Blood trypsin proteinases as a new additional test in differential diagnosis of brain tumors.

Abstract

e13543 Background: Activation of trypsin-type proteinases in cancer is a proven fact. Activity of enzymes synthesized and secreted by a malignant tumor is generally not controlled by endogenous inhibitors. Benign tumors do not come into metabolic conflict with the carrier body, at least prior to their possible malignant transformation. The purpose of the study was to analyze changes in activity of trypsin proteinases (ATP) in the blood plasma of patients to determine possible application of the parameter as an additional test in the differential diagnosis of brain tumors. Methods: The blood plasma of 164 patients was studied: 37 benign brain tumors, 74 primary glioblastomas (G) and 53 brain metastases (MTS) from breast cancer. ATP was determined before treatment using the U-2900 UV Solutions double-beam spectrophotometer (USA). The results were compared to the values in 39 healthy donors (N). The data were processed using the Statistica 10 program. Results: ATP did not differ from N in 37 of 164 patients (22.6%). After removal of the brain tumors, histological examination of surgical material showed benign brain tumors in all 37 cases. ATP in 74 of 164 patients (45.1%) exceeded N by 3.8-5.3 times (on average 4.4±0.3). Histological examination after removal of the brain tumors showed primary G in all 74 cases. ATP was 5.9-9.4 times higher than N (on average 7.3±0.5) in 53 of 164 patients (32.3%). Histological examination after removal of the brain tumors showed MTS in all 53 cases. Conclusions: ATP value similar to N indicates a benign tumor. ATP increase by 3.8-5.3 times shows the presence of a primary malignant tumor. ATP increase by 5.9-9.4 times supposes MTS.