Gliomas are
tumors originating from astrocytes, oligodendrocytes or ependimal cells. Those of astrocytic origin are the most widespread of
primary brain tumors and account for more then 60% of all
CNS neoplasms. The current state of knowledge on the associations between
tumor etiology and oxidative stress suggests that environmental factors that cause oxidative stress could also induce and promote
cancer, especially in case of hereditary predisposition. Among mediators of oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation product
4-hydroxynonenal (HNE) is of particular relevance in oncology, as it is known to act as a growth-regulating factor and a signaling molecule. The aim of present study was to investigate by immunohistochemistry the presence of HNE-modified
proteins in different types of
astrocytoma. Our study comprised 45 astrocytic
tumors. These
tumors were graded in accordance with the WHO classification as diffuse
astrocytomas (DA),
anaplastic astrocytomas (AA) and
glioblastomas (GB), while each group comprised 15
tumors. Slides of
paraffin-embedded
tumor tissue were stained with
hematoxylin-
eosin or were prepared for immunohistochemistry with
monoclonal antibodies to HNE-
histidine conjugate. Positive immunohistochemical reaction to HNE was analyzed semi-quantitatively. HNE positivity was proportional with
malignancy of
astrocytomas. The weakest presence of HNE-
histidine adducts was found in DA, followed by AA and GB. Lowest intensity of HNE immunopositivity was present in
tumor cells of almost all DA, predominantly around blood vessels. In malignant variants of
astrocytoma, AA and GB, HNE positivity was moderate to strong, and diffusely distributed in all
tumors.