Overview of Curcumin and Piperine Effects on Glucose Metabolism: The Case of an Insulinoma Patient's Loss of Consciousness.

The hypoglycemic properties of curcumin supplements in therapeutic doses are well-known and may represent a useful tool for the treatment of chronic diseases such as metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. The poor bioavailability of curcumin can be improved with the concomitant administration of piperine, with no severe adverse effects on glycemia reported so far in the literature. In this article, we further discuss a previously reported case of a helicopter pilot, affected by grade I obesity who, under curcumin and piperine treatment, experienced a transient loss of consciousness (TLOC), during a low-altitude flight. This episode led to a diagnosis of insulinoma, previously asymptomatic. We hypothesized that the combined effects of curcumin and piperine might have caused a severe hypoglycemic episode and subsequent TLOC. Therefore, further studies should be conducted to evaluate the safety of curcumin and piperine supplementation in subjects with impaired glucose metabolism and insulin secretion.

Role of Luteolin as Potential New Therapeutic Option for Patients with Glioblastoma through Regulation of Sphingolipid Rheostat.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive brain tumor, still considered incurable. In this study, conducted on primary GBM stem cells (GSCs), specifically selected as the most therapy-resistant, we examined the efficacy of luteolin, a natural flavonoid, as an anti-tumoral compound. Luteolin is known to impact the sphingolipid rheostat, a pathway regulated by the proliferative sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and the proapoptotic ceramide (Cer), and implicated in numerous oncopromoter biological processes. Here, we report that luteolin is able to inhibit the expression of SphK1/2, the two kinases implicated in S1P formation, and to increase the expression of both SGPL1, the lyase responsible for S1P degradation, and CERS1, the ceramide synthase 1, thus shifting the balance toward the production of ceramide. In addition, luteolin proved to decrease the expression of protumoral signaling as MAPK, RAS/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR and cyclins involved in cell cycle progression. In parallel, luteolin succeeded in upregulation of proapoptotic mediators as caspases and Bcl-2 family and cell cycle controllers as p53 and p27. Furthermore, luteolin determined the shutdown of autophagy contributing to cell survival. Overall, our data support the use of luteolin as add-on therapy, having demonstrated a good ability in impairing GSC viability and survival and increasing cell sensitivity to TMZ.

Space flight and central nervous system: Friends or enemies? Challenges and opportunities for neuroscience and neuro-oncology.

Space environment provides many challenges to pilots, astronauts, and space scientists, which are constantly subjected to unique conditions, including microgravity, radiations, hypoxic condition, absence of the day and night cycle, etc. These stressful stimuli have the potential to affect many human physiological systems, triggering physical and biological adaptive changes to re-establish the homeostatic state. A particular concern regards the risks for the effects of spaceflight on the central nervous system (CNS), as several lines of evidence reported a great impact on neuroplasticity, cognitive functions, neurovestibular system, short-term memory, cephalic fluid shift, reduction in motor function, and psychological disturbances, especially during long-term missions. Aside these potential detrimental effects, the other side of the coin reflects the potential benefit of applicating space-related conditions on Earth-based life sciences, as cancer research. Here, we focused on examining the effect of real and simulated microgravity on CNS functions, both in humans and in cellular models, browsing the different techniques to experience or mime microgravity on-ground. Increasing evidence demonstrate that cancer cells, and brain cancer cells in particular, are negatively affected by microgravity, in terms of alteration in cell morphology, proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis, representing an advancing novel side of space-based investigations. Overall, deeper understandings about the mechanisms by which space environment influences CNS and tumor biology may be promisingly translated into many clinical fields, ranging from aerospace medicine to neuroscience and oncology, representing an enormous pool of knowledge for the implementation of countermeasures and therapeutic applications.

Hyperandrogenism and menstrual imbalance are the best predictors of metformin response in PCOS patients.

