Inhibitory effects of diarsenic trioxide (As2O3) on hepatocellular carcinoma cells exerted by regulation of promyelocytic leukemia protein levels

Previous Chinese research revealed that diarsenic trioxide (As2O3) inhibits acute promyelocytic leukemia (PML) cell proliferation and initiates apoptosis through degradation of the PML-retinoic acid receptor protein. This study was to analyse whether As2O3 also had an effect on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. As2O3 effects on various HCC cell lines and primary HCC cells were investigated in time and dose series, including measurements of cell growth, PML mRNA and protein expression, xenografted tumor formation, and the self-renewal Oct4 and hepatocyte marker expressions in mouse model xenografts or cells treated with PML siRNA. The results were analyzed by immunocytochemistry, quantitative reverse transcription PCR and western blotting as well as indocyanine green and Periodic Acid Schiff staining. As2O3 inhibited HCC cell and HCC cell-derived xenograft tumor formation in a time-dependent manner and reduced PML protein expression in HCC cells, but had limited effects on PML mRNA levels in cell nuclei. The HCC cell line HuH7 treated with As2O3 showed a decreased expression of alpha-fetoprotein and increased expression and transcription of mature hepatocyte markers, indicating differentiation of HCC cells into hepatocytes. Cytokeratin 18 protein and mRNA levels as well as tyrosine aminotransferase and apolipoprotein B mRNA transcriptions were enhanced by As2O3 as were the numbers of indocyanine green and Periodic Acid Schiff stained cells. In addition, As2O3 downregulated the expression of Oct4. In conclusion, since As2O3 inhibited HCC cell proliferation and HCC cell-derived xenograft tumor formation it is suggested that an appropriate concentration of As2O3 might be a promising therapy to treat HCC.

Transcritos de fusión del gen PML/RARα en pacientes con leucemia promielocítica / Fusion transcripts of the PML/RARα gene in patients with promyelocytic leukemia

Introducción: La leucemia promielocítica se considera una enfermedad bien definida por sus peculiares características clínicas, morfológicas, citogenéticas y moleculares. El descubrimiento de los mecanismos oncogenéticos implicados en la génesis de la enfermedad hacen de esta variante de leucemia uno de los modelos más relevantes de investigación traslacional. Objetivo: Caracterizar los transcritos de fusión del gen PML/RARα en pacientes con leucemia promielocítica. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación observacional, ambispectiva, descriptiva, longitudinal, en pacientes con diagnóstico de leucemia promielocítica, en el Instituto de Hematología e Inmunología, entre enero de 2001 y diciembre de 2020. El universo estuvo constituido por 105 pacientes que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Resultados: No existe relación entre los transcritos y la edad, sexo, color de piel y las características clínicas. La presencia del transcrito de fusión bcr3 se asoció a mayores cifras de hemoglobina y menor valor de plaquetas. La incidencia de recaída no se relacionó con los transcritos de fusión y no se comprobó que existiera influencia de éstos, sobre la supervivencia global en pacientes con leucemia promielocítica. Conclusiones: Las características de los transcritos de fusión del gen PML/RARα son similares a los reportes internacionales, sobre todo en poblaciones de origen latino(AU)

Introduction: Promyelocytic leukemia is considered a well-defined entity due to its peculiar clinical, morphological, cytogenetic and molecular characteristics. The discovery of the oncogenetic mechanisms involved in the genesis of the disease makes this variant of leukemia one of the most relevant models for translational research. Objective: To characterize the fusion transcripts of the PML/RARα gene in patients with promyelocytic leukemia. Methods: An observational, ambispective, descriptive, longitudinal investigation was carried out in patients diagnosed with promyelocytic leukemia at the Institute of Hematology and Immunology, between January 2001 and December 2020. The sample consisted of 105 patients who met the criteria for inclusion and exclusion. Results: There is no relationship between the transcripts and age, sex, skin color and clinical characteristics. The presence of the bcr3 fusion transcript was associated with higher hemoglobin levels and lower platelet counts. The incidence of relapse was not related to fusion transcripts and their influence on overall survival in patients with promyelocytic leukemia was not proven. Conclusions: The fusion transcripts´scharacteristicsof the PML/RARα gene are similar to international reports, especially from populations of Latin origin(AU)

MicroRNA-125b Accelerates and Promotes PML-RARa-driven Murine Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

