Analytical validation of the Liaison hGH assay (DiaSorin)

peer reviewe

Monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis: asymptomatic condition or pretumoral stage

peer reviewe

Blood, urine, and hair kinetic analysis following an acute lead intoxication

A case of lead exposure resulting from the accidental ingestion of a lead-containing solution is reported. Because of clinical management rapidly performed through chelation therapy by 2,3-dimercaptopropane sulfonate sodium and meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid, blood lead levels of this 51-year-old patient were moderate (412.9 μg/L) and no clinical symptoms were observed. Numerous blood and urine samples were collected for kinetic analysis of lead elimination. However, we report the first case in which hair samples were analyzed to determine the excretion level of lead after acute intoxication

Monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis: from literature to laboratory practice

Monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL) is defined as an asymptomatic condition characterized by the presence of less than 5,000 monoclonal B-cells per microliter and the absence of clinical signs or symptoms of a B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder. Most MBL cases involve B cells presenting an identical phenotype to CLL (CLL-like MBL) with a Catovsky-Matutes score of 3 to 5 and share the same chromosomal abnormalities than CLL. Depending on the absolute B cell count, one may distinguish low-count CLL-like MBL (500 B cells/muL) have a 1% to 2% per year risk of progression to CLL requiring therapy, a higher risk of infectious complications and mortality implicating an annual follow-up by hematologist. MBL may also express other less common phenotypes and are named atypical MBL in case of CD5 antigen expression (Catovsky-Matutes score: 1-2) and non-CLL-like MBL for CD5 negative cases (Catovsky-Matutes score: 0-2). Their poorer prognosis implicates imaging studies, bone marrow biopsy and cytogenetic analysis in addition to physical examination in order to rule out non-hodgkinien lymphoma, and require a more frequent follow-up. This review focuses on key concepts in the classification, diagnosis, monitoring and biology of MBL in laboratory practice

Deregulated NF-kappa B activity in haematological malignancies

The NF-kappa B family of transcription factors plays key roles in the control of cell proliferation and apoptosis. Constitutive NF-kappa B activation is a common feature for most haematological malignancies and is therefore believed to be a crucial event for enhanced proliferation and survival of these malignant cells. In this review, we will describe the molecular mechanisms underlying NF-kappa B deregulation in haematological malignancies and will highlight what is still unclear in this field, 20 years after the discovery of this transcription factor. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Insight into the oncogenic potential of BCL-