Expression of cell cycle inhibitors p21, p27, p14 and p16 in gliomas. Correlation with classic prognostic factors and patients' outcome.

Gliomas are among the most aggressive and treatment-refractory of all human tumors. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the role of the expression of cell cycle molecules as prognostic indicators in gliomas. We immunohistochemically analyzed the expression of p21, p27, p14, p16, p53 and proliferation marker Ki67, in 67 low and high grade astrocytic tumors.

Neurotrophin receptors expression and JNK pathway activation in human astrocytomas.

Background: Neurotrophins are growth factors that regulate cell growth, differentiation and apoptosis in the nervous system. Their diverse actions are mediated through two different transmembrane - receptor signaling systems: Trk receptor tyrosine kinases (TrkA, TrkB, TrkC) and p75NTR neurotrophin receptor. Trk receptors promote cell survival and differentiation while p75NTR induces, in most cases, the activity of JNK-p53-Bax apoptosis pathway or suppresses intracellular survival signaling cascades.

Transcranial cerebral oximetry and transcranial doppler sonography in patients with ruptured cerebral aneurysms and delayed cerebral vasospasm.

Background: Vasospasm is a major cause of ischemic neurological deficits developing after subarachnoid hemorrhage. The goal was to identify hemodynamic changes and the presence of clinical vasospasm in patients suffering from subarachnoid hemorrhage secondary to ruptured intracranial aneurysms.

Material/methods: Pre- and postoperative serial transcranial cerebral oximetry and transcranial doppler sonography (TCD) examinations were performed in 75 patients operated for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.