Effect of humic acid on oxidative stress and neuroprotection in traumatic spinal cord injury: an experimental study.

Background/aim: Traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) is an important health problem, especially in developing countries with additional socioeconomic loss. Humic acid (HA) usually has antioxidant, antiinflammatory, blood circulating, and antiviral effects. Hence, it was aimed herein to show the effect of HA on neuroprotection in a TSCI model. Materials and method: A TSCI model was used, in which 24 Wistar albino rats were divided into 4 groups: control group: subjected to only laminectomy; sham group: subjected to laminectomy + TSCI; HA 5 mg/kg group: subjected to laminectomy + TSCI + intraperitoneal (IP) injection of 5 mg/kg of HA; and HA 10 mg/kg group: subjected to laminectomy + TSCI + IP injection of 10 mg/kg of HA. Intracardiac blood samples were obtained preoperatively (preop), and at 1 and 24 h postoperatively (postop). The total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) levels were evaluated in the serum. The motor functions were evaluated using the Modified Tarlov Score at 24 h postop. Results: There were no significant changes in the TAS values between the sham and HA 5 mg/kg and HA 10 mg/kg groups (p = 0.77/0.21). However there was a significant decrease in the TOS values at 24 h postop when comparing the sham and HA 5 mg/kg groups (p = 0.02). The pathological evaluation showed a significant decrease in the severity of edema, hemorrhage, polymorphonuclear leucocyte (PNL) infiltration, and mononuclear leucocyte (MNL)/macrophage/microglia infiltration when compared with the control group (p < 0.05). There was a significant recovery at the paraplegia level when the HA 5 mg/kg and HA 10 mg/kg groups were compared with the control group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The effects of HA in the early stages of TSCI on oxidative stress, histopathological changes, and neurological improvement were investigated herein. It is thought to be a potential therapeutic agent in acute TSCI but needs to be further evaluated to determine the extent of its effect on other neuroprotective pathways in larger series.

Effect of humic acid on oxidative stress and neuroprotection in hypoxic-ischemic brain injury: part 1.

BACKGROUND: Aimed to investigate in an animal model the efficacy of humic acid by showing its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effect comparing with the histopathological and neurological outcomes for the hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. METHODS: 28 Wistar-Albino rats who were on the 7th postnatal day and weighting between 9 and 19 g randomly divided into four groups with developed HIE model under the gas anesthesia. 20 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg intraperitoneal HA were given to Group I and II respectively. Saline was given to Group III and the sham group was Group IV. The brain tissues were stained with cresyl-violet histochemistry for grading neuronal cell injury and caspase immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The neuronal cell injury was statistically lower in all neuroanatomical lands in HA treatment groups. The degree of ischemia was significantly smaller in HA groups. Caspase-3 immunoreactivity was decreased in the HA groups compared with the saline group. When the groups were compared, there were no serious neuronal injury in Group I. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study which investigates the role of HA in HIE model. HA reduces apoptosis and neuronal injury in cerebral tissue of the rats. This findings suggest that HA may be viable protective agent against HIE.

Effect of Humic Acid on Oxidative Stress and Neuroprotection in Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: An Experimental Study.

OBJECTIVE: Traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) is an important health problem especially in developing countries with additional socio-economic loss. Humic acids (HA) usually have anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, blood-circulating and antiviral effects. We aimed to show effect of HA on neuroprotection in TSCI model. METHODS: We performed TSCI model in Twenty-four Wistar-Albino rats in four groups. Control group underwent only laminectomy. Sham group underwent laminectomy followed by TSCI. Low dose HA (5mg/kg) and high dose HA (10mg/kg) groups underwent laminectomy and TSCI followed by peritoneal administration of HA. Preoperative, postoperative 1st hour and postoperative 24th hour cardiac blood samples were obtained. Total Antioxidant Status (TAS), Total Oxidant Status (TOS) and Oxidative Index (OI) levels were evaluated in serum. The 24th hour motor functions were evaluated by Modified Tarlov Score. RESULTS: There were no significant changes in TAS values between sham- low dose and high dose humic acid groups (p:0.77/0.21). However there were a significant decrease of TOS levels in the 24th hour post operative blood samples comparing the sham group with low dose humic acid group (p=0.02). Pathological evaluation showed a significant decrease in the severity of edema, hemorrhage, Polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PNL) and Mononuclearleucocytes (MNL) /macrophage/microglia when we compare with the control group (p<0.05). There is a significant recovery in paraplegia level as we compared the HA groups with control groups (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: In this study, we showed the effects of HA in the early stages of TSCI on oxidative stress, histopathological changes and neurological improvement. It is thought to be a potential therapeutic agent in acute TSCI but needs to be further evaluated by showing proper effect on other neuroprotective pathways in larger series.

