Evaluation of proteins in serum and cerebrospinal fluid in primary brain tumors

Abstract

Proteins play a central role in cell function and cell structure, serum contains a mixture of proteins differing in origin and function, the amount of protein in the vascular compartment depends on the balance between the rate of synthesis and the rate of catabolism or loss. It is a well established and evidence-based fact that serum (plasma proteins) levels may suffer changes during a neoplastic disease process. A prospective study to explore the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteins levels in the setting of primary brain tumours (PBT) among Iraqi persons suffering the latter condition and to have it compared with hydrocephalic and healthy individuals. This study had been conducted at both University and Neurosurgical Dept. between November 2018 and October 2019. Out of the 107 patients suffering from primary brain tumors with an age range 2-75 years (mean 35, the standard SD ± 19), 56 were males (52.33%), and 51 were females (47.66%). Although 89% of patients were under the age of 60 years, however, the most affected age group was 31-40 years (17.75%).Fifty age- and sex-matched patients with hydrocephalus (non-neoplastic disease) were used as control group in CSF measurements.Forty age- and sex-matched normal subjects were used as controls (in serum). A highly significant increase in total protein levels in serum of primary brain tumor patients was noticed when compared to that normal subject. Elevation in total protein content in malignant tissue was also observed in comparison to benign tissue. Serum proteins levels changed in PBT.