Immunophenotypic studies of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a common plasma cell dyscrasia, comprising the most indolent form of monoclonal gammopathy. However, approximately 25% of MGUS cases ultimately progress to plasma cell myeloma (PCM) or related diseases. It is difficult to predict which subset of patients will transform. In this study, we examined the immunophenotypic differences of plasma cells in MGUS and PCM.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Bone marrow specimens from 32 MGUS patients and 32 PCM patients were analyzed by 4-color flow cytometry, using cluster analysis of ungated data, for the expression of several markers, including CD10, CD19, CD20, CD38, CD45, CD56 and surface and intracellular immunoglobulin light chains.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>All MGUS patients had two subpopulations of plasma cells, one with a "normal" phenotype [CD19(+), CD56(-), CD38(bright +)] and one with an aberrant phenotype [either CD19(-)/CD56(+) or CD19(-)/CD56(-)]. The normal subpopulation ranged from 4.4 to 86% (mean 27%) of total plasma cells. Only 20 of 32 PCM cases showed an identifiable normal subpopulation at significantly lower frequency [range 0–32%, mean 3.3%, p << 0.001]. The plasma cells in PCM were significantly less likely to express CD19 [1/32 (3.1%) vs. 13/29 (45%), p << 0.001] and more likely to express surface immunoglobulin [21/32 (66%) vs. 3/28 (11%), p << 0.001], compared to MGUS. Those expressing CD19 did so at a significantly lower level than in MGUS, with no overlap in mean fluorescence intensities [174 ± 25 vs. 430 ± 34, p << 0.001]. There were no significant differences in CD56 expression [23/32 (72%) vs. 18/29 (62%), p = 0.29], CD45 expression [15/32 (47%) vs. 20/30 (67%), p = 0.10] or CD38 mean fluorescence intensities [6552 ± 451 vs. 6365 ± 420, p = 0.38]. Two of the six MGUS cases (33%) with >90% CD19(-) plasma cells showed progression of disease, whereas none of the cases with >10% CD19(+) plasma cells evolved to PCM.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>MGUS cases with potential for disease progression appeared to lack CD19 expression on >90% of their plasma cells, displaying an immunophenotypic profile similar to PCM plasma cells. A higher relative proportion of CD19(+) plasma cells in MGUS may be associated with a lower potential for disease progression.</p

Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Modulate Mouse ENT1 Activity and Protect Leukemia Cells from Cytarabine Induced Apoptosis

BACKGROUND: Despite a high response rate to chemotherapy, the majority of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are destined to relapse due to residual disease in the bone marrow (BM). The tumor microenvironment is increasingly being recognized as a critical factor in mediating cancer cell survival and drug resistance. In this study, we propose to identify mechanisms involved in the chemoprotection conferred by the BM stroma to leukemia cells. METHODS: Using a leukemia mouse model and a human leukemia cell line, we studied the interaction of leukemia cells with the BM microenvironment. We evaluated in vivo and in vitro leukemia cell chemoprotection to different cytotoxic agents mediated by the BM stroma. Leukemia cell apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry and western blotting. The activity of the equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (ENT1), responsible for cytarabine cell incorporation, was investigated by measuring transport and intracellular accumulation of (3)H-adenosine. RESULTS: Leukemia cell mobilization from the bone marrow into peripheral blood in vivo using a CXCR4 inhibitor induced chemo-sensitization of leukemia cells to cytarabine, which translated into a prolonged survival advantage in our mouse leukemia model. In vitro, the BM stromal cells secreted a soluble factor that mediated significant chemoprotection to leukemia cells from cytarabine induced apoptosis. Furthermore, the BM stromal cell supernatant induced a 50% reduction of the ENT1 activity in leukemia cells, reducing the incorporation of cytarabine. No protection was observed when radiation or other cytotoxic agents such as etoposide, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil were used. CONCLUSION: The BM stroma secretes a soluble factor that significantly protects leukemia cells from cytarabine-induced apoptosis and blocks ENT1 activity. Strategies that modify the chemo-protective effects mediated by the BM microenvironment may enhance the benefit of conventional chemotherapy for patients with AML

Platelet aging in vivo is associated with loss of membrane phospholipid asymmetry

