TGF-ß promotes glioma cell growth via activating Nodal expression through Smad and ERK1/2 pathways.

While there were certain studies focusing on the mechanism of TGF-ß promoting the growth of glioma cells, the present work revealed another novel mechanism that TGF-ß may promote glioma cell growth via enhancing Nodal expression. Our results showed that Nodal expression was significantly upregulated in glioma cells when TGF-ß was added, whereas the TGF-ß-induced Nodal expression was evidently inhibited by transfection Smad2 or Smad3 siRNAs, and the suppression was especially significant when the Smad3 was downregulated. Another, the attenuation of TGF-ß-induced Nodal expression was observed with blockade of the ERK1/2 pathway also. Further detection of the proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion of glioma cells indicated that Nodal overexpression promoted the proliferation and invasion of tumor cells and inhibited their apoptosis, resembling the effect of TGF-ß addition. Downregulation of Nodal expression via transfection Nodal-specific siRNA in the presence of TGF-ß weakened the promoting effect of the latter on glioma cells growth, and transfecting Nodal siRNA alone in the absence of exogenous TGF-ß more profoundly inhibited the growth of glioma cells. These results demonstrated that while both TGF-ß and Nodal promoted glioma cells growth, the former might exert such effect by enhancing Nodal expression, which may form a new target for glioma therapy.

Convulsive-like movements as the first symptom of basilar artery occlusive brainstem infarction: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Convulsive-like movements are rare in basilar artery occlusive cerebral infarction (BAOCI). These manifestations may easily be mistaken for epileptic seizures caused by compromised anterior circulation or by cortical lesions. Delayed diagnosis of this condition affects its subsequent treatment and prognosis. Therefore, it is critical to recognize this type of phenomenon in the early stage. CASE SUMMARY: A 55-year-old male patient presented with unconsciousness, rigidity, and a paroxysmal twitch in both lower limbs. These conditions lasted for nearly 2 h and resembled status epilepticus. After the initial conditions subsided, hemiplegia occurred and then subsided rapidly. The family refused thrombolytic therapy because the symptoms were similar to Todd paralysis after epilepsy. However, magnetic resonance imaging showed left pontine infarction. No abnormality was observed in a video electroencephalogram during the interictal period. Digital subtraction angiography revealed that the basilar artery was occluded and that the posterior communicating arteries were patent. Fortunately, the patient received a good prognosis after antiplatelet therapy, lipid regulation, balloon dilatation of the basilar artery, and rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: Convulsive-like movements may be an early sign of basilar artery occlusive brainstem infarction. It is important to identify this phenomenon in a timely manner.