Thioredoxin (Trx) is a redox active protein that regulates several physiological and biochemical functions, such as growth, apoptosis and cellular defense. The function of Trx itself is regulated by thioredoxin reductase (TrxR). Studies performed in a variety of human primary tumors have shown that thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1) is overexpressed in tumoral tissues compared with corresponding normal tissues. This study was designed to determine the expression of TrxR1 in astrocytoma tissues of different World Health Organization (WHO) grades (grade I-IV). The proliferative (Ki-67) and apoptotic indices of the specimens were also investigated for correlation analysis. Astrocytoma tissues were extracted from the histopathological specimens of 40 patients. These samples included seven histologically normal brain tissues that served as a control group and ten tumoral samples for each grade of astrocytoma (grade I-IV). The histologically normal brain tissues were obtained from the non-tumoral portions of the pathological specimens of grade I (2 cases), grade II (2 cases), grade III (2 cases) and grade IV (1 case) astrocytomas. TrxR1 expression was evaluated using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunostaining. The proliferative and apoptotic indices of the specimens were investigated by Ki-67 immunostaining and TUNEL assay, respectively. TrxR1 expression, as assessed by qRT-PCR, increased significantly with astrocytoma grade (p = 0.01). The immunostaining intensity of TrxR1 in grade IV astrocytomas was significantly greater than that in the control tissue and all other astrocytoma grades (p < 0.001). Similarly, immunostaining intensity of TrxR1 in the grade III astrocytomas was significantly greater than that in the control group and grade I astrocytomas (p < 0.001). All astrocytoma tissues showed more intense staining in ascending grades, but the differences between grade I and the control, grade II and the control, grades II and I, grades III and II were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Ki-67 index values increased significant in accordance with grade progression (p = 0.01). The apoptotic index values were not significantly different in any group (p > 0.05); however, the differences between grade IV and the control and between grades IV and I were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Expression of TrxR1, as assessed by both qRT-PCR and immunostaining, correlated highly with both the astrocytoma grade and Ki-67 index.
A case of traumatic spondyloptosis of the cervical spine at the C6-C7 level is reported. The patient was treated succesfully with a anterior-posterior combined approach and decompression. The patient had good neurological outcome after surgery. A-51-year-old female patient was transported to our hospital's emergency department after a vehicle accident. The patient was quadriparetic (Asia D, MRC power 4/5) with severe neck pain. Plain radiographs, computerize tomography and spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed C6-7 spondyloptosis and C5, C6 posterior element fractures. Gardner-Wells skeleton traction was applied. Spinal alignment was reachived by traction and dislocation was decreased to a grade 1 spondylolisthesis. Then the patient was firstly operated by anterior approach. Anterior stabilization and fusion was firstly achieved. Seven days after first operation the patient was operated by a posterior approach. The posterior stabilization and fusion was achieved. Postoperative lateral X-rays and three-dimensional computed tomography showed the physiological realignment and the correct screw placements. The patient's quadriparesis was improved significantly. Subaxial cervical spondyloptosis is a relatively rare clinical entity. In this report we present a summary of the clinical presentation, the surgical technique and outcome of this rarely seen spinal disorder.
Congenital carotid-jugular (CJ) fistula of the neck is a very rare clinical entity that has various causes. The CJ fistulas are particularly prone to complications unlike other peripheral arteriovenous fistulas. The aim of this report is to present a case of a CJ fistula between the external carotid and the external jugular vein, which was successfully closed with detachable balloon by an endovascular approach. A 14-year-old child was admitted to our clinic with a pulsatile neck swelling. There was no previous history of trauma. A high-flow fistula between the external carotid and the external jugular vein was determined. The fistula was closed with detachable balloon by an endovascular approach. The postoperative angiogram demonstrated complete resolution of the fistula. Endovascular treatment of CJ fistulas with detachable balloons is a safe and less traumatic technique and may be an effective alternative to the open surgery in selected patients.
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