Management Strategy for a Patient with Coexistence of Meningioma and Paraophthalmic Aneurysm.

The coexistence of intracerebral aneurysm and meningioma is a rare occurrence. There is no consensus about the treatment options. We aim to present a case of a 61-year female admitted to this clinic with persistent headache and loss of vision in both eyes, especially on the left. Radiological images demonstrated a para-ophthalmic saccular aneurysm coexisting with an extra-axial homogenously enhancing mass in the right cavernous sinus, which was possibly a meningioma. A flow diverting stent, following the coil embolisation of the aneurysm, was placed. Then the patient underwent stereotactic radiosurgery for the cavernous sinus meningioma. Diagnosis and treatment of such pathologies are easily achieved with the technological advancements of imaging techniques. The hypothesis of increased hemodynamic pressures, due to meningioma causing intracranial aneurysms, may explain this coexistence. Endovascular surgery, followed by stereotactic radiosurgery, may be a reliable approach for a patient with coexistent meningioma and aneurysm. Key Words: Meningioma, Aneurysm, Cavernous sinus.

Endoscopic endonasal transclival approach to the ventral brainstem: Radiologic, anatomic feasibility and nuances, surgical limitations and future directions.

The endoscopic endonasal transclival approach (EETA) is less invasive than traditional open approaches; however, there is currently limited data on the pre-operative features that may predict success of the EETA. Surgical landmarks and exposure of the EETA and expanded EETA are assessed. We retrospectively measured multiple anatomic features in 154 adult dry skulls, 22 C1 and C2 dry bone vertebrae, and 500 paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT) scans. We also dissected 13 formalin-fixed, silicone-injected adult cadaveric heads. Relevant qualitative and quantitative data were obtained with CT (n = 10) and cadaveric dissection (n = 13). They are expressed as mean (SD), as appropriate and compared with unpaired t tests. Categorical variables were compared with χ2 tests. We determined the prevalence of clival and sphenoid sinus anatomic variations and assessed potential exposure of the craniovertebral region, based on the relative position of the nasal bone tip, posterior point of the hard palate, and their relation to the position of C1 and C2. Depending on anatomic features, EETA should allow visualization of the ventral brainstem. The mean (SD) dimensions of the surgical window for EETA were 43.2 (5.1) × 18.3 (1.1) mm, in the craniocaudad and horizontal dimensions, respectively. The craniocaudad dimension enlarged to 60.2 (4.7) mm with expanded EETA. The EETA allowed satisfactory exposure for odontoid and C1 anterior arch resection (expanded EETA) in all specimens, regardless of the orientation of the palate. The combination of preoperative radiographic assessment and intraoperative considerations allows safe and effective application and facilitate selection of the most appropriate approach.

Analysis of Cavernous Malformations: Experience with 18 Cases.

AIM: To analyze the results of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) or surgical treatment of 18 cases with cavernous malformation and report 2 cases with unusual localization and size. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present 11 and 8 patients who underwent surgery and SRS between 2010 and 2018 respectively. The operated group comprised six men and five women (mean age, 33.6 years). SRS was performed in five men and three women (mean age, 33.3 years). All patients were diagnosed and followed-up with magnetic resonance imaging. Stereotactic navigation was not used for lesion localization. The lesion, including the area with hemosiderin, was easily excised using microsurgical approach. RESULTS: Except for recurrent headache, all symptoms of patients who underwent surgery resolved rapidly. Hemorrhage developed in two of our patients after SRS. One of them refused to undergo surgery and recovered completely with steroid therapy, whereas the other underwent surgery after detection of cavernous malformation at the posterior fossa, with a dimension of 26.8x26.2 mm and occluding the fourth ventricle. CONCLUSION: In patients without significant preoperative morbidity risk, surgical excision is the gold standard of treatment. SRS is performed in surgically inaccessible, deeply located, multiple cavernous malformations in the brain stem and eloquent area. Of note, giant aneurysm is defined as an aneurysm with a diameter of at least 25 mm; however, there is no dimension threshold defined for giant CM, and the size of giant aneurysm can be accepted as a valid criterion for giant CM. Our 2 cases had giant CM and up to our knowledge the case with giant CM at the posterior fossa is the first giant CM at the posterior fossa in the English literature.

Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1α and AT-Rich Interactive Domain-Containing Protein 1A Expression in Pituitary Adenomas: Association with Pathological, Clinical, and Radiological Features.

BACKGROUND: Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) plays a major role in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. In hypoxic conditions, HIF is upregulated and has been shown to activate multiple genes required for cells to adapt to hypoxia. AT-rich interactive domain-containing protein 1A (ARID1A), a SWI/SNF (switch/sucrose nonfermentable) chromatin remodeling gene has context-dependent tumor-suppressive and oncogenic roles in cancer. We assessed the correlations between the expression and mutations of HIF1A and ARID1A in histopathologically confirmed pituitary adenomas. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 71 patients who had undergone surgery for pituitary adenoma. Patient demographic, radiological, and histopathological features were correlated with HIF1A and ARID1A expression. RESULTS: Most cases were HIF1A positive (62%). No significant correlation was found between HIF1A expression and age, gender, tumor size, bone erosion, hemorrhage, or Ki-67 index. An inverse correlation was demonstrated between HIF1A and cavernous sinus invasion (P = 0.035). ARID1A loss was found in 28.2% of pituitary adenomas. No significant correlation was found between ARID1A and any of the assessed variables. CONCLUSIONS: In our patient cohort, we found that most pituitary adenomas expressed HIF1A. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to assess the presence of ARID1A loss in pituitary adenomas, which occurred in 28.2% of cases. No individual demographic, imaging, or histopathological feature was predictive of ARID1A. Likewise, with the exception of an increased incidence of cavernous sinus invasion, no correlation was found with HIF1A. Given the prognostic value of these markers in other malignancies, their frequency in pituitary adenomas warrants further exploration of their potential role in pituitary adenoma treatment and outcome.

Recurrent Chronic Subdural Hematoma: Report of 13 Cases.

Chronic subdural hematoma is a frequent type of hemorrhage, which terminates with mortality if not diagnosed and treated early. The aim of this clinical study is to evaluate the patients with unilateral and bilateral recurrent chronic subdural hematoma. The study group consisted of 13 cases with unilateral and bilateral recurrent chronic subdural hematomas who underwent aggressive wide craniotomy, duraectomy, inner and outer membranectomy, dural border coagulation, incision through cortical vein trace and hang up of dural edge, between 2009 - 2016. All of our patients were diagnosed by preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging. We evaluated the age, gender, complaints and neurologic signs, localization and thickness of the hematoma. We can estimate that wide craniotomy, duraectomy and membranectomy is a good option in preventing recurrent chronic subdural hematoma and complications.

Recurrent Osteoma Overlying a Methylmethacrylate Bone Cement Cranioplasty: A Rare Case.

Osteomas are generally benign tumors of the skull that affect all age groups and are diagnosed in the fourth or fifth decade of life, and are rare in childhood. Surgical resection is curative and malignant transformation is very rare. A 12-yearboy who had undergone a craniotomy for resection of a parietal osteoma four years ago, followed by a cranioplasty with methylmethacrylate bone cement, presented to our clinic with an expanding mass overlying the cranioplasty. Upon reoperation, the mass was totally excised, and the parietal cranial defect was repaired using methylmethacrylate bone cement. On histologic examination, the mass was found to be a recurrent osteoma overlying the methylmethacrylate bone cement. In this report, we discuss the etiologies of recurrence of osteoma and treatment options of these rare cases. We believe that this recurrence resulted from contamination of the surgical area and cranioplasty materials with osteoma material. Extensive washing of the cranioplasty materials and perioperative area may prevent recurrence of such tumors.

