The β 2-glycoprotein I (β 2 GPI) is an endothelial cell ligand, accessible for systemic, autocrine and paracrine signaling. In vivo, β 2 GPI is immobilized by binding, mainly to the endothelial cell membrane heparan sulfate but also to anionic phospholipids, and functional receptors. The β 2 GPI was attributed antiangiogenic properties both in vitro and in vivo. This work was designed to evaluate the antiangiogenic effects of native, monomeric, and dimeric β 2 GPI. Monomeric as well as dimeric forms were purified from human plasma, and the native protein was obtained as a balanced mixture of both components present in human plasma. The proliferation, migration, and differentiation of Human Umbilical Vascular Endothelial Cells (HUVEC) were considered in an in vitro angiogenesis model based on tridimensional cultures and quantitative digital image processing techniques. The early events of the in vitro HUVEC growth and differentiation in the tridimensional cultures microenvironment were addressed by the morphological analysis. The morphological aspects were correlated to the cell growth, oxidative balance outcome and mitochondrial toxicity assays, leading to the evidence that non-confluent HUVEC cultures temporarily stop growing in the presence of the native protein, but remain competent to proliferate. The β 2 GPI monomer allowed the in vitro differentiation of the HUVECs into typical trabeculae and incomplete capillary-like tubes, along with lowering the available proliferation fraction. In opposition, the dimer rich purification fraction exposure halted cell elongation and migration, and prevented the organization of the tubular structures in tridimensional cultures, maintaining cell growth. The morphological approach was useful to attribute to β 2 GPI dimerization the cell migration inhibition modulation, which potentially leads to overcome the diminished sprouting antiangiogenic effect of the monomer fraction of the native protein.

Craniopharyngiomas (CPs) of the third ventricle are rare and can be difficult to treat due to their deep location and relation to neurological structures. A 60-year-old woman presented with a history of memory disturbances with progressive course. On examination, she was conscious but disoriented with time and place, visual field showed bilateral superolateral quadrantanopia, and KPS was 90. Brain images revealed a third ventricular mass that bowed the floor of the third ventricle, expanding into the supraoptic recess, compressing the optic chiasm downward and forward. The mass had solid and cystic components at its inferior and periphery. The patient underwent right pretemporal approach with orbital roof being removed, and a translamina terminalis route was used to reach the third ventricle and the tumor was completely removed. Preoperative localization of the ventricular CPs is essential to choose the optimal surgical approach to avoid undesired injuries and improve the surgical outcome.

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