Evaluation of the microvascular density in astrocytomas in adults correlated using SPECT-MIBI

Implications of Cellular Immaturity in Necrosis and Microvascularization in Glioblastomas IDH-Wild-Type

Necrosis and increased microvascular density in glioblastoma IDH-wild-type are the consequence of both hypoxia and cellular immaturity. Our study aimed to identify the main clinical-imaging and morphogenetic risk factors associated with tumor necrosis and microvascular in the prognosis of patient survival. We performed a retrospective study (10 years) in which we identified 39 cases. We used IDH1, Ki-67 and Nestin immunomarkers, as well as CDKN2A by FISH. The data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics. The clinical characterization identified only age over 50 years as a risk factor (HR = 3.127). The presence of the tumor residue, as well as the absence of any therapeutic element from the trimodal treatment, were predictive factors of mortality (HR = 1.024, respectively HR = 7.460). Cellular immaturity quantified by Nestin was associated with reduced overall survival (p = 0.007). Increased microvascular density was associated with an increased proliferative index (p = 0.009) as well as alterations of the CDKN2A gene (p < 0.001). CDKN2A deletions and cellular immaturity were associated with an increased percentage of necrosis (p < 0.001, respectively, p = 0.017). The main risk factors involved in the unfavorable prognosis are moderate and increased Nestin immunointensity, as well as the association of increased microvascular density with age over 50 years. Necrosis was not a risk factor.

Network analysis of microRNAs, transcription factors, target genes and host genes in human anaplastic astrocytoma

Numerous studies have investigated the roles played by various genes and microRNAs (miRNAs) in neoplasms, including anaplastic astrocytoma (AA). However, the specific regulatory mechanisms involving these genes and miRNAs remain unclear. In the present study, associated biological factors (miRNAs, transcription factors, target genes and host genes) from existing studies of human AA were combined methodically through the interactions between genes and miRNAs, as opposed to studying one or several. Three regulatory networks, including abnormally expressed, related and global networks were constructed with the aim of identifying significant gene and miRNA pathways. Each network is composed of three associations between miRNAs targeted at genes, transcription factors (TFs) regulating miRNAs and miRNAs located on their host genes. Among these, the abnormally expressed network, which involves the pathways of previously identified abnormally expressed genes and miRNAs, partially indicated the regulatory mechanism underlying AA. The network contains numerous abnormal regulation associations when AA emerges. By modifying the abnormally expressed network factors to a normal expression pattern, the faulty regulation may be corrected and tumorigenesis of AA may be prevented. Certain specific pathways are highlighted in AA, for example PTEN which is targeted by miR-21 and miR-106b, regulates miR-25 which in turn targets TP53. PTEN and miR-21 have been observed to form feedback loops. Furthermore, by comparing and analyzing the pathway predecessors and successors of abnormally expressed genes and miRNAs in three networks, similarities and differences of regulatory pathways may be identified and proposed. In summary, the present study aids in elucidating the occurrence, mechanism, prevention and treatment of AA. These results may aid further investigation into therapeutic approaches for this disease.