Objective@#Most acute promyelocytic leukemia cases are characterized by the PML-RARa fusion oncogene and low white cell counts in peripheral blood.@*Methods@#Based on the frequent overexpression of miR-125-family miRNAs in acute promyelocytic leukemia, we examined the consequence of this phenomenon by using an inducible mouse model overexpressing human miR-125b.@*Results@#MiR-125b expression significantly accelerates PML-RARa-induced leukemogenesis, with the resultant induced leukemia being partially dependent on continued miR-125b overexpression. Interestingly, miR-125b expression led to low peripheral white cell counts to bone marrow blast percentage ratio, confirming the clinical observation in acute promyelocytic leukemia patients.@*Conclusion@#This study suggests that dysregulated miR-125b expression is actively involved in disease progression and pathophysiology of acute promyelocytic leukemia, indicating that targeting miR-125b may represent a new therapeutic option for acute promyelocytic leukemia.

CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL STUDY OF ACUTE PROMYELOCYTIC LEUKEMIA: AN EXPERIENCE FROM A TEACHING HOSPITAL IN INDIA

Data on the clinicopathological features of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) patients from India is limited. Present study was a cross sectional study which included 18 patients of APL. Medical records of these 18 patients were reviewed to collect their clinical details and laboratory results. High risk patients (total leucocyte count >10,000/cmm) were treated with modified APML 4 protocol.Low risk patients (total leucocyte count <10,000/cmm) were treated with protocol APL- 0406-Intergroup Study AL WP GIMEMA-DSIL protocol. Outcomes in terms of complete remission were assessed in both these groups. Mean haemoglobin levels was 7.03gm%, mean total leucocyte count was 30,462per cmm, mean platelet count was 27,222/cmm. Bone marrow was reported as suggestive of APL in 17 cases while in 1 case, BM aspirate was inadequate. Average percentage of abnormal promyelocytes in bone marrow was 84.25%. PT was prolonged in 15 cases, while APTT was prolonged in 3 cases. Flow cytometry analysis was done in 12 patients. All patients were CD45, MPO, CD13, CD33 and CD64 positive. Chromosomal analysis was possible in 11 cases. t(15;17)(q22;21) was identified in 6 cases (54.62%). 3 cases (27.27%) showed normal karyotype. 2 (18.18%) cases had additional cytogenetic abnormalities. All patients under high risk category attained CR. 1 patient under low risk category with additional cytogenetic abnormality died 6 days after induction therapy was started. 10 (55.55%) patients developed complications such as neutropenic sepsis, intracranial hemorrhage, differentiation syndrome, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, pseudotumorcerebri, QTc interval prolongation, and pneumonia.

Follow-up and outcome of the twelve-year experience in adult patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia

ABSTRACT Acute promyelocytic leukemia is a subtype of acute myeloid leukemia, characterized by the presence of neoplastic promyelocytes, due to the reciprocal balanced translocation between chromosomes 15 and 17. Currently, with the use of agents that act directly on this molecular change, such as all-trans retinoic acid and arsenic trioxide, APL has shifted from a highly mortal to a curable disease. However, some cases are still at high risk of death, especially early death, and acquiring a better understanding of the clinical and biological factors involving APL is needed to correctly identify and treat such cases. The early suspected diagnosis and prompt initiation of the target therapy are important for better response rates. The follow-up and outcomes, using real-life data from 44 consecutive APL patients, were studied between 2001 and 2013. The overall survival rate was 82.7% and early death was 16%. Almost all patient deaths were due to severe bleeding, which was confirmed by multivariate analysis, as the most important prognostic factor leading to death. A better understanding the pathogenesis of the hemorrhagic complications in APL is needed, as well as the risk factors associated with early death in APL patients, as this has become synonymous with overall mortality.

Evaluación cardiovascular en pacientes con leucemia promielocítica tratados con el protocolo LPM-TOA / Cardiovascular evaluation of patients with promyelocytic leukemia treated with the PML-ATO protocol