BACKGROUND: Moving from the correlation between insulin-resistance and PCOS, metformin has been administered in some PCOS women improving ovulatory and metabolic functions and decreasing androgen levels. Inconsistency and unpredictability of response to metformin limit its extensive use. Aim of this study was to identify reliable predictors of response to metformin therapy for weight loss and reduction in plasma androgen levels using ANNs (artificial neural networks). METHODS: One hundred eight consecutive women with PCOS (ESHRE/ASRM 2003 Rotterdam criteria) treated with metformin 1500 mg/day, at inclusion and every 6 months underwent to a complete clinical, endocrine/metabolic assessment and ultrasonographic evaluation. Therapy outcomes were BMI reduction (≥1 kg/m2) in overweight/obese and free-androgen-index (FAI) decrease (≥1%) in hyperandrogenemic women. Semantic connectivity maps (SCMs) were obtained through Auto-CM, a fourth generation ANN, to compare patients' baseline clinical features to the treatment outcomes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the major predictor in drop-out patients and the associated risk. RESULTS: At 6 months 54 out of 103 (52,4%) obese patients showed BMI reduction and 45 out of 89 (50,6%) hyperandrogenemic women showed FAI decrease. The further response rates at 12 months were 30,6 and 47%, respectively. SCMs showed a clear polarization for both the outcomes with elevated accuracy. Treatment responsiveness resulted strictly related to oligo-amenorrhea and hyperandrogenemia at baseline. In addition, lower serum testosterone levels at baseline were found to be the major predictor of treatment discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS: In women with PCOS, menstrual pattern imbalance and ovarian androgens excess are the best predictors of metformin response. They may pave the way for a rethinking of the criteria for evaluating hyperandrogenism in order to better define the large population included in the diagnosis of PCOS. Baseline plasma testosterone level can serve as a sensitive marker to predict treatment compliance.

Basal serum level of Δ4-androstenedione reflects the ovaries' ability to respond to stimulation in IVF cycles: setting up a new reliable index of both ovarian reserve and response.

PURPOSE: Adequate androgen levels are necessary for regular follicular growth, progression beyond the pre-antral stage, and prevention of follicular atresia. The main purpose of this study was to investigate whether baseline androgen levels had a predictive value on stimulation outcomes in IVF cycles. The secondary purpose was to compare the possible predictive value of androgens with that of already known markers. METHODS: The study included 91 infertile patients aged 30-45 years awaiting the first IVF cycle. All women underwent the same stimulation protocol and the same starting dose of recombinant FSH. As stimulation outcomes, the number of follicles recruited, estradiol and progesterone levels on the day of trigger, the total dose of gonadotropins administered, and the number of oocytes collected were recorded. Multiple linear regression and multivariate logistic regression were used to evaluate the significant predictive value of the variables for response to controlled ovarian stimulation (COS). By studying the reliability of different markers, an attempt was made to develop a single index with the highest predictive value. RESULTS: Pearson's correlation revealed a statistically significant inverse correlation between oocytes collected and age (r = - 0.333, p < 0.001) and a positive correlation with AMH (anti-müllerian hormone) (r = 0.360, p < 0.001), antral follicle count (AFC) (r = 0.639, p < 0.001), and androstenedione (Δ4-A) (r = 0.359, p < 0.001). No significant correlation was reported with FSH (r = - 0.133, p = 0.207) and total testosterone (r = 0.180, p = 0.088). In COS good responders, the G-index (= AMH ng/mL*AFC/Δ4-A ng/dL) revealed a significantly higher level (p < 0.001) than AMH, AFC, and Δ4-A alone. CONCLUSION: Baseline serum Δ4-A, presumably crucial for ensuring a regular follicular growth, is a reliable marker of ovarian response to stimulation. Since the ovarian capacity to respond to gonadotropins does not depend exclusively on the presence of follicles, we suggest a new index, the G-index, able to contemplate both the ovarian reserve and the Δ4-A level.

Loss of consciousness in a helicopter pilot as plausible first sign of insulinoma: a case report.

A 50-year-old man who worked as a helicopter rescue pilot transiently lost consciousness while piloting a helicopter rescue. In the diagnostic process, all tests for the main possible differential diagnoses of loss of consciousness (cardiological and neurological) were performed and yielded normal results. Blood chemistry tests revealed recurrent fasting hypoglycemia and Chromogranin A was at the upper limit of normal. Fine needle aspiration guided by endoscopic ultrasonography was used to diagnose insulinoma-type neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas. According to the Italian policies, the occupational physician aims to maintain professional skills without neglecting flight safety. A careful analysis of the relationship between the characteristics of the state of health of the aviator and his specific work needs was carried out, and he was given the opportunity to continue working as a rescue pilot thanks to medical therapies associated with organizational interventions in the workplace.

