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1.
Sci Bull (Beijing) ; 68(14): 1556-1566, 2023 Jul 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37391345

ABSTRACT

Over decades, nearly all attempts to translate the benefits of therapeutic hypothermia in stroke models of lower-order species to stroke patients have failed. Potentially overlooked reasons may be biological gaps between different species and the mismatched initiation of therapeutic hypothermia in translational studies. Here, we introduce a novel strategy of selective therapeutic hypothermia in a non-human primate ischemia-reperfusion model, in which autologous blood was cooled ex vivo and the cool blood transfusion was administered at the middle cerebral artery just after the onset of reperfusion. Cold autologous blood cooled the targeted brain rapidly to below 34 °C while the rectal temperature remained around 36 °C with the assistance of a heat blanket during a 2-h hypothermic process. Therapeutic hypothermia or extracorporeal-circulation related complications were not observed. Cold autologous blood treatment reduced infarct sizes, preserved white matter integrity, and improved functional outcomes. Together, our results suggest that therapeutic hypothermia, induced by cold autologous blood transfusion, was achieved in a feasible, swift, and safe way in a non-human primate model of stroke. More importantly, this novel hypothermic approach conferred neuroprotection in a clinically relevant model of ischemic stroke due to reduced brain damage and improved neurofunction. This study reveals an underappreciated potential for this novel hypothermic modality for acute ischemic stroke in the era of effective reperfusion.

2.
Front Neurol ; 14: 1129816, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37122309

ABSTRACT

Vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VBD) is a rare type of cerebrovascular disorder with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Due to the distinct pathological characteristics that fragmented internal elastic lamina and multiple dissections, VBD is difficult to treat and cured. Stent-assisted coil embolization is one of the main treatment modalities for such lesions. However, the duration of healing remained questionable, and there were no effective measures for evaluating endothelial coverage. Before complete endothelial coverage, the discontinuation of antiplatelet therapy may lead to fatal in-stent thrombosis; however, continued antiplatelet therapy could also result in bleeding complications. Thus, we present an autopsy case of late in-stent thrombosis due to the discontinuation of antiplatelet therapy and systematically review the literature to provide a reference for endovascular treatment and antiplatelet regimen of VBD.

3.
Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol ; 49(1): e12874, 2023 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36544434

ABSTRACT

AIMS: Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) is a major cause of drug-resistant paediatric epilepsy and is amenable to successful neurosurgical resection. FCD ILAE Type IIb is the most common FCD subtype, and brain somatic mutations affecting the mTOR pathway play a major pathogenic role. The aim of this study was to comprehensively describe the genotype-phenotype association of 20 patients with histopathologically confirmed FCDIIb using next generation sequencing (NGS) of paired blood-brain samples. METHODS: Clinical and neuropathological data were retrospectively reviewed from the hospital archive. The NGS panel included 11 mTOR-pathway-related genes with maximum coverage of 2000×. The detected variants were validated by digital droplet PCR. RESULTS: Pathogenic MTOR variants were identified in 10 patients (50%). Further comparison with MTOR-wildtype FCDIIb suggested a profound genotype-phenotype association characterised by (1) a non-temporal lobe lesion on MRI, (2) a larger lesion volume occupying grey and white matter (3.032 ± 1.859 cm3 vs 1.110 ± 0.856 cm3 , p = 0.014), (3) more balloon cells (50.20 ± 14.40 BC/mm2 vs 31.64 ± 30.56 BC/mm2 , p = 0.099) and dysmorphic neurons (48.72 ± 19.47DN/mm2 vs 15.28 ± 13.95DN/mm2 , p = 0.000) and (4) a positive correlation between VAF and the lesion volume (r = 0.802, p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: Our study identified frequent MTOR mutations in the cell-rich FCDIIb phenotype, clinically characterised by a non-temporal location and large lesion volume. Comprehensive genotype-phenotype associations will help us further explore and define the broad spectrum of FCD lesions to make more targeted therapies available in the realm of epileptology.