Introducción: Con el protocolo LPM-TOA para tratamiento de la leucemia promielocítica, se han obtenido excelentes resultados, ya que se logra sobrevida global prolongada y posible curación de los enfermos. En la inducción se utilizan dos drogas cardiotóxicas: las antraciclinas y el trióxido de arsénico y en la consolidación los enfermos reciben una dosis elevada de arsénico. Objetivo: Evaluar la toxicidad cardíaca tardía en pacientes con leucemia promielocítica tratados según el protocolo LPM-TOA. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo, prospectivo y longitudinal que incluyó 20 pacientes tratados con protocolo LPM-TOA, seguidos en consulta entre enero y julio 2019. Los pacientes tenían más de dos años de haber recibido las drogas cardiotóxicas. Se revisaron las historias clínicas y se determinó la fracción de eyección ventricular izquierda y la deformidad longitudinal global, mediante ecocardiograma. Resultados: Se presentaron hombres y mujeres con igual frecuencia, edad promedio 41,5 ± 11,0 años. Durante la inducción, en menos de la mitad de los enfermos se suspendió el arsénico por elevación del segmento QT corregido; en la mayoría solo se suspendió por uno o dos días. La mayor parte de los pacientes tuvo la fracción de eyección ventricular izquierda con valores entre 61 y 70 por ciento y la deformidad longitudinal global fue - 24 - 22 por ciento Conclusiones: En los pacientes estudiados, el tiempo de haber recibido el trióxido de arsénico y la dosis recibida, no influyó en la función cardíaca(AU)

Introduction: The PML-ATO protocol for the treatment of promyelocytic leukemia has obtained excellent results, achieving high overall survival rates and the possible healing of patients. Two cardiotoxic drugs are used in the induction process: anthracyclines and arsenic trioxide, whereas during consolidation patients receive a high dose of arsenic. Objective: Evaluate the late cardiotoxicity in patients with promyelocytic leukemia treated by the PML-ATO protocol. Methods: An observational prospective longitudinal descriptive study was conducted of 20 patients treated with the PML-ATO protocol and followed-up in outpatient consultation from January to July 2019. More than two years had elapsed since the patients received the cardiotoxic drugs. A review was carried out of the patients' medical records and echocardiographic determination was made of left ventricular ejection fraction and overall longitudinal deformity. Results: Men and women presented the same frequency; mean age was 41.5 ± 11.0 years. During induction, arsenic was suspended in less than half the patients due to corrected QT elevation. In most it was only suspended for one or two days. Most patients had left ventricular ejection fraction values between 61 percent and 70 percent, whereas overall longitudinal deformity was - 24 percent - 22 percent. Conclusions: In the patients studied, cardiac function was not affected by the time elapsed since arsenic trioxide administration or the dose received(AU)

The latest progress on JC virus infection after renal transplantation / 器官移植

JC virus (JCV) is a member of polyomaviridae family that infects approximately 70% of the population worldwide. JCV constantly stays in a latent state after the primary infection. In immunosuppressed individuals, especially under the circumstances of low cellular immune function, JCV may be reactivated and lead to severe clinical manifestations. In recent years, the correlation between JCV and complications after renal transplantation has captivated widespread attention. JCV-associated nephropathy (JCVAN) has been reported. Here, latest research progresses on the epidemiology, molecular biology, in vivo infection process, JCV and complications after renal transplantation, and the relationship between JCV and BKV were reviewed, aiming to provide reference for the adjustment of immunosuppressive regimen following renal transplantation.

Tetraploid/near-tetraploid acute promyelocytic leukaemia with double (15;17) translocation

@#A 57-year-old man presented with intermittent fever and bleeding following dental surgery. Peripheral smear and bone marrow aspirate exhibited unusually large and bizarre-looking abnormal cells which were found to be myeloblasts with aberrant CD56 and CD2 expression on immunophenotyping. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis revealed an extra RARA gene rearrangement. This finding correlated well with a near-tetraploid karyotype with double t(15;17)(q22;q21). Bcr-3 type PML/ RARA copies were identified in reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The diagnosis of near-tetraploid acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APML) was established. The patient was treated with all-trans retinoic acid and idarubicin and six weeks later achieved complete remission. Tetraploid/ near-tetraploid APML is exceedingly rare. It is a distinct cytogenetic subgroup with unique clinical and biological features as highlighted by atypical morphology, frequent CD2 expression and association with the bcr-3 type PML/RARA fusion transcripts. Early recognition of this rare entity is essential for timely and appropriate treatment.

