An understanding of the biochemistry of the giant cell tumour of bone (GCTB) provides an opportunity for the development of prognostic markers and identification of therapeutic targets. Based on metabolomic analysis, we proposed glycerophospholipid metabolism as the altered pathway in GCTB and the objective of this study was to identify these altered metabolites. Using phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (<sup>31</sup>P-NMR), sphingomyelin was determined as the most dysregulated phospholipid in tissue samples from six patients with GCTB; subsequently, enzymes related to its biosynthesis and hydrolysis were examined using immunodetection techniques. High expression of sphingomyelin synthases 1 and 2, but low expression of neutral sphingomyelinase 2 (nSMase2), was found in GCTB tissues compared to non-neoplastic bone tissues. Sphingomyelin/ ceramide biosynthesis is dysregulated in GCTB due to alterations in the expression of SMS1, SMS2, and nSMase2.
A Comparative Analysis of p63 Expression in Giant Cell Tumour (GCT), Central Giant Cell Granuloma (CGCG) and Peripheral Giant Cell Granuloma (PGCG)