Platelets from glioblastoma patients promote angiogenesis of tumor endothelial cells and exhibit increased VEGF content and release.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and fatal intracranial cancer in humans and exhibits intense and aberrant angiogenesis that sustains its malignancy and involves several angiogenic signals. Among them, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a key role and is overexpressed in GBM. Different cells appear to act as triggers of the aberrant angiogenesis, and, among them, platelets act as key participants. In order to provide further insights into the platelet features and angiogenic role in GBM, this study investigated the effects of platelet releasate on GBM-derived endothelial cells (GECs) and the levels of VEGF and endostatin, as pro- and anti-angiogenic components of platelet releasate from GBM patients. We demonstrate for the first time that: 1) platelet releasate exerts powerful pro-angiogenic effect on GECs, suggesting it might exert a role in the aberrant angiogenesis of GBM; 2) ADP and thrombin stimulation leads to significantly higher level of VEGF, but not of endostatin, in the releasate of platelets from GBM patients than those from healthy subjects; and 3) the intraplatelet concentrations of VEGF were significantly elevated in GBM patients as compared to controls. Moreover, we found a direct correlation between platelet-released VEGF and overall survival in our patient cohort. Although preliminary, these findings prompt further investigations to clarify the biologic relevance of platelet VEGF in GBM and prospective studies for screening GBM patients for anti-VEGF therapy and/or to optimize this treatment.

Platelet-derived sphingosine-1-phosphate and inflammation: from basic mechanisms to clinical implications.

Beyond key functions in hemostasis and thrombosis, platelets are recognized as key players of inflammation, an underlying feature of a variety of diseases. In this regard, platelets act as a circulating source of several pro- and anti-inflammatory molecules, which are secreted from their intracellular stores upon activation. Among them, mounting evidence highlights a crucial role of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a multifunctional sphingoid mediator. S1P-induced pleiotropic effects include those crucial in inflammatory processes, such as the maintenance of the endothelial barrier integrity, and leukocyte activation and recruitment at the injured site. This review outlines the peculiar features and molecular mechanisms that allow platelets for acting as a unique factory that produces and stores S1P in large quantities. A particular emphasis is placed on the autocrine and paracrine roles of S1P derived from the "inflamed" platelets, highlighting the role of its cross-talk with endothelial and blood cells involved in inflammation, and the mechanisms of its contribution to the development and progression of inflammatory diseases. Finally, potential clinical implications of platelet-derived S1P as diagnostic tool of inflammatory severity, and as therapeutic target in inflammation are discussed.

Human CD14+ cells loaded with Paclitaxel inhibit in vitro cell proliferation of glioblastoma.

BACKGROUND AIMS: In attempting to develop new strategies to circumvent the immunosuppression associated with glioblastoma (GB), novel approaches have been designed using dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccination, which is considered a promising strategy to attack high-grade glioma. In previous studies, we demonstrated that human mesenchymal stromal cells without genetic manipulation but primed with Paclitaxel (PTX) acquire a potent anti-tumor activity, providing an interesting new biological approach for drug delivery. On the basis of these results, we here investigated whether both CD14+ and their derived DCs may behave like mesenchymal stromal cells acquiring anti-tumor activity on priming with PTX. METHODS: Human CD14+ cells were isolated from peripheral blood. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis was performed to determine the purity of CD14+ and their differentiation into mature DCs. Cells were primed by incubation with 1 µg/mL of PTX for 24 h, and the PTX released by cells was assessed by mass spectrometry analysis. Anti-tumor activity was checked by testing the conditioned medium (CM) on the proliferation of U87 MG, a GB cell line. RESULTS: Both CD14+ and DCs were able to incorporate PTX and release the drug in the CM in a time-dependent manner (maximal release over 24 h). The addition of CM from CD14+ and DCs loaded with PTX strongly inhibits proliferation of U87 MG cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our results are the first demonstration that peripheral blood-derived CD14+ and DCs, in addition to their application for immunotherapy for GB, could also be used to delivery anti-cancer drugs, such as PTX, to kill GB cells.