Subject(s)
Epilepsy , Focal Cortical Dysplasia , Malformations of Cortical Development , Humans , Mosaicism , Retrospective Studies , Malformations of Cortical Development/genetics , Epilepsy/pathology , TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism
4.
Neurol Genet ; 8(6): e200044, 2022 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36524103

ABSTRACT

Background and Objectives: Cerebral autosomal recessive arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CARASIL) is a rare hereditary cerebrovascular disease caused by homozygous or compound heterozygous variations in the high-temperature requirement A serine peptidase 1 (HTRA1) gene. However, several studies in recent years have found that some heterozygous HTRA1 mutations also cause cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). The current study aims to report the novel genotypes, phenotypes, and histopathologic results of 3 pedigrees of CSVD with heterozygous HTRA1 mutation. Methods: Three pedigrees of familiar CSVD, including 11 symptomatic patients and 3 asymptomatic carriers, were enrolled. Whole-exome sequencing was conducted in the probands for identifying rare variants, which were then evaluated for pathogenicity according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines. Sanger sequencing was performed for validation of mutations in the probands and other family members. The protease activity was assayed for the novel mutations. All the participants received detailed clinical and imaging examinations and the corresponding results were concluded. Hematoma evacuation was performed for an intracerebral hemorrhage patient with the p.Q318H mutation, and the postoperative pathology including hematoma and cerebral small vessels were examined. Results: Three novel heterozygous HTRA1 mutations (p.Q318H, p.V279M, and p.R274W) were detected in the 3 pedigrees. The protease activity was largely lost for all the mutations, confirming that they were loss-of-function mutations. The patients in each pedigree presented with typical clinical and imaging features of CVSD, and some of them displayed several new phenotypes including color blindness, hydrocephalus, and multiple arachnoid cysts. In addition, family 1 is the largest pedigree with heterozygous HTRA1 mutation so far and includes homozygous twins, displaying some variation in clinical phenotypes. More importantly, pathologic study of a patient with p.Q318H mutation showed hyalinization, luminal stenosis, loss of smooth muscle cells, splitting of the internal elastic lamina, and intramural hemorrhage/dissection-like structures. Discussion: These findings broaden the mutational and clinical spectrum of heterozygous HTRA1-related CSVD. Pathologic features were similar with the previous heterozygous and homozygous cases. Moreover, clinical heterogeneity was revealed within the largest single family, and the mechanisms of the phenotypic heterogenetic remain unclear. Overall, heterozygous HTRA1-related CSVD should not be simply taken as a mild type of CARASIL as previously considered.

5.
Nat Protoc ; 17(9): 2054-2084, 2022 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35760857

ABSTRACT

Over decades of research into the treatment of stroke, nearly all attempts to translate experimental treatments from discovery in cells and rodents to use in humans have failed. The prevailing belief is that it might be necessary to pretest pharmacological neuroprotection in higher-order brains, especially those of nonhuman primates (NHPs). Over the past few years, chemical thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy have been established as the standard of care for ischemic stroke in patients. The spotlight is now shifting towards emphasizing both focal ischemia and subsequent reperfusion in developing a clinically relevant stroke model in NHPs. This protocol describes an embolic model of middle cerebral artery occlusion in adult rhesus monkeys. An autologous clot is combined with a microcatheter or microwire through endovascular procedures, and reperfusion is achieved through local intra-artery thrombolysis with tissue plasminogen activator. These NHP models formed relatively stable infarct sizes, delivered predictable reperfusion and survival outcomes, and recapitulated key characteristics of patients with ischemic stroke as observed on MRI images and behavioral assays. Importantly, treated animals could survive 30 d after the surgery for post-stroke neurologic deficit analyses. Thus far, this model has been used in several translational studies. Here we describe in detail the teamwork necessary for developing stroke models of NHPs, including the preoperation preparations, endovascular surgery, postoperation management and histopathological analysis. The model can be established by the following procedures over a 45-d period, including preparation steps (14 d), endovascular operation (1 d) and evaluation steps (30 d).