Detección del gen fusión PML-RARα en pacientes colombianos con leucemia mieloide aguda / Detection of the PML-RARα fusion gene in Colombian patients with acute myeloid leukemia

Resumen Introducción: la leucemia promielocítica aguda es un subtipo de leucemia mieloide aguda caracterizada por la presencia de una translocación entre los cromosomas 15 y 17 que provoca la formación de un gen fusión denominado PML/RARα. Determinar la presencia de este gen fusión es crítico para estos pacientes ya que su presencia hace el diagnóstico de la enfermedad, aún sin tener resultados de patología. Con esta investigación se busca ajustar e implementar una prueba altamente sensible y específica para la detección del reordenamiento PML/RARα. Métodos: a partir de sangre periférica se extrajo RNA de pacientes diagnosticados con leucemia mieloide aguda en dos instituciones de Antioquia (Colombia). Se realizó RT-PCR anidada para la detección de PML/RARα, ajustando un protocolo previamente publicado. Resultados: se ajustó y estandarizó un método para detectar mediante RT-PCR el gen fusión PML/RARα. Mediante esta técnica se logró identificar la traslocación en cuatro pacientes (22 %) de la cohorte estudiada. Conclusiones: los resultados están de acuerdo con estudios previos. La detección de esta y otras alteraciones citogenéticas mediante pruebas moleculares permitirá tener información valiosa a nivel de diagnóstico y pronóstico de los pacientes con leucemia mieloide aguda en Antioquia.

Abstract Introduction: acute promyelocytic leukemia is a subtype of acute myeloid leukemia characterized by the presence of a translocation between chromosomes 15 and 17, which causes the formation of a fusion gene called PML/RARα. Determining the presence of this fusion gene is critical for these patients, since their presence makes the diagnosis of the disease, even with no pathology results This research seeks to adjust and implement a highly sensitive and specific test for the diagnosis of this cytogenetic abnormality. Methods: peripheral blood samples from patients diagnosed with acute myelocytic leukemia were collected in two institutions of Antioquia (Colombia), from which RNA was extracted and nested RT-PCR was performed, adjusting a previously published protocol. Results: we adjusted and standardized a method to detect the PML/RARα fusion gene by RT-PCR. Using this technique, translocation was identified in four patients (22%) of the studied cohort. Conclusions: our results agree with previous studies. The detection of this and other cytogenetic alterations by means of molecular tests will allow to have valuable information at the level of diagnosis and prognosis of patients with AML in Antioquia.

Clinical features of different isoforms of PML鄄RARα fusion gene in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia / 白血病·淋巴瘤

Objective To explore the clinical features and prognosis of different PML_RARα fusion gene isoforms in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Methods The clinical data of 78 patients initially diagnosed with APL in Fujian Medical University Union Hospital from February 2013 to July 2016 were collected. The clinical features and prognosis of different PML_RARα fusion gene isoforms were analyzed. Results There were 32 females (41%) and 46 males (59%) in 78 patients, with a median age of 40 years old (13-68 years old). The most common PML_RARα fusion gene was L type (48.7%, 38/78), followed by S type (46.2%, 36/78) and V type (5.1%, 4/78). The patients with white blood cell count more than 10×109/L (high_risk) occurred mostly in S type (61.1%, 22/36), compared with V type and L type, and there were statistically different (χ 2 ＝ 7.683, P < 0.05). A total of 78 patients included 8 cases (10.2%) of combined CD34 positive, 17 cases (21.8%) of combined FLT3_ITD mutation, 12 cases (15.4%) of combined DNMT3A mutation and 9 cases (11.5%) of additional chromosomal abnormalities. There were no significant differences in CD34 positive, FLT3_ITD, DNMT3A, and the incidence of additional chromosomal abnormalities among the three different isoforms (P＞0.05). The most common occurrence of retinoic acid syndrome (RAS) during treatment was S type (21/36), while rare for L type and V type (χ2＝ 7.633, P< 0.05). There were no statistical differences in the complete remission (CR) rate and disease_free survival rate among the patients with different PML_RARα isoforms (P＞0.05). Conclusions The clinical characteristics of different PML_RARα fusion gene isoforms are different, including most_common L type, more_common V type and S type in high risk groups; complicated RAS is commonly found in S type during the treatment. And different isoforms have no effect on the CR and DFS rate.