Reliability and validity of the Italian version of the UCLA Scleroderma Clinical Trial Consortium Gastrointestinal Tract Instrument in patients with systemic sclerosis.

OBJECTIVES: To test the acceptability, feasibility, reliability and validity of the Italian translated version of the UCLA Scleroderma Clinical Trial Consortium GIT (UCLA-SCTC GIT) 2.0. Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) involvement is frequent in systemic sclerosis (SSc). The UCLA-SCTC GIT 2.0 is a validated instrument for measuring the presence and impact of GIT symptoms in SSc patients. METHODS: Acceptability and feasibility of the questionnaire were evaluated based on the input from the patients. Internal consistency was evaluated by Cronbach's alpha. External consistency was measured by comparing with the Short Form (SF)-36 and EQ-5D by Spearman's rho, meaningful if ≥0.30. RESULTS: Sixty-two consecutive SSc patients (mean age 60.6) were recruited, 88.5% were female. The UCLA-SCTC GIT 2.0 was well accepted. Percentage of missing data in UCLA-SCTC GIT total score was 2 %. Internal consistency was acceptable (alpha≥0.70) for all domains. Cronbach's alpha was ≥0.70 for all domains. UCLA-SCTC GIT 2.0 discriminated between patients with or without gastroesophageal reflux disease whether diagnosed clinically or by objective testing (p<0.01 for both). UCLA-SCTC GIT emotional well-being was correlated with the conceptually equivalent SF-36 mental health domains (correlation coefficient>0.35) and with the EQ-5D usual activities domain (0.38), thus reflecting the impact on everyday activities. The distention/bloating domain strongly correlated with the EQ-5D anxiety/depression domain (0.51) and reflux domain with role emotional of SF-36 (0.44). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first validation study of the Italian version of UCLA-SCTC GIT 2.0. Our data support its feasibility, reliability, and validity in Italian SSc patients.

Autocrine/paracrine sphingosine-1-phosphate fuels proliferative and stemness qualities of glioblastoma stem cells.

Accumulating reports suggest that human glioblastoma contains glioma stem-like cells (GSCs) which act as key determinants driving tumor growth, angiogenesis, and contributing to therapeutic resistance. The proliferative signals involved in GSC proliferation and progression remain unclear. Using GSC lines derived from human glioblastoma specimens with different proliferative index and stemness marker expression, we assessed the hypothesis that sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) affects the proliferative and stemness properties of GSCs. The results of metabolic studies demonstrated that GSCs rapidly consume newly synthesized ceramide, and export S1P in the extracellular environment, both processes being enhanced in the cells exhibiting high proliferative index and stemness markers. Extracellular S1P levels reached nM concentrations in response to increased extracellular sphingosine. In addition, the presence of EGF and bFGF potentiated the constitutive capacity of GSCs to rapidly secrete newly synthesized S1P, suggesting that cooperation between S1P and these growth factors is of central importance in the maintenance and proliferation of GSCs. We also report for the first time that S1P is able to act as a proliferative and pro-stemness autocrine factor for GSCs, promoting both their cell cycle progression and stemness phenotypic profile. These results suggest for the first time that the GSC population is critically modulated by microenvironmental S1P, this bioactive lipid acting as an autocrine signal to maintain a pro-stemness environment and favoring GSC proliferation, survival and stem properties.

Mesenchymal stromal cells primed with Paclitaxel attract and kill leukaemia cells, inhibit angiogenesis and improve survival of leukaemia-bearing mice.