Subject(s)
Brain Ischemia , Ischemic Stroke , Stroke , Thrombosis , Animals , Brain Ischemia/drug therapy , Humans , Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery/drug therapy , Macaca mulatta , Stroke/therapy , Thrombolytic Therapy , Tissue Plasminogen Activator/therapeutic use
6.
Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat ; 18: 1069-1075, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35615422

ABSTRACT

Objective: To explore the disease manifestations and radiological characteristics of patients with meningeal carcinomatosis (MC) combined with myelopathy. Patients and Methods: The detailed medical information of patients who suffered from MC with myelopathy in record system were collected and reviewed. Results: In these patients, five cases were male and two cases were female. The age was from fifteen to fifty-seven years. In the course of disease, tumor cells were discovered in cerebrospinal fluid of three patients and in biopsy samples of four patients. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) test results showed white blood cell counts increased in seven patients, protein increased in six patients and glucose reduced in five patients. In addition, MRI revealed that the white matter abnormalities showed in all cases and pia mater was enhanced in four patients, meningeal enhanced was observed in three patients. All patients were given appropriate therapy during hospitalization. Follow-up result showed that all patients passed away two to five months after diagnosis. Conclusion: MC causes spinal membrane, spinal nerve root to be involved besides, also can produce the matter of myelopathy. Early detection of intramedullary lesion is conducive to strengthening the awareness of the diagnosis of MC.

7.
Brain Pathol ; 32(1): e13011, 2022 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34355449

ABSTRACT

The BRAF p.V600E mutation is the most common genetic alteration in ganglioglioma (GG). Herein, we collected a consecutive series of 30 GG specimens from Xuanwu Hospital in order to corroborate the genetic landscape and genotype-phenotype correlation of this enigmatic and often difficult-to-classify epilepsy-associated brain tumor entity. All specimens with histopathologically confirmed lesions were submitted to targeted next-generation sequencing using a panel of 131 genes. Genetic alterations in three cases with histologically distinct tumor components, that is, GG plus pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA), dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNT), or an oligodendroglioma (ODG)-like tumor component, were separately studied. A mean post-surgical follow-up time-period of 23 months was available in 24 patients. Seventy seven percent of GG in our series can be explained by genetic alterations, with BRAF p.V600E mutations being most prevalent (n = 20). Three additional cases showed KRAS p.Q22R and KRAS p.G13R, IRS2 copy number gain (CNG) and a KIAA1549-BRAF fusion. When genetically studying different histopathology patterns from the same tumor we identified composite features with BRAF p.V600E plus CDKN2A/B homozygous deletion in a GG with PXA features, IRS2 CNG in a GG with DNT features, and a BRAF p.V600E plus CNG of chromosome 7 in a GG with ODG-like features. Follow-up revealed no malignant tumor progression but nine patients had seizure recurrence. Eight of these nine GG were immunoreactive for CD34, six patients were male, five were BRAF wildtype, and atypical histopathology features were encountered in four patients, that is, ki-67 proliferation index above 5% or with PXA component. Our results strongly point to activation of the MAP kinase pathway in the vast majority of GG and their molecular-genetic differentiation from the cohort of low-grade pediatric type diffuse glioma remains, however, to be further clarified. In addition, histopathologically distinct tumor components accumulated different genetic alterations suggesting collision or composite glio-neuronal GG variants.


Subject(s)
Astrocytoma , Brain Neoplasms , Epilepsy , Ganglioglioma , Astrocytoma/pathology , Brain Neoplasms/complications , Brain Neoplasms/genetics , Brain Neoplasms/pathology , Child , Epilepsy/genetics , Ganglioglioma/complications , Ganglioglioma/genetics , Ganglioglioma/pathology , Homozygote , Humans , Male , Mutation , Phenotype , Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf/genetics , Sequence Deletion
8.
Neurotherapeutics ; 17(4): 1931-1939, 2020 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32710291