A Case of Pseudoaneurysm of the Internal Carotid Artery Following Endoscopic Endonasal Pituitary Surgery: Endovascular Treatment with Flow-Diverting Stent Implantation.

Internal carotid artery (ICA) pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication of endoscopic endonasal surgery occurring in 0.4-1.1% of cases. Pseudoaneurysms can subsequently result in other complications, such as subarachnoid hemorrhage, epistaxis, and caroticocavernous fistula with resultant death or permanent neurologic deficit. In this case, we illustrate endovascular treatment with a flow-diverting stent for an ICA pseudoaneurysm after endoscopic endonasal surgery for a pituitary adenoma in a 56-year-old male. Surgery was complicated by excessive intraoperative bleeding and emergent CT angiography confirmed an iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm on the anteromedial surface of the ICA. The pseudoaneurysm was treated endovascularly with flow-diverting stent implantation only. Follow-up CT angiography after three months demonstrated occlusion of the pseudoaneurysm.

C1 lateral mass screw insertion from the caudal-dorsal to the cranial-ventral direction as an alternate method for C1 fixation: A quantitative anatomical and morphometric evaluation.

OBJECT: C1 lateral mass screw has been widely used for fixation of the upper cervical spine. However, traditional fixation methods are not without complication. Morphometric measurement of an alternative approach is conducted. METHODS: Three-dimensional CT scans of the cervical spine obtained in 100 adults were evaluated, and key measurements were determined for screw entry points, trajectories, and screw lengths for placement of a C1 screw via this alternate approach. Additional measures were included to account for relevant anatomic variation, including the size of the dangerous lateral zone of the C1 entry point and depth of the atlantooccipital joint surface. Twenty dried atlantal specimens were evaluated to determine corresponding ex vivo measurements. RESULTS: The mean maximum angle of medialization was 20.8°±2.8° (right) and 21.1°±2.8° (left), as measured in the axial CT images. Sagittal CT images show the mean maximum superior angulation was 24.7°±4.3° (right) and 24°±4.0° (left), and the mean minimum superior angulation was 13.6°±4.4° (right) and 13.6°±3.9° (left). The mean screw length within the lateral mass was 21.2±1.9mm (right) and 21.3±2.0mm (left). Given an additional 10-15mm needed for rod adaptation, an ideal screw length of 30-35mm was determined. CONCLUSION: The C1 insertion caudally from the C2 nerve root may become an alternate method. Preoperative consideration of the ideal screw insertion point, trajectory, and length are vital for safe and effective surgical intervention.

Cortical Bone Trajectory Screw for Lumbar Fixation: A Quantitative Anatomic and Morphometric Evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Lumbar cortical bone trajectory (CBT) screw constructs provide an alternative method of pedicle screw fixation in minimally invasive spine surgery. In this study, we explored the CBT technique in further anatomic detail. The primary aims were to evaluate variations in anatomy relevant to CBT screw placement and to determine optimal screw location, trajectory, and length using measures obtained from computed tomography (CT) scans. METHODS: One hundred CT scans of the lumbar spine were reviewed, and 14 total measurements of entry points, trajectories, and lengths for placement of CBT screws were evaluated. RESULTS: Across all lumbar levels, the mean right pedicle-pars interarticularis junction length ranged from 7.58 ± 1.18 mm to 8.37 ± 1.42 mm, and the mean left pedicle-pars interarticularis junction length ranged from 7.95 ± 1.42 mm to 8.6 ± 1.74 mm. The pedicle-pars interarticularis junction from L1 to L5 was deemed too small for a 5-mm-diameter CBT screw in 35%, 24%, 17%, 17%, and 19%, respectively, on the right, and in 30%, 17%, 17%, 17%, and 20%, respectively, on the left. The average length of a screw placed along the cranial cortical bone of the pedicle ranged from 27 ± 2.5 mm to 30.5 ± 3.4 mm, and the angle of the screw with respect to the vertebral body endplate ranged from 44 ± 4.1° to 48 ± 6.2°. CONCLUSIONS: Improved anatomic knowledge relevant to CBT screw placement for lumbar fixation offers the potential for improving outcomes and reducing complications. Moreover, detailed analysis of the anatomy of the pedicle-pars interarticularis junction via preoperative CT can aid in determining the ideal fixation method.