Palomo, I.G. Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Talca, Chile, Casilla N° 747, Talca, Chile.The mechanism(s) involved in the clearance of senescent platelets are largely unknown. The loss of membrane phospholipid (PL) asymmetry, with phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure appears to be an important signal for the ingestion by macrophages of apoptotic nucleated cells and it has also been suggested as a signal for the removal of aged erythrocytes. Accordingly, it seems possible that the clearance of normal aged platelets from circulation might be triggered by PS exposure. To investigate this, we determined PS exposure in human aging platelets taking advantage of the relationship between platelet density and platelet age and in dog platelets in a model of platelet aging in vivo. PS exposure was determined in two experimental conditions: 1) human platelet density subpopulations obtained by centrifugation in arabinogalactan gradients; 2) circulating canine platelets during decline in platelet count after suppression of thrombopoiesis following estradiol injection. PS exposure was determined by flow cytometry after labeling the cells with FITC-conjugated annexin V. The proportion of human platelets with exposed PS was significantly higher in high density (HD) platelets compared to low density (LD) platelets (11.3 +/- 8.0% vs 5.2 +/- 3.7%; p < 0.05, respectively). In dogs, the proportion of cells with exposed PS rises dramatically with age, from 3.1 +/- 0.4% before to 17.7 +/- 12.3% ten days after estradiol injection. These findings suggest that platelet aging is associated with loss of phospholipid asymmetry and PS exposure on the outer leaflet of cell membrane, which may play an important role in the recognition and subsequent removal of senescent platelets

Platelet aging in vivo is associated with activation of apoptotic pathways: Studies in a model of suppressed thrombopoiesis in dogs

Palomo, I.G. Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Talca, Chile, Casilla N° 747, Talca, Chile.he mechanism(s) involved in the clearance of senescent platelets are largely unknown. We have recently demonstrated that platelet aging in vivo is associated with loss of membrane phospholipid asymmetry, a universal phenomenon in cells undergoing apoptosis. Thus, We postulated that senescent platelets may exhibit programmed cell death changes, which may trigger their removal from circulation. Since platelets contain the apoptosis machinery as well as mitochondria, a key organelle in the regulation of apoptosis, we studied the appearance of apoptotic-like changes during platelet aging in vivo. To investigate this, we assessed changes in mitochondrial membrane potential in circulating canine platelets during decline in platelet Count after suppression of thrombopoiesis by estradiol injection. a validated model to obtain circulating platelets of increasing mean ace. Phosphatidyl-serine (PS) exposure was determined by flow cytometry by binding of FITC-labeled annexin V. Mitochondrial Deltapsi was studied with the cationic lipophilic dye DIOC6 (3) and the J-aggregate-forming cation JC-1 and analysis by flow cytometry. The proportion of platelets with exposed PS rose significantly with age, from 2.88% before to 6.7%. 8 days after estradiol injection. By flow, cytometry it was demonstrated a significant decreased in DIOC6 (3) fluorescence (median fluorescence intensity 791 98 vs 567 1021 day 0 vs day 8 post injection of estradiol, respectively n:11; p<0.01), consistent with mitochondrial &UDelta;ψ collapse. JC-1 has the unique property of forming J-aggregates tinder high mitochondrial &UDelta;ψ (red fluorescence, FL2) whereas the monomeric form fluoresces in green (FL1). Aged platelets in vivo, loaded with JC-1, exhibited a significant increase in FL1/FL2 ratio (2.5&PLUSMN;1.7 vs 4.7&PLUSMN;1.6, day 0 vs day 8 post injection of estradiol, respectively n:13; p<0.05). confirming the mitochondrial Deltapsi alteration. The results show that platelet aging in vivo is associated with a decrease in mitochondrial Deltapsi and PS exposure. In conclusion. our data provide for the first time, evidence that platelet senescence is associated with changes characteristics of apoptosis, which may promote their removal from circulation

Retrospective study comparing low-dose versus standard dose of bortezomib in patients with multiple myeloma

INTRODUCTION Bortezomib is a selective inhibitor of the proteosoma that is used in multiple myeloma. In combination with other antineoplastic drugs, it has a well-documented impact in progression-free survival rates and overall survival rates with standard doses (1.3-1.5 mg/m2). However, up to 88% of patients on standard doses have unwanted side effects (neutropenia, neuropathy or anemia. Standard dose (1.3 mg/m2) is used in almost all patients and low dose (0.7-0.8 mg/m2) is reserved for patients with kidney disease and neuropathy. OBJECTIVE We aim to describe clinical, cytological, and cytometric outcomes, as well as overall survival and side effects of low dose versus standard dose of bortezomib in our institution. METHODS Retrospective, descriptive study based on data recovered from clinical charts of 48 multiple myeloma patients treated in our hospital between 2011 and 2013. We included data on age, gender, type of multiple myeloma, serum albumin, serum creatinine, beta 2 microglobulin, calcemia, imaging studies, disease stage, pre-and post-therapy bone marrow studies, adverse events and rate of progression. We also recorded events like date of death or of the last medical appointment. RESULTS Forty-eight multiple myeloma patients were treated with bortezomib-cyclophosphamide-dexamethasone. Twenty-one patients received low dose and 27 patients were treated with the standard dose. No statistical differences between the two groups were found for clinical response (p=0.6), cytological response (p=0.28), flow cytometric response (p= 0.3), rate of adverse effects and overall survival rates. CONCLUSION This retrospective analysis suggests that lower doses of bortezomib have similar effects in disease control measured by flow cytometry and cytology compared to standard doses in multiple myeloma patients