ABSTRACT

Early reperfusion is increasingly prioritized in ischemic stroke care, but outcomes remain suboptimal. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find neuroprotective approaches that can be combined with reperfusion to maximize efficacy. Here, the neuroprotective mechanisms behind therapeutic hypothermia were evaluated in a monkey model of ischemic stroke. Focal ischemia was induced in adult rhesus monkeys by placing autologous clots in the middle cerebral artery. Monkeys were treated with tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) alone or t-PA plus selective intra-arterial cooling (SI-AC). Serial MRI scans and functional deficit were evaluated after ischemia. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry analysis were performed after the final MRI scan. t-PA plus SI-AC treatment led to a higher rate of MRI tissue rescue, and significantly improved neurologic deficits and daily activity scores compared with t-PA alone. In peri-infarct areas, higher fractional anisotropy values and greater fiber numbers were observed in models receiving t-PA plus SI-AC. Histological findings indicated that myelin damage, spheroids, and spongiosis were significantly ameliorated in models receiving SI-AC treatment. White matter integrity was also improved by SI-AC based on immunochemical staining. Our study demonstrates that SI-AC can be effectively combined with t-PA to improve both structural and functional recovery in a monkey model of focal ischemia. These findings provide proof-of-concept that it may be feasible to add neuroprotective agents as adjunctive treatments to reperfusion therapy for stroke.


Subject(s)
Disease Models, Animal , Hypothermia, Induced/methods , Recovery of Function/physiology , Reperfusion/methods , Stroke/diagnostic imaging , Stroke/therapy , Animals , Cerebral Arteries/diagnostic imaging , Macaca mulatta , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Male , Primates
10.
J Cereb Blood Flow Metab ; 40(7): 1415-1426, 2020 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32126876

ABSTRACT

Nearly all stroke neuroprotection modalities, including selective intra-arterial cooling (SI-AC), have failed to be translated from bench to bed side. Potentially overlooked reasons may be biological gaps, inadequate attention to reperfusion states and mismatched attention to neurological benefits. To advance stroke translation, we describe a novel thrombus-based stroke model in adult rhesus macaques. Intra-arterial thrombolysis with tissue plasminogen activator leads to three clinically relevant outcomes - complete, partial, and no recanalization based on digital subtraction angiography. We also find reperfusion as a prerequisite for SI-AC-induced benefits, in which models with complete or partial reperfusion exhibit significantly reduced infarct volumes, mitigated neurological deficits, improved upper limb motor dysfunction in both acute and chronic stages; however, no further neuroprotection is observed in those without reperfusion. In summary, we discover reperfusion as a crucial regulator of SI-AC-induced neuroprotection and provide insights of long-term functional benefits in behavior and imaging levels. Our findings could be important not only for the translational prerequisite and potential molecular targets, but also for this thrombus-thrombolysis model in monkeys as a powerful tool for further translational stroke studies.


Subject(s)
Embolic Stroke/pathology , Fibrinolytic Agents/pharmacology , Hypothermia, Induced/methods , Thrombolytic Therapy/methods , Animals , Disease Models, Animal , Macaca mulatta , Male , Reperfusion/methods , Tissue Plasminogen Activator/pharmacology , Treatment Outcome
12.
Eur J Radiol ; 105: 240-245, 2018 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30017287

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Surgical resection is the most effective treatment for focal cortical dysplasia (FCD). However, many patients with FCD have unremarkable or even negative findings on conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In this study, we explored the brain volume abnormalities of FCD patients at the individual level using an experimental volume-based morphometry algorithm and further estimated whether the volume abnormalities can help in the detection of FCD lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen patients with histologically-proven FCD lesions were retrospectively studied. Among them, eight patients had no visible abnormalities on routine MRI, three had abnormalities which partly matched the location of the surgical resection regions, and two did not match. For each patient, cerebral high-resolution T1-weighted magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition with gradient echo (MPRAGE) images were segmented into 45 structures, according to a brain anatomy template, and the volume of each structure was compared with an age- and gender-matched normal population at the individual level, based on a MorphoBox prototype. A Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the performance of the prototype in patients. To find the most appropriate threshold value for localizing the epileptogenic zones, deviations from the normative ranges of each resulting volume estimate were assessed by z-scores. RESULTS: Volume abnormalities including atrophic and hypertrophic volumes could be found in all the patients. Epileptogenic zones were found in brain structures with an abnormal volume in 87.5% (14/16) of patients. In 71.4% of patients (10/14), these zones were fully located in regions with an atrophic volume. This suggests that FCD lesions are more likely to be in regions with an atrophic volume than in those with a hypertrophic volume. When the best cut-off z-score value was -3.0, the sensitivity, specificity, and ROC area under the curve of the volume estimates were 93.9%, 79.6%, and 0.89, respectively. CONCLUSION: Volume abnormalities can assist in the diagnosis of epileptogenic zones at the individual level in FCD patients with negative or positive findings on conventional MR images. Atrophic regions are more likely than hypertrophic ones to represent epileptogenic zones. Volume-based morphometry based on a MorphoBox prototype has potential to assist a careful scrutiny by radiologists with target in atrophic regions in patients who are initially deemed to be MR-negative, further trying to increase the detection rate of FCD.


