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Published on: September 4, 2017
Expression of platelet-derived growth factor ligand and receptor in cerebral arteriovenous and cavernous
Ozlem Yildirim1, Atilla Bicer, Abdulkadir Ozkan
1Neurosurgical Research Center, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) ligands A and B and receptors α and β in cerebral arteriovenous and cavernous malformations. Fifteen arteriovenous malformation (AVM) and 15 cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) tissue samples were immunostained for PDGF ligands A and B, PDGF receptors (PDGFR) α and β, and vascular endothelial growth factor. Tissues were compared in terms of expression levels within various vascular layers, and the results were confirmed using western blotting. AVM had higher levels of PDGF-A expression than CCM (p = 0.004, 0.009, 0.001, and 0.027, for endothelium, media, adventitia, and perilesional tissue, respectively) and western blotting showed that there was higher expression of PDGFR-α in AVM tissues. In contrast, CCM endothelium, media, and adventitia had higher PDGF-B expression compared with AVM (p = 0.007, 0.001, and 0.039, respectively). PDGFR-β expression was also significantly higher in the endothelium of CCM tissue (p = 0.007). Overexpression of PDGF ligands and receptors in AVM and CCM may mean that therapeutic strategies targeting the PDGF pathway could be useful in the treatment of these two malformations.
Insights
Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) ligands and receptors are overexpressed in cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and cavernous malformations (CCMs). Targeting the PDGF pathway may offer new therapeutic strategies for these vascular conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Vascular Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and cavernous malformations (CCMs) are complex vascular abnormalities.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying AVMs and CCMs is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) ligands (A and B) and receptors (PDGFR-α and PDGFR-β) in AVM and CCM tissues.
- To compare the expression levels of these molecules between AVM and CCM samples.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical staining of 15 AVM and 15 CCM tissue samples for PDGF-A, PDGF-B, PDGFR-α, PDGFR-β, and vascular endothelial growth factor.
- Western blotting to confirm expression levels.
- Comparison of expression within different vascular layers and perilesional tissue.
Main Results:
- AVMs exhibited higher PDGF-A expression than CCMs across various tissue layers.
- CCMs showed higher PDGF-B expression in the endothelium, media, and adventitia compared to AVMs.
- PDGFR-α was upregulated in AVM tissues, while PDGFR-β was significantly higher in the endothelium of CCM tissues.
Conclusions:
- The differential expression of PDGF ligands and receptors in AVMs and CCMs suggests their involvement in the pathogenesis of these conditions.
- Therapeutic strategies targeting the PDGF signaling pathway may hold promise for treating both AVMs and CCMs.
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