Biochemical and cytogenetic analysis of brain tissues in different grades of glioma patients

BACKGROUND: Glioma, a neoplasm of neuroglial cells, is the most common type of brain tumor, constituting more than 50% of all brain tumors. PURPOSE: This report summarizes the current knowledge regarding the clinical utility of biochemical enzyme markers for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in different grades of glioma. METHODS: Sixty patients with different grades of glioma include glioblastoma multiforme (n=20), Anaplastic astrocytoma (n=10). Oligodendroglioma (n=10). Ependymoma (n=10), Pilocytic astrocytoma (n=10) and patients with benign lesions (n=5) served as controls. Activity of antioxidants and marker enzymes were assayed in all grades followed by karyotyping. RESULTS: Activities of antioxidant enzymes reduced significantly (p<0.05) compared to controls except CAT, GST that showed marked increase (p<0.05) in accordance with malignancy. CK, Na-K(+) ATPases, 5'-Nucleotidases showed marked increase in grade IV. Similarly, Mg2-ATPase, Ca2+ATPases showed significant increase in grade III. CONCLUSION: The clinical importance for classification and treatment of glioma is governed by biochemical enzyme markers. The study of enzymes supported by related chromosomal changes is anticipated to provide better appreciation of biological properties in different grades of glioma.