Subject(s)
Brain/pathology , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Malformations of Cortical Development/pathology , Adult , Algorithms , Brain/diagnostic imaging , Female , Functional Laterality , Humans , Image Processing, Computer-Assisted , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Male , Malformations of Cortical Development/diagnostic imaging , Organ Size , Pilot Projects , Reproducibility of Results , Retrospective Studies , Young Adult
13.
J Clin Pathol ; 70(12): 1079-1083, 2017 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28775171

ABSTRACT

Gliosarcoma, which is regarded as a variant of glioblastoma, is a rare malignant neoplasm of the central nervous system. Both its sarcomatous component and glial component are reported to share significant clinical and genetic similarities. However, gliosarcomas are considered to be characterised by a lack of the BRAF V600E mutation. Here, we report two cases of gliosarcoma harbouring the BRAF V600E mutation, of which one case appears to have arisen de novo, while the other likely arose from ganglioglioma. Interestingly, the BRAF V600E mutation was detected only in the glial component in the first case, but was present in both the glial and the sarcomatous components in the recurrent gliosarcoma. Furthermore, the different mutation state of BRAF V600E in our two cases suggests that the malignant transformation of gliosarcoma might have different underlying genetic alterations and mechanisms in de novo versus recurrent gliosarcoma.


Subject(s)
Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Brain Neoplasms/genetics , Ganglioglioma/genetics , Gliosarcoma/genetics , Mutation , Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf/genetics , Adult , Biopsy , Brain Neoplasms/enzymology , Brain Neoplasms/pathology , Brain Neoplasms/therapy , DNA Mutational Analysis , Disease Progression , Fatal Outcome , Female , Ganglioglioma/enzymology , Ganglioglioma/pathology , Ganglioglioma/therapy , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Gliosarcoma/enzymology , Gliosarcoma/pathology , Gliosarcoma/therapy , Humans , Immunohistochemistry , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Male , Middle Aged , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local , Phenotype , Treatment Outcome
14.
Exp Neurol ; 295: 202-210, 2017 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28601605

ABSTRACT

Rapid focal cooling is an attractive nondestructive strategy to control and possibly prevent focal seizures. However, the temperature threshold necessary to abort seizures in primates is still unknown. Here, we explored this issue in a primate epilepsy model and observed the effect of rapid cooling on different electroencephalogram frequency bands, aiming at providing necessary experimental data for future clinical translational studies and exploring the mechanism of focal cooling in terminating seizures. We induced focal neocortical seizures using microinjection of 4-aminopyridine into premotor cortex in five anesthetized cynomolgus monkeys. The rapid focal cooling was implemented by using a thermoelectric (Peltier) device. As a result, the average durations of seizures and interictal intervals before cooling were 94.3±4.0s and 62.3±6.9s, respectively. When the cortex was cooled to 20°C or 18°C, there was no effect on seizure duration (109.4±30.0s, 91.3±19.3s) or interictal duration (99.4±26.8s, 83.2±11.5s, P>0.05). But when the cortex was cooled to 16°C, the seizure duration was reduced to 54.1±4.9s and the interictal duration was extended to 175.0±16.7s (P<0.05). Electroencephalogram spectral analysis showed that the power of delta, alpha, beta, gamma and ripples bands in seizures were significantly reduced at 20°C and 18°C. At 16°C, the power of theta band in seizures was also significantly reduced along with the other bands. Our data reveal that the temperature threshold in rapid focal cooling required to significantly shorten neocortical seizures in nonhuman primates is 16°C, and inhibition of electroencephalogram broadband spectrum power, especially power of theta band, may be the underlying mechanism to control seizures.


