Discoidin domain receptor 1 as a promising biomarker for high-grade gliomas

Background: Two fundamental challenges in the current therapeutic approach for central nervous system tumors are the tumor heterogeneity and the absence of specific treatments and biomarkers that selectively target the tumor tissue. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the potential relationship between discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) expression and the prognosis and characteristics of glioma patients. Materials and Methods: Tissue and serum samples from 34 brain tumor patients were evaluated for DDR1 messenger ribonucleic acid levels in comparison to 10 samples from the control group, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis has performed. Results: DDR1 expression was observed in both tissue and serum samples of the patient and control groups. DDR1 expression levels in tissue and serum samples from patients were higher in comparison to the control group, although not statistically significant (P > 0.05). A significant correlation between tumor size and DDR1 serum measurements at the level of 0.370 was reported (r = 0.370; P = 0.034). The levels of DDR1 in serum showed a positive correlation with the increasing size of tumor. The results of the 5-year survival analysis depending on the DDR1 tissue levels showed a significantly higher survival rate (P = 0.041) for patients who have DDR1 tissue levels above cutoff value. Conclusions: DDR1 expression was significantly higher among brain tumor tissues and serum samples and its levels showed a positive correlation with the increased size of tumor. This study can be a starting point, since it investigated and indicated, for the first time, that DDR1 can be a novel therapeutic and prognostic target for aggressive high-grade gliomas

Impact of sorafenib on epidural fibrosis: An immunohistochemical study

WOS: 000443886300003PubMed ID: 30211205AIM To determine if sorafenib, an antineoplastic agent, could prevent the development of spinal epidural fibrosis (EF). METHODS The study used CD105 and osteopontin antibodies in an immunohistochemical approach to quantify EF that occurred as a consequence of laminectomy in rats. Wistar albino rats (n = 16) were divided into two groups: control (L1-2 level laminectomy only) and sorafenib treatment (L1-2 level laminectomy + topical sorafenib). The animals were euthanatized after 6 wk, and the EF tissues were examined for histopathological changes after immunohistochemical staining. The EF grades were assigned to the tissues, and the treatment and control groups were compared. RESULTS The EF thickness, inflammatory cell density, and arachnoid adherences determined by light microscopy were significantly higher in the control group compared to the sorafenib-treated group. Based on fibrosis scores, the extent of EF in the treatment group was significantly lower than in the controls. Immunohistochemical staining for CD105 to identify microvessels revealed that the EF grades based on vessel count were significantly lower in the treatment group. Staining for osteopontin did not show any significant differences between the groups in terms of the extent of EF. The staging of EF based on vascular counts observed after immunohistochemical staining for CD105, but not for osteopontin, was compatible with conventional staging methods. Neither toxic effects on tissues nor systemic side effects were observed with the use of sorafenib. CONCLUSION Local administration of sorafenib significantly reduced post-laminectomy EF. Decreased neovascularization in spinal tissue may be due to the sorafenib-induced inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor

The Effect of Copper on Vasospastic Femoral Artery in Rats

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of copper, which is the cofactor and regulator of the superoxide dysmutase enzyme, on preventing experimental peripheral vasospasm in rats through antioxidative mechanisms

Comparison of Levels of Zinc, Iron and Cadmium in Classic Meningioma and Glioblastoma Multiforme

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare trace elements (zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and cadmium (Cd)) in tissue samples of classic meningiomas and glioblastoma multiformes

Temperament and character profile in failed back surgery syndrome: A cross-sectional clinical study

Sengul, Ilker/0000-0002-7675-7814WOS: 000387302000016PubMed: 27476913AIM: Some psychometric properties may predict the development of failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). The aim of this study was to determine the pain, disability, and depression severity in patients diagnosed with FBSS, and to determine the temperament and character subgroups in comparison with control group. MATERIAL and METHODS: Thirty-eight patients diagnosed with FBSS, and 35 patients with favourable outcome after lumbar spinal surgery were included to the study. Pain intensity, disability, depression scores, temperament and character profile were determined by the visual analogue scale (VAS), Roland Morris Disability Index, Beck Depression Inventory, and Temperament and Character Inventory. RESULTS: Pain intensity, disability, and depression scores were higher in the FBSS group (p<0.001). There were no significant differences between temperament and character subgroups between study groups except one of the temperament subgroup, reward dependence (p=0.05). There was a negative correlation between self-directedness and leg pain severity in the FBSS group (p=0.01, r=-0.400). CONCLUSION: No significant differences were found between the FBSS and control groups with respect to temperament and character profile but FBSS was the cause of severe pain, disability, and higher depression scores. This group of patients must therefore be evaluated psychiatrically and should also be subjected to a clinical examination, and they should be managed using a multidisciplinary approach