Current leukaemia therapy focuses on increasing chemotherapy efficacy. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been proposed for carrying and delivery drugs to improve killing of cancer cells. We have shown that MSCs loaded with Paclitaxel (PTX) acquire a potent anti-tumour activity. We investigated the effect of human MSCs (hMSCs) and mouse SR4987 loaded with PTX (hMSCsPTX and SR4987PTX) on MOLT-4 and L1210, two leukaemia cell (LCs) lines of human and mouse origin, respectively. SR4987PTX and hMSCsPTX showed strong anti-LC activity. hMSCsPTX, co-injected with MOLT-4 cells or intra-tumour injected into established subcutaneous MOLT-4 nodules, strongly inhibited growth and angiogenesis. In BDF1-mice-bearing L1210, the intraperitoneal administration of SR4987PTX doubled mouse survival time. In vitro, both hMSCs and hMSCsPTX released chemotactic factors, bound and formed rosettes with LCs. In ultrastructural analysis of rosettes, hMSCsPTX showed no morphological alterations while the attached LCs were apoptotic and necrotic. hMSCs and hMSCsPTX released molecules that reduced LC adhesion to microvascular endothelium (hMECs) and down-modulated ICAM1 and VCAM1 on hMECs. Priming hMSCs with PTX is a simple procedure that does not require any genetic cell manipulation. Once the effectiveness of hMSCsPTX on established cancers in mice is proven, this procedure could be proposed for leukaemia therapy in humans.

Microgravity and the intervertebral disc: The impact of space conditions on the biomechanics of the spine.

The environmental conditions to which astronauts and other military pilots are subjected represent a unique example for understanding and studying the biomechanical events that regulate the functioning of the human body. In particular, microgravity has shown a significant impact on various biological systems, such as the cardiovascular system, immune system, endocrine system, and, last but not least, musculoskeletal system. Among the potential risks of flying, low back pain (LBP) has a high incidence among astronauts and military pilots, and it is often associated with intervertebral disc degeneration events. The mechanisms of degeneration determine the loss of structural and functional integrity and are accompanied by the aberrant production of pro-inflammatory mediators that exacerbate the degenerative environment, contributing to the onset of pain. In the present work, the mechanisms of disc degeneration, the conditions of microgravity, and their association have been discussed in order to identify possible molecular mechanisms underlying disc degeneration and the related clinical manifestations in order to develop a model of prevention to maintain health and performance of air- and space-travelers. The focus on microgravity also allows the development of new proofs of concept with potential therapeutic implications.

Pitfalls of whole exome sequencing in undefined clinical conditions with a suspected genetic etiology.

BACKGROUND: Whole-Exome Sequencing (WES) is a valuable tool for the molecular diagnosis of patients with a suspected genetic condition. In complex and heterogeneous diseases, the interpretation of WES variants is more challenging given the absence of diagnostic handles and other reported cases with overlapping clinical presentations. OBJECTIVE: To describe candidate variants emerging from trio-WES and possibly associated with the clinical phenotype in clinically heterogeneous conditions. METHODS: We performed WES in ten patients from eight families, selected because of the lack of a clear clinical diagnosis or suspicion, the presence of multiple clinical signs, and the negative results of traditional genetic tests. RESULTS: Although we identified ten candidate variants, reaching the diagnosis of these cases is challenging, given the complexity and the rarity of these syndromes and because affected genes are already associated with known genetic diseases only partially recapitulating patients' phenotypes. However, the identification of these variants could shed light into the definition of new genotype-phenotype correlations. Here, we describe the clinical and molecular data of these cases with the aim of favoring the match with other similar cases and, hopefully, confirm our diagnostic hypotheses. CONCLUSION: This study emphasizes the major limitations associated with WES data interpretation, but also highlights its clinical utility in unraveling novel genotype-phenotype correlations in complex and heterogeneous undefined clinical conditions with a suspected genetic etiology.

Voltage-dependent ionic channels in differentiating neural precursor cells collected from adult mouse brains six hours post-mortem.