Subject(s)
Cold Temperature , Epilepsy/physiopathology , Epilepsy/therapy , Neocortex/physiopathology , Seizures/physiopathology , Seizures/therapy , 4-Aminopyridine , Animals , Convulsants , Electroencephalography , Epilepsy/chemically induced , Macaca fascicularis , Male , Motor Cortex/physiology , Seizures/chemically induced
15.
Zhonghua Nei Ke Za Zhi ; 54(9): 758-62, 2015 Sep.
Article in Chinese | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26674792

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinicopathological features and imaging characteristics of non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis in central nerve system, thus to facilitate the diagnosis and differential diagnosis. METHODS: A total of ten cases were enrolled in the study, with seven cases of Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) and three cases of xanthoma disseminatum (XD). Data on the clinicopathological features, imaging, immunophenotype and prognosis were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Seven patients with RDD, 5 males and 2 females with the mean age of 46.7 years old, all presented as dural-based or intraparenchymal hypo- to isointense lesions on T1 and T2 with post-contrast enhancement. The polymorphous admixture of histiocytes, lymphocytes and plasma cells was observed in a fibrous stroma, with emperipolesis of some histiocytes. The immunohistostaining of CD11c, CD68, MAC387 and S-100 was positive in the histiocytes, while the staining of CD1α was negative. Five patients recovered after the operation, while one patient died of the disease. All the 3 XD patients were female, with the median age of 20.7 years old. All XD patients presented as multiple intraparenchymal hypointense lesions on T1 and hyperintense lesions on T2 with post-contrast enhancement. The infiltration of foam-like histiocytes, a few Touton giant cells, lymphocytes and eosnophils was observed in all XD patients. The immunohistostaining of CD68 and CD11c was positive in the histiocytes and that of MAC387 partly positive, while the staining of S-100 and CD1α was negative. One XD patient survived well, while another one died of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of RDD and XD should be based on their typical morphology and immunophenotype and should be differentiated from Langerhans cell histiocytosis and other non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis in central nerve system often presents untypical clinical presentation and imaging features, thus the communication and cooperation between clinician and pathologist is needed.


Subject(s)
Histiocytosis, Non-Langerhans-Cell/pathology , Histiocytosis, Sinus/pathology , Adult , Antigens, CD/metabolism , Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell , Histiocytosis, Sinus/metabolism , Humans , Immunohistochemistry , Male , Middle Aged , Nervous System , Receptors, Cell Surface
16.
Zhonghua Bing Li Xue Za Zhi ; 44(5): 305-9, 2015 May.
Article in Chinese | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26178210

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To study the expression of autophagy-related proteins (Beclin-1, LC3 and p62) in brain tissue with malformations of cortical development and related molecular pathogenesis. METHODS: The brain tissue of 18 cases with epileptogenic foci resection, including 6 cases of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), 6 cases of focal cortical dysplasia type IIb (FCD IIb) and 6 cases of focal cortical dysplasia type I (FCD I), were retrieved. Immunohistochemical study for Beclin-1, LC3 and p62 proteins was performed. The degree of positivity for Beclin-1 and LC3 proteins was compared. Western blot was used to quantitatively analyze the LC3 protein in focal lesion of each disease groups. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical study showed that the three proteins were mainly expressed in the dysmorphic neurons and balloon cells/giant cells of TSC and FCD IIb. The positivity was more intense in the dysmorphic neurons than the other cell types. Immunostaining for Beclin-1 showed granular or diffuse cytoplasmic positivity, in addition to the strong expression in axons. On the other hand, LC3 showed diffuse or perinuclear cytoplasmic expression. The staining for p62 was mainly cytoplasmic or perinuclear and sometimes nuclear. In FCD type I, only individual cells showed positive expression for the three proteins. The number of Beclin-1 and LC3-positive cells was larger in TSC group, followed by FCD IIb group and FCD I group.And there were significant differences between TSC group and FCD I group, as well as FCD IIb group and FCD I group (P<0.05). Quantitative expression of LC3 protein by Western blot showed smaller amount in TSC group, followed by FCD IIb group and FCD I group. CONCLUSIONS: The dysmorphic neurons and balloon cells/giant cells of TSC and FCD IIb show abnormality in autophagy, resulting in intracytoplasmic protein accumulation. There are differences in molecular pathogenesis in these cell types.