La biología molecular en la precisión diagnósticade las leucemias / Molecular biology in the diagnostic accuracy of leukemia

Los estudios de citogenética y biología molecular permiten correlacionar la presencia de determinadas anomalías cromosómicas y moleculares con tipos específicos de leucemias y linfomas. Este conocimiento ha hecho posible el perfeccionamiento progresivo del sistema de clasificación de las enfermedades oncohematológicas. Actualmente la presencia de ciertas anomalías citogenéticas o moleculares son suficientes para identificar algunas de estas entidades y en ocasiones, el diagnóstico cambia después de un análisis integrado de la citomorfología con la citogenética y la biología molecular. Este reporte pretende resaltar la importancia del estudio molecular cuando la citomorfología es compleja y propicia diagnósticos erróneos. Mediante la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa, previa reverso-transcripción del ARN aislado de sangre medular, se estudiaron cuatro biomarcadores: los genes de fusión AML1-ETO, BCR-ABL, CBFβ-MYH11 y PML-RARα. Fueron estudiados 14 pacientes con diagnósticos inicial citomorfológico de: leucemia promielocítica (n= 6), leucemia aguda de linaje indefinido (n= 3) y dudoso entre leucemia mieloide crónica en crisis blástica mieloide y leucemia mieloide aguda (LMA) (n= 5). Al culminar la caracterización molecular todos fueron diagnosticados como LMA. Los resultados ilustran la importancia del estudio molecular en la clasificación de las leucemias, lo cual redunda en que el paciente reciba el tratamiento más adecuado y alcance una mejor respuesta.

Cytogenetic and molecular studies have correlated the presence of certain chromosomal and molecular anomalies with leukemia and lymphomas specific types. These evidences have allowed the progressive improvement of the system of classification of the oncohematological entities. Currently, the presence of certain cytogenetic or molecular anomalies is sufficient to identify specific entities and, in some occasions, the diagnostic changes after an integral analysis of cytomorfologic, cytogenetic and molecular studies. T This report aims to highlight the importance of molecular study when cytomorphology is complex and leads to erroneous diagnoses. Through polymerase chain reaction, prior reverse transcription of the RNA isolated from medullary blood, four biomarkers were studied: the fusion genes AML1-ETO, BCR-ABL, CBFβ-MYH11 and PML-RARα. Fourteen patients with initial diagnosis of: promyelocytic leukemia (n= 6), acute leukemia without lineage definition (n= 3) and chronic myeloid leukemia in myeloid blastic crisis or acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (n= 5) were studied. At the end of the molecular characterization all were diagnosed as AML. These results enlightened the role of the molecular studies in the classification of leukemia, which permit the patient receives the more appropriate treatment and achieve a better response.

BRD4 interacts with PML/RARα in acute promyelocytic leukemia / 医学前沿

Bromodomain-containing 4 (BRD4) has been considered as an important requirement for disease maintenance and an attractive therapeutic target for cancer therapy. This protein can be targeted by JQ1, a selective small-molecule inhibitor. However, few studies have investigated whether BRD4 influenced acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), and whether BRD4 had interaction with promyelocytic leukemia-retinoic acid receptor α (PML/RARα) fusion protein to some extent. Results from cell viability assay, cell cycle analysis, and Annexin-V/PI analysis indicated that JQ1 inhibited the growth of NB4 cells, an APL-derived cell line, and induced NB4 cell cycle arrest at G1 and apoptosis. Then, we used co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) assay and immunoblot to demonstrate the endogenous interaction of BRD4 and PML/RARα in NB4 cells. Moreover, downregulation of PML/RARα at the mRNA and protein levels was observed upon JQ1 treatment. Furthermore, results from the RT-qPCR, ChIP-qPCR, and re-ChIP-qPCR assays showed that BRD4 and PML/RARα co-existed on the same regulatory regions of their target genes. Hence, we showed a new discovery of the interaction of BRD4 and PML/RARα, as well as the decline of PML/RARα expression, under JQ1 treatment.

Leukemic Pleural Effusion in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia: A Case Report

In patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), pleural effusion may be attributed to various factors, including infection, hypoalbuminemia, and renal failure. However, leukemic infiltration of the pleural fluid is rarely reported and poorly understood. Extramedullary diseases have been reported with increasing frequency as the survival rates of patients with AML have increased. However, the reported prognostic effects of leukemic pleural effusion in patients with AML range from none to a worse prognosis. Here, we report a case of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) in a patient exhibiting leukemic pleural effusion with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) results indicating the presence of the PML-RARA fusion gene. A 52-year-old man presented with pancytopenia, dyspnea, and fever. He had a medical history of hypertension, end-stage renal disease, and hepatitis B virus-related liver cirrhosis. A peripheral blood