World Neurosurg
-
Posterior fossa decompression surgeries for Chiari malformations are susceptible to postoperative complications such as pseudomeningocele, external cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, and meningitis. Various dural substitutes have been used to improve surgical outcomes. ⋯ Dural substitutes generated from porcine collagen, compared with those from bovine collagen, were associated with a higher likelihood of pseudomeningocele development in adult patients undergoing Chiari I malformation decompression and duraplasty.
-
Cerebral vasospasm (CVS) is a major determinant of prognosis in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Alteration in the vascular phenotype contributes to development of CVS. However, little is known about the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the phenotypic alteration after SAH. We investigated the expression profile of miRNAs and the chronologic changes in the expression of microRNA-15a (miR-15a) and Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), a potent regulator of vascular phenotype modulation that modulates the expression of miR-15a, in the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with SAH. ⋯ Our results suggest that an early and persistent decrease in KLF4 followed by an increase in miR-15a may contribute to the altered vascular phenotype, resulting in development of CVS.
-
Histone deacetylase inhibitors, including valproic acid (VPA), are promising therapeutic interventions in neurological disorders and play an important role in synaptic activity and neuronal function. ⋯ Our data demonstrated that VPA could alleviate cauda equina injury, reduce apoptotic cells, and improve motor recovery, suggesting a neuroprotective effect in acute cauda equina syndrome.