RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The finding of new biomarkers is needed to have a better sub-classification of primary renal tumors (RCC) as well as more reliable predictors of outcome and therapy response. In this study, we evaluated the role of circulating FGF21, an endocrine factor, as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for ccRCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serum samples from healthy controls (HC), clear cell and chromophobe RCC cancer patients were obtained from the serum biobank "Biobanco Público de Muestras Séricas Oncológicas" (BPMSO) of the "Instituto de Oncología "Ángel H. Roffo". Serum FGF21 and leptin were measured by ELISA while other metabolic markers were measured following routinely clinical procedures. RESULTS: One of our major findings was that FGF21 levels were significantly increased in ccRCC patients compared with HC. Moreover, we showed an association between the increased serum FGF21 levels and the shorter disease free survival in a cohort of 98 ccRCC patients, after adjustment for other predictors of outcome. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that higher FGF21 serum level is an independent prognostic biomarker, associated with worse free-disease survival.
RESUMO
Five female adult Macaca nemestrina monkeys, given a unilateral intracarotid (ic) infusion of 2.3-3.5 mg of MPTP-HCl, were studied for 6-8 years. Two to 3 days after MPTP, the animals developed hemiparkinsonism characterized by rigidity and flexed posture of the arm contralateral to the side of infusion with episodes of tremor, circling ipsilateral to the lesioned side, a slight balance disturbance, and stooped posture. Rating of parkinsonian features 4 months after ic infusion, and yearly thereafter, did not show any statistically significant changes. The animals maintained their usual appetite and body weight increased normally. Each animal responded to l-DOPA methyl ester with decreased parkinsonian signs and symptoms and increased contralateral turning. In contrast, after control vehicle administration, the animals continued to have the same parkinsonian signs and predominant ipsilateral turns. In three of the five monkeys, contralateral turns after vehicle significantly increased after 6-8 years. Unilateral intracarotid MPTP induced asymmetric motor behavior that remained stable after 6-8 years. Animals that showed an increased frequency of contralateral circling after control vehicle showed a decrease in contralateral turns after l-DOPA methyl ester, suggesting neuroplastic changes over the years.