A novel type of adult neural precursor cells (NPCs) has been isolated from the subventricular zone of the mouse 6 hr after animal death (T6-NPCs). This condition is supposed to select hypoxia-resistant cells of scientific and clinical interest. Ionic channels are ultimately the expression of the functional maturation of neurons, so the aim of this research was to characterize the pattern of the main voltage-dependent ionic channels in T6-NPCs differentiating to a neuronal phenotype, comparing it with NPCs isolated soon after death (T0-NPCs). T6- and T0-NPCs grow in medium containing epidermal growth factor (EGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Differentiation was performed in small wells without the addition of growth factors, in the presence of adhesion molecules, fetal bovine serum, and leukemia inhibitory factor. Ionic currents, recorded by means of whole-cell patch-clamp, namely, I(Ca2+) HVA, both L- and non-L-type, I(K+) delayed rectifying, I(K+) inward rectifier, transient I(K+A) , and TTX-sensitive I(Na+) have been found, although Na(+) currents were found in only a small percentage of cells and after the fifth week of differentiation. No significant differences in current types, density, orcell capacitance were observed between T6-NPCs and T0-NPCs. The sequence in which the markers appear in new neural cells is not necessarily a fixed program, but the discrepancies in morphological, biochemical, and electrophysiological maturation of mouse NPCs to neurons, possibly different in vivo, suggest that the various steps of the differentiation are independently regulated. Therefore, in addition to morphological and biochemical data, functional tests should be considered for characterizing the maturation of neurons.

A Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing Panel to Genotype Gliomas.

Gliomas account for the majority of primary brain tumors. Glioblastoma is the most common and malignant type. Based on their extreme molecular heterogeneity, molecular markers can be used to classify gliomas and stratify patients into diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic clusters. In this work, we developed and validated a targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) approach to analyze variants or chromosomal aberrations correlated with tumorigenesis and response to treatment in gliomas. Our targeted NGS analysis covered 13 glioma-related genes (ACVR1, ATRX, BRAF, CDKN2A, EGFR, H3F3A, HIST1H3B, HIST1H3C, IDH1, IDH2, P53, PDGFRA, PTEN), a 125 bp region of the TERT promoter, and 54 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) along chromosomes 1 and 19 for reliable assessment of their copy number alterations (CNAs). Our targeted NGS approach provided a portrait of gliomas' molecular heterogeneity with high accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity in a single workflow, enabling the detection of variants associated with unfavorable outcomes, disease progression, and drug resistance. These preliminary results support its use in routine diagnostic neuropathology.

Incidence of intra-procedural complications according to the timing of endovascular treatment in ruptured intracranial aneurysms.

Background: Although endovascular treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms is well-established, some critical issues have not yet been clarified, such as the effects of timing on safety and effectiveness of the procedure. The aim of our study was to analyze the incidence of intra-procedural complications according to the timing of treatment, as they can affect morbidity and mortality. Materials and methods: We retrospectively analyzed all patients who underwent endovascular treatment for ruptured intracranial aneurysms at three high flow center. For all patients, imaging and clinical data, aneurysm's type, mean dimension and different treatment techniques were analyzed. Intra-procedural complications were defined as thrombus formation at the aneurysm's neck, thromboembolic events, and rupture of the aneurysm. Patients were divided into three groups according to time between subarachnoid hemorrhage and treatment (<12 h hyper-early, 12-36 h early, and >36 h delayed). Results: The final study population included 215 patients. In total, 84 patients (39%) underwent hyper-early, 104 (48%) early, and 27 (13%) delayed endovascular treatment. Overall, 69% of the patients were treated with simple coiling, 23% with balloon-assisted coiling, 1% with stent-assisted coiling, 3% with a flow-diverter stent, 3% with an intrasaccular flow disruptor device, and 0.5% with parent vessel occlusion. Delayed endovascular treatment was associated with an increased risk of total intra-procedural complications compared to both hyper-early (p = 0.009) and early (p = 0.004) treatments with a rate of complications of 56% (vs. 29% in hyper-early and 26% in early treated group-p = 0.011 and p = 0.008). The delayed treatment group showed a higher rate of thrombus formation and thromboembolic events. The increased risk of total intra-procedural complications in delayed treatment was confirmed, also considering only the patients treated with simple coiling and balloon-assisted coiling (p = 0.005 and p = 0.003, respectively, compared to hyper-early and early group) with a rate of complications of 62% (vs. 28% in hyper-early and 26% in early treatments-p = 0.007 and p = 0.003). Also in this subpopulation, delayed treated patients showed a higher incidence of thrombus formation and thromboembolic events. Conclusions: Endovascular treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms more than 36 h after SAH seems to be associated with a higher risk of intra-procedural complications, especially thrombotic and thromboembolic events.

A Frailty-Adjusted Stratification Score to Predict Surgical Risk, Post-Operative, Long-Term Functional Outcome, and Quality of Life after Surgery in Intracranial Meningiomas.

