Pituitary adenomas (PAs) can be classified as non-secreting adenomas, somatotroph adenomas, corticotroph adenomas, lactotroph adenomas, and thyrotroph adenomas. Substantial advances have been made in our knowledge of the pathobiology of PAs. To obtain a comprehensive understanding of the molecular biological characteristics of different types of PAs, we reviewed the important advances that have been made involving genetic and epigenetic variation, comprising genetic mutations, chromosome number variations, DNA methylation, microRNA regulation, and transcription factor regulation. Classical tumor predisposition syndromes include multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) and type 4 (MEN4) syndromes, Carney complex, and X-LAG syndromes. PAs have also been described in association with succinate dehydrogenase-related familial PA, neurofibromatosis type 1, and von Hippel–Lindau, DICER1, and Lynch syndromes. Patients with aryl hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein (AIP) mutations often present with pituitary gigantism, either in familial or sporadic adenomas. In contrast, guanine nucleotide-binding protein G(s) subunit alpha (GNAS) and G protein-coupled receptor 101 (GPR101) mutations can lead to excess growth hormone. Moreover, the deubiquitinase gene USP8, USP48, and BRAF mutations are associated with adrenocorticotropic hormone production. In this review, we describe the genetic and epigenetic landscape of PAs and summarize novel insights into the regulation of pituitary tumorigenesis.
There is controversy regarding the surgical route selection for tuberculum sellae meningiomas (TSMs): the transsphenoidal (TS) or transcranial (TC) approach? We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare clinical outcomes and postoperative complications between two surgical approaches. Literature search was performed. Relevant articles were selected and evaluated. Data were extracted and analyzed. Eight articles comprising 550 patients met the inclusion criteria. Traditionally, the rates of gross total resection, tumor recurrence, visual improvement, and cerebrospinal fluid leakage were the most common outcomes of interest. We demonstrated that the TS approach was significantly associated with better visual outcomes but more frequent cerebrospinal fluid leakage, while the rates of tumor resection and recurrence showed no significant difference between groups. In addition to surgical results that were consistent with previous studies, we further evaluated the impact of approach selection on common postoperative complications, which were closely related to the recovery course and quality of life. We revealed that the risk of dysosmia was significantly higher in the TS group. There was no significant difference between groups regarding infection, intracranial hemorrhage, and endocrine disorders. Because of the relatively low evidence levels of included retrospective studies, it was difficult to reach a categorical conclusion about the optimal surgical approach for TSMs. Finally, we recommended that the TS approach was an alternative option in patients with smaller TSMs (<30 mm) and limited invasion of optic canals in experienced neurosurgical centers.
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