Lipid image in glioblastoma multiforme

Changes in the content and composition of lipids in brain tumours of different degree of malignancy are still the subject of numerous scientific studies. It is known that in developing brain tumours structural and functional changes of its cells, take place, in which lipids play a crucial role. The examination of the lipid spectrum was conducted in a material extracted from tumour adjacent areas (by means of fenestration) as well as from tumours themselves in 11 patients (mean age 56.8 yrs). Based on histological studies all the tumours were qualified as glioblastoma 4th degree of malignancy. Lipids were isolated from the tumours as well as from their adjacent areas. Later on they were separated, using column chromatography and thin-layer chromatography, into three classes: phospholipids, galactolipids and neutral lipids. Separated lipids were subjected to quantitative analysis by spectrophotocolorimetric method. In comparison to adjacent areas, in tumours distinct changes of lipid levels were noticed in all analysed lipid classes. Statistical analysis showed significant decrease of phospholipids (elements stabilizing cell membranes) in tumours in comparison to their adjacent areas (Wilcoxon's test: p < 0.05). At the same time in tumours an increase of level of plasmalogens took place: phosphatidylcholine (PC) (PPC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) (PPE) typical elements of malignant tumours, responsible for cross cell membrane transportation processes. This phenomenon was accompanied by changes of levels of PC/PE and PC/SM (sphingomyelin) ratios connected with adhesiveness and other membrane features. Changes in the level of lipids, and phospholipids in particular, in glioblastoma 4th degree of malignancy in comparison to adjacent areas can indicate the pathological processes in cells of these tumours.