Object: To investigate those parameters affecting early and follow-up functional outcomes in patients undergoing resection of meningiomas and to design a dedicated predictive score, the Milan Bio(metric)-Surgical Score (MBSS) is hereby presented. Methods: Patients undergoing transcranial surgery for intracranial meningiomas were included. The most significant parameters in the regression analyses were implemented in a patient stratification score and were validated by testing its classification consistency with a clinical−radiological grading scale (CRGS), Milan complexity scale (MCS), and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) scores. Results: The ASA score, Frailty index, skull base and posterior cranial fossa locations, a diameter of >25 mm, and the absence of a brain−tumour interface were predictive of early post-operative deterioration and were collected in MBSS Part A (AUC: 0.965; 95%C.I. 0.890−1.022), while the frailty index, posterior cranial fossa location, a diameter of >25 mm, a edema/tumour volume index of >2, dural sinus invasion, DWI hyperintensity, and the absence of a brain−tumour interface were predictive of a long-term unfavourable outcome and were collected in MBSS Part B (AUC: 0.877; 95%C.I. 0.811−0.942). The score was consistent with CRGS, MCS, and CCI. Conclusion: Patients' multi-domain evaluation and the implementation of frailty indexes might help predict the perioperative complexity of cases; the functional, clinical, and neurological early outcomes; survival; and overall QoL after surgery.

Effects of Metformin as Add-On Therapy against Glioblastoma: An Old Medicine for Novel Oncology Therapeutics.

BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma is the most aggressive primary brain malignancy in adults, with a poor prognosis of about 14 months. Recent evidence ascribed to metformin (MET), an antihyperglycemic drug, the potential to reduce cancer incidence and progression, but the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects need to be better investigated. METHODS: Here, we tested the efficacy of MET on n = 10 primary glioblastoma endothelial cells (GECs), by viability and proliferation tests, as MTT and Live/Dead assays, apoptosis tests, as annexin V assay and caspase 3/7 activity, functional tests as tube-like structure formation and migration assay and by mRNA and protein expression performed by quantitative real-time PCR analysis (qRT-PCR) and Western Blot, respectively. RESULTS: Data resulting revealed a time- and µ-dependent ability of MET to decrease cell viability and proliferation, increasing pro-apoptotic mechanisms mediated by caspases 3/7. Also, MET impacted GEC functionality with a significant decrease of angiogenesis and invasiveness potential. Mechanistically, MET was able to interfere with sphingolipid metabolism, weakening the oncopromoter signaling promoted by sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and shifting the balance toward the production of the pro-apoptotic ceramide. CONCLUSIONS: These observations ascribed to MET the potential to serve as add-on therapy against glioblastoma, suggesting a repurposing of an old, totally safe and tolerable drug for novel oncology therapeutics.

Adult neural precursors isolated from post mortem brain yield mostly neurons: an erythropoietin-dependent process.

This study was aimed at the isolation of neural precursor cells (NPCs) capable of resisting to a prolonged ischemic insult as this may occur at the site of traumatic and ischemic CNS injuries. Adult mice were anesthetized and then killed by cervical dislocation. The cadavers were maintained at room temperature or at 4°C for different time periods. Post mortem neural precursors (PM-NPCs) were isolated, grown in vitro and their differentiation capability was investigated by evaluating the expression of different neuronal markers. PM-NPCs differentiate mostly in neurons, show activation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 and MAPK, and express both erythropoietin (EPO) and its receptor (EPO-R). The exposure of PM-NPCs to neutralizing antibodies to EPO or EPO-R dramatically reduced the extent of neuronal differentiation to about 11% of total PM-NPCs. The functionality of mTOR and MAPK is also required for the expression of the neuronal phenotype by PM-NPCs. These results suggest that PM-NPCs can be isolated from animal cadaver even several hours after death and their self-renewable capability is comparable to normal neural precursors. Differently, their ability to achieve a neural phenotype is superior to that of NPCs, and this is mediated by the activation of hypoxia-induced factor 1 and EPO signaling. PM-NPCs may represent good candidates for transplantation studies in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases.