Correlation Between Aquaporin 4 Expression and Different DWI Parameters in Grade I Meningioma
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Published on: May 19, 2015
Stefan Schob1, Alexey Surov2, Andreas Wienke3
1Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital of Leipzig, Liebigstraße 20, 04103, Leipzig, Germany. stefan.schob@medizin.uni-leipzig.de.
Purpose:
Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) measures water diffusion in biological tissues. Cellular water transport depends on aquaporins (AQPs). The expression of aquaporins might differ in several pathologic disorders. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the associations between AQP4 expression and different DWI parameters in meningioma.
Procedures:
Twenty-three patients with meningioma grade I were included in this retrospective study. DWI was obtained with three b values (0; 500; 1000) using a 1.5-T device. ADCmean, ADCmin, ADCmax, and true diffusion coefficients (D) were obtained in every patient. Aquaporin 4 expression was quantified immunohistochemically in four immunoreactivity levels.
Results:
The estimated DWI parameters (mean value ± standard deviation, 10-3 mm2 s-1) of the tumors were as follows: ADCmin 0.67 ± 0.16, ADCmean 0.94 ± 0.23, ADCmax 1.29 ± 0.50, and D 0.65 ± 0.23. The mean level of the AQP4 expression was 2.02 ± 0.75 points. A statistically significant correlation between AQP4 expression and ADCmax was identified (r = 0.508, p = 0.013). No significant correlations between AQP4 and other DWI parameters were found.
Conclusions:
A clear correlation between AQP4 expression and ADCmax values in grade I meningioma was identified. There were no significant correlations between AQP4 expression and other DWI parameters, such as ADCmin, ADCmean, and D.
Insights
This study found a correlation between Aquaporin 4 (AQP4) expression and ADCmax values in meningioma. No significant associations were observed with other diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) parameters.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Oncology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Cellular water transport is mediated by aquaporins (AQPs).
- Aquaporin expression can be altered in pathological conditions.
- Meningiomas are tumors where AQP expression may vary.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between Aquaporin 4 (AQP4) expression and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) parameters in meningioma.
- To determine if DWI can reflect AQP4 expression levels in meningioma.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 23 patients with grade I meningioma.
- Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) acquired at 1.5-T with b-values of 0, 500, and 1000 s/mm².
- Quantification of Aquaporin 4 (AQP4) expression using immunohistochemistry and calculation of ADCmean, ADCmin, ADCmax, and D values.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant positive correlation was found between AQP4 expression and ADCmax (r=0.508, p=0.013).
- No significant correlations were identified between AQP4 expression and ADCmin, ADCmean, or D values.
- Mean ADC values ranged from 0.67 to 1.29 (x10⁻³ mm²/s), and mean AQP4 expression was 2.02.
Conclusions:
- Aquaporin 4 (AQP4) expression is correlated with ADCmax values in grade I meningioma.
- DWI parameters, specifically ADCmax, may serve as a non-invasive indicator of AQP4 expression in meningioma.
- Further research is needed to explore the clinical implications of this association.
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