Subject(s)
Autophagy-Related Proteins/metabolism , Malformations of Cortical Development/metabolism , Autophagy , Beclin-1/metabolism , Blotting, Western , Brain/metabolism , Cytoplasm/metabolism , Epilepsy/metabolism , Female , Giant Cells/metabolism , Humans , Immunohistochemistry , Male , Malformations of Cortical Development, Group I/metabolism , Microtubule-Associated Proteins/metabolism , Neurons/metabolism , RNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism , Tuberous Sclerosis/metabolism
18.
Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol ; 41(3): 333-46, 2015 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24861831

ABSTRACT

AIMS: Angiocentric glioma (AG) is a rare, slow-growing tumour of the central nervous system. It is often associated with refractory epilepsy and occurs most commonly in children and young adults. We herein report nine cases of AG, including four with atypical histological findings. METHODS: The clinical data and clinicopathological findings of nine cases with AG histological features were described. RESULTS: All nine patients had a history of refractory epilepsy with a mean history of 4.4 years and a median age of 17.6 years at surgery. The AG lesions were located in the superficial cerebrocortical region. Histological examination of these cases revealed characteristic structural features of AG, including bipolar spindle-shaped cells with an angiocentric growth pattern. However, four cases also exhibited atypical histological features: one had astroblastoma-like characteristics, two had a distinct cystic region with an onion-like structure and myxoid changes, and the other one had a region involving many abnormal neurones reminiscent to ganglioglioma. All were positive for glial fibrillary acidic protein and vimentin. Eight cases were positive for epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), with a dot-like staining pattern. A diffuse D2-40 staining was visible in these cases, with two having similar staining pattern to EMA. All cases were immunonegative for BRAF V600E and isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 R132H mutations. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that atypical histological features can be present in AG. A collection of more cases and further molecular analyses are required to confirm our findings.


Subject(s)
Brain Neoplasms/pathology , Glioma/pathology , Adolescent , Biomarkers, Tumor/analysis , Brain Neoplasms/complications , Child , Child, Preschool , Epilepsy/etiology , Female , Glioma/complications , Humans , Immunohistochemistry , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Male , Young Adult
19.
Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol ; 40(5): 551-63, 2014 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23659519

ABSTRACT

AIMS: Mutations in the SCARB2 gene cause a rare autosomal recessive disease, progressive myoclonus epilepsy (PME) with or without renal failure, the former also being designated action myoclonus-renal failure syndrome. Although reported cases have been accumulating, only a few have described its neuropathology. We studied two Japanese patients with PME without renal failure, in whom the ages at onset and disease durations were 45 and 20 years, and 14 and 8.5 years respectively. METHODS: Sequencing and restriction analysis of the SCARB2 gene and neuropathological examination with immunohistochemistry were performed. RESULTS: Gene analyses revealed novel homozygous frameshift and nonsense mutations in the SCARB2 gene. Both cases exhibited deposition of brown pigment in the brain, especially the cerebellar and cerebral cortices. Ultrastructurally, the pigment granules were localized in astrocytes. Neuronal loss and gliosis were also evident in the brain, including the pallidoluysian and cerebello-olivary systems. The spinal cord was also affected. Such changes were less severe in one patient with late-onset disease than in the other patient with early-onset disease. In brain and kidney sections, immunostaining with an antibody against the C-terminus of human SCARB2 revealed decreased levels and no expression of the protein respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The frameshift mutation detected in the patient with late-onset disease is a hitherto undescribed, unique type of SCARB2 gene mutation. The present two patients are the first reported to have clearly demonstrated both extraneuronal brown pigment deposition and system neurodegeneration as neuropathological features of PME with SCARB2 mutations.


Subject(s)
Astrocytes/ultrastructure , Brain/ultrastructure , Lysosomal Membrane Proteins/genetics , Mutation , Myoclonic Epilepsies, Progressive/genetics , Myoclonic Epilepsies, Progressive/pathology , Purkinje Cells/ultrastructure , Receptors, Scavenger/genetics , Adult , Asian People , Codon, Nonsense , Female , Frameshift Mutation , Humans , Japan , Male , Middle Aged , Pedigree , Young Adult
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