Progesterone Receptor Expression and Score Differences in Determining Grade and Subtype of Meningioma.

Background Meningioma is the most common brain tumor in which therapy and monitoring depend on the histopathological grade (World Health Organization [WHO] Grade). Progesterone receptor (PR) expression was reported positive in meningothelial cells and meningiomas with various degrees of positivity. We evaluated PR expression to determine its correlation with WHO Grade and each subtype of meningioma. Materials and Methods This study used 70 samples of paraffin block that were diagnosed as meningioma and classified into WHO Grade I, II, and III. The paraffin blocks were sectioned in 5 µm thickness and immunohistochemically stained with the anti-PR antibody. Results PR expression was found positive in WHO Grade I and II groups, but negative in WHO Grade III group with the score of +2 found in clear cell and atypical subtype. These results were statistically significant with p -value < 0.05. Conclusion PR can be used as an additional marker to determine WHO Grade and subtype of meningioma.

Modification of the Marmarou model in developing countries.

INTRODUCTION: Head injury is an injury or wound of the brain tissue due to external forces; it can cause a decrease or change in the status of consciousness. Many head injury models have used mice as experimental animals; the Marmarou model is the most famous and the most widely-used diffuse brain injury model. In this study, we slightly modified the Marmarou model. The purpose of this study is to help researchers examining head injuries in mice, especially those in developing countries who have limited facilities and infrastructure. METHODS: This experimental research uses animals models (Rattus novergicus, strain Sprague Dawley) that fit several criteria, including male, aged 10-12 weeks, and body weight of 200-300 g. This study involves a slight modification on the tube used, with a 20 cm-long weight of 20 g. The blood samples for the following assays of ELISA and brain tissue samples were collected at 24 h and 4, 5, 6, and 7 days post-trauma. RESULTS: A significant effect on the brain was seen with the Marmarou model modification, at a mass weight of 20 g and height of 20 cm, with 0.04 J energy produced. Changes were also seen in the histological features of brain tissue and the serum levels of AQP-4, F2 IsoPs, MPO, and VEGF from 24 h until 7 days after trauma. CONCLUSION: This report describes the development of an experimental head injury approach modifying the Marmarou model that is able to produce a diffuse brain injury model in mice.