brains of mice that underwent CD133＋ astro-cytoma transplantation. Some sporadic astroglioma cells showed pseudopodium-like structures, which extended into the cerebral white matter. However,it should be emphasized that the sub-cortex xenograft with Notch-immunopositive expression was found in the fourth mouse received injection of CD133？ astrocytoma cells. However, these ifndings suggest that the Notch pathway plays an important role in the formation of astrocytomas, and can be considered a novel treat-ment target for diffuse spinal cord astrocytoma.

A Phase II Study of Antineoplastons A10 and AS2-1 in Children with Low-Grade Astrocytomas—Final Report (Protocol BT-13)

Nonresectable Low-Grade Astrocytomas (LGA) can compromise function and threaten life. For the majority of patients, the most appropriate strategy is initial chemotherapy followed by Radiation Therapy (RT). Since curative treatment is not available for most of these patients, it is reasonable to conduct clinical studies to evaluate new agents. This Phase II study evaluates efficacy and safety of Antineoplastons A10 and AS2-1 (ANP) in LGA. Sixteen children diagnosed with LGA were treated. They included 12 males and 4 females, ages 1.6 - 17.4 years (median 10.6). Efficacy was evaluated in 16 patients. The majority of patients were previously treated, but 1 patient had stereotactic biopsy only. Out of the remaining 15 patients, 6 patients received chemotherapy, and 7 patients had surgery, and 2 patients received RT and chemotherapy after surgery. The patients received treatment with ANP administered daily every 4 hours (median dose of A10 was 7.71 g/kg/d and AS2-1 was 0.26 g/kg/d) until objective response or stable disease was documented and for 8 months thereafter. The duration of ANP IV ranged from 1.4 to 286 weeks with a median of 83 weeks. A complete response was documented in 25.0%, partial response in 12.5%, and stable disease in 37.5%. Overall survival was 67.7% at 5 years, and 54.2% at 10 and 15 years. Progression-free survival was 48.1%, 34.4% and 34.4% at 5, 10, and 15 years respectively. The treatment was associated with grade 3 or grade 4 Adverse Drug Experiences (ADE) in 6 patients. There were two hypernatremias of grade 4 (12%). Grade 3 ADE included urinary frequency (6%), fatigue (6%) and hypernatremia (6%). There were no chronic toxicities, and there was a high quality of survival. ANP shows efficacy with a very good toxicity profile in this cohort of children with low-grade astrocytoma.

Concise review of radiosurgery for contemporary management of pilocytic astrocytomas in children and adults

Pilocytic astrocytoma(PA)may be seen in both adults and children as a distinct histologic and biologic subset of low-grade glioma.Surgery is the principal treatment for the management of PAs;however,selected patients may benefit from irradiation particularly in the setting of inoperability,incomplete resection,or recurrent disease.While conventionally fractionated radiation therapy has been traditionally utilized for radiotherapeutic management,stereotactic irradiation strategies have been introduced more recently to improve the toxicity profile of radiation delivery without compromising tumor control.PAs may be suitable for radiosurgical management due to their typical appearance as well circumscribed lesions.Focused and precise targeting of these well-defined lesions under stereotactic immobilization and image guidance may offer great potential for achieving an improved therapeutic ratio by virtue of radiosurgical techniques.Given the high conformality along with steep dose gradients around the target volume allowing for reduced normal tissue exposure,radiosurgery may be considered a viable modality of radiotherapeutic management.Another advantage of radiosurgery may be the completion of therapy in a usually shorter overall treatment time,which may be particularly well suited for children with requirement of anesthesia during irradiation.Several studies have addressed the utility of radiosurgery particularly as an adjuvant or salvage treatment modality for PA.Nevertheless,despite the growing body of evidence supporting the use of radiosurgery,there is need for a high level of evidence to dictate treatment decisions and establish its optimal role in the management of PA.Herein,we provide a concise review of radiosurgery for PA in light of the literature.

Identification of tumor invasion-related differentially expressed genes in different grades and all-trans retinoic acid-treated astrocytoma cell lines

BACKGROUND： Although several genetic aberrations and gene expressional changes have been shown to exist in tumors and different grades of astrocytomas, as well as in normal tissues, the gene profiling and genetic pathways associated with malignant transformation and progression remain unclear. OBJECTIVE： To identify differentially expressed genes related to tumor invasion from various grades and all-trans retinoic acid （ATRA）-treated astrocytoma cell lines by cDNA microarray. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： In vitro gene experiment was performed at the Department of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University of Chinese PLA from January to October 2007. MATERIALS： Two different grades of astrocytoma cell lines CHG-5 （WHO grade II ） and SHG-44 （WHO grade IV） were developed by our laboratory; a cell differentiation-inducing agent ATRA and a human cDNA microarray technology were used to determine differentially expressed genes （City University of Hong Kong）. METHODS： Total RNA was extracted using the Trizol test kit. Reverse transcription was performed using Superscript 11 reverse transcriptase. The cDNA product （target DNA） was marked with fluorochromes Cy3 （normal SHG-44） and Cy5 （CHG-5 or ATRA-treated SHG-44）, followed by chip hybridization. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Gene expression profiles of CHG-5 vs. SHG-44 and ATRA-treated vs. normal SHG-44 were performed to identify differentially expressed genes. Several of these genes were randomly selected for Northern Blot analysis. The identification of genes that were similarly regulated （overlapping） was performed by comparing gene expression profiles between CHG-5 and SHG-44 cells, and between SHG-44 cells with or without treatment with ATRA. RESULTS： No significant differences were observed between CHG5 and SHG-44 cell line morphology. Under confocal microscopy, GFAP staining intensity of CHG5 cells was greater than SHG-44 cells （t = 6.078 P = 0.004）. Growth curve analysis demonstrated that the speed of SHG-44 cell growth was greater than CHG5 cells. Flow cytometry analysis showed that the number of ATRA-treated SHG-44 cells at G0/G1 stage increased by 15%, compared with normal SHG-44 cells （P 〈 0.05）. A total of 31 known genes with altered expression were identified in this study. Among them, 20 genes were upregulated and 11 were downregulated in CHG-5 compared with SHG-44 cells, and ATRA-treated SHG-44 compared with untreated SHG-44 ceils. Four of these reported genes （CD151, G3BP, UGB, and CSTB） were shown to be involved in tumor invasion. Validation of a selection of differentially expressed genes was perfonlaed by Northern blot. CONCLUSION： A total of 31 known genes were demonstrated by cDNA microarray to relate to the malignant progression of astrocytomas, and four differentially expressed genes （CD151, G3BP, UGB, and CSTB） were shown to relate to tumor invasion.

Differential protein expression in low-grade astrocytomas and peritumoral human brain tissues

Differential protein expression between various pathological grades of glioma has been shown in studies of glioma proteomics. However, very little data is available regarding normal brain tissues and glioma differential protein expression, because normal human brain tissues are difficult to harvest. The present study selected samples from low-grade astrocytomas and peritumoral brain tissues to analyze differential protein expression by two-dimensional （2D） electrophoresis and mass spectrometry techniques. Results revealing 36 protein spots by 2D electrophoresis, including 23 spots revealing increased expression and 13 spots revealing decreased expression. However, 25 differential proteins were identified by mass spectrometry, including 16 proteins with increased expression and 9 with decreased expression. Western blot analysis confirmed the mass spectrometry results, i.e., heat shock protein 70 （HSP70） and human transthyretin （TTR） expressions were increased, but glial fibrillary acidic protein （GFAP） was decreased, in astrocytomas. The present study constructed a 2D electrophoresis pattern between low-grade astrocytomas in the human brain and peritumoral tissues. Results demonstrated that a majority of differential proteins, such as HSP70, TTR, and GFAP, participate in malignant progression of gliomas.

Misdiagnosed Angioimmunoblastic T-cell Lymphoma Secondary to Cranial Astrocytoma

A case of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma （AITL） which was misdiagnosed as adult Still＇s disease was presented. The clinical and laboratory characteristics of this case and related literatures were analyzed and reviewed. The patient was finally diagnosed as AITL （Ann Arbor classification： Stage IIIB） secondary to cranial astrocytoma （WHO classification： Stage III）, complicated with severe pulmonary infection because of long time treatment of corticosteroid and misdiagnosis （about one and a half year）. It is concluded that AITL is a rare disease which was easily misdiagnosed. The diagnosis of AITL should combine the clinical manifestation with pathological biopsy as well as corresponding immunohistochemical tests.

STUDY OF DELETION OF P16 GENE IN THE PROGRESSION OF BRAIN ASTROCYTOMAS

Objective: To study the relationship between deletion of P16 gene and occurrence and progression of astrocytomas Methods: The techniques of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the deletion of exon2 of P16 gene and expression of P16 gene in 52 cases of Brain astrocytoma Results: The deletion rate of exon2 of P16 gene in the tumors analyzed was 34 6% Most of them with deletion of exon2 of p16 gene were high grade astrocytomas (grade III 42%, grade IV 50%) 61 5% of the tumors were absent from expression of p16 and the deletion rate of p16 protein increased with the grade of astrocytoma (X 2=10 83, P <0 005) Conclusion: Deletion of p16 gene and protein may correlate with the malignant progression of astrocytoma

Synthesis of Amine Terminated Pegylated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Prospective Astrocytoma Resection Grade Improvement

Having a survival rate to 5 years of only 3%,Glioblastoma’s(GBM)main treatment is surgical excision.Iron oxide nanoparticles have been proved to be a magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent and,if synthesized and tuned correctly,could be used to improve complete GBM resection.In this work monodisperse iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using thermal decomposition method,then a ligand exchange reaction with 3-aminopropyl trimethoxysilane(APS)was performed,following Pegylation of the particles using dicarboxylic acid PEG(PEG-diacid)and finally aminating with 2,2’-(ethylenedioxy)bis(ethylamine),last two by amide reactions.STEM and DLS demonstrate monodispersity(log σ<0.2)and desired size range to penetrate the blood-brain barrier(BBB);FT-IR shows the reactions were executed correctly and finally stability in deionized water,0.07 M NaCl and PBS 1X,as a function of 0-30 days,was tested.Results revealed the importance that the oleic acid/iron oleate molar ratio and the growth stage time represents for determining iron oxide nanoparticles’ size;as well as APS concentration and nucleation time influence on silica coating when performing the ligand exchange reaction.The produced iron oxide nanoparticles exhibit stability and proper amine terminated groups which are needed to allow easy incorporation of Chlorotoxin,a 36-amino acid peptide that binds specifically to astrocytoma cells,and a fluorescent molecule,which enables real time visualization of the tumor during surgery.