Article
PLOD2 expression in brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVM) and ist association with bAVM size
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Published: | June 9, 2017 |
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Objective: Brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVM) are severe conditions which, upon rupture, cause debilitating neurological deficits and even death. The exact cellular/ molecular mechanisms associated with bAVM growth and rupture are currently unclear. The objective of this study was to explore the potential role of PLOD2 (Procollagen-lysine, 2-oxoglutarate 5-dioxygenase 2) in bAVM pathophysiology.
Methods: Expression and localization of PLOD2 were assessed immunohistochemically in tissue microarrays from bAVM patients (n=60). Correlations between PLOD2 levels and clinical parameters were assessed with Pearson's test or Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Comparison between different clinical parameters was performed using t-test or non-parametric Mann-Whitney U-test. Fisher's exact test was used for categorical data.
Results: PLOD2 was mainly expressed within the tunica media of blood vessels. High levels of PLOD2 expression correlated with small bAVM size (p=0.0083, R²=0.158). Small bAVM showed an increased frequency of hemorrhage compared to large ones (p=0.001). Although PLOD2 was not directly associated with bAVM hemorrhage, high PLOD2-expressing bAVM had a lower frequency of hemorrhage compared to low or medium PLOD2-expressing bAVM (25% versus 63% and 75%, respectively).
Conclusion: Our study reports for the first time that PLOD2 is expressed in bAVM and suggests a role of PLOD2 in bAVM pathophysiology. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the bAVM microenvironment and may foster the development of improved therapeutic strategies against this disease.