Pterostilbene promotes mitochondrial apoptosis and inhibits proliferation in glioma cells.

Glioma is the most general primary and lethal intracranial malignant tumor. Pterostilbene (PTE), an analog of stilbene and resveratrol, has attracted attention in recent years due to its significant antitumor activity in multiple solid tumors; however, its effect on drug-resistant glioma cells and the underlying mechanism have not yet been reported. In this study, we found that pterostilbene inhibited proliferation, induced intrinsic mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and caused S phase arrest, inhibited migration and excessive invasion in glioma cells. Pretreatment with the pan-caspase-inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK attenuated the PTE-induced apoptosis of glioma cells. Moreover, PTE significantly increased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduce the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Inhibition of ROS with N-acetyl-L-cysteine not only rescued PTE-induced reduction of cellular viability but also prevented glioma cell apoptosis. We also discovered ERK 1/2 and JNK signaling pathways were activated by PTE and contributed to induce glioma cell apoptosis. In addition, specific inhibitors of ERK 1/2 and JNK attenuated PTE-induced apoptosis. Besides, PTE significantly reduced tumor volume and prolonged median survival of tumor-bearing rats in vivo. In summary, the results of this study indicate that the anti-tumor effect of PTE on glioma cells may provide a new treatment option for glioma patients.

Neurofibroma and Meningioma within a Single Dumbbell-Shaped Tumor at the Same Cervical Level without Neurofibromatosis: A Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Cases of multiple intracranial tumors are common; however, cases of multiple intraspinal tumors are rare. Except for cases of neurofibromatosis, it is very rare for tumors of different pathological types to exist concurrently at the same spinal level. Only 9 cases have been reported to date, with meningioma found with schwannoma in 7 cases and with neurofibroma in 2 cases. CASE DESCRIPTION: We have reported another rare case in which neurofibroma and meningioma were identified within a single dumbbell-shaped tumor at the same cervical level without neurofibromatosis. The preoperative magnetic resonance imaging findings indicated a single extra- and intradural extramedullary dumbbell-shaped neurogenic tumor on the left ventral side of the cervical spine. Intraoperatively, we found that the mass consisted of 2 pathologically different tumors. The results of surgical resection were mostly satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, the present case is the first reported case of intradural neurofibroma (not meningioma) and extradural meningioma growing mixed together at the same spinal level without neurofibromatosis. The precise mechanism underlying the formation of the tumor is unknown, and multidirectional differentiation of a common progenitor cell is one possibility. Intra- and extradural exploration and component biopsies are useful for treatment planning, especially when the magnetic resonance imaging is not sufficiently sensitive for the diagnosis of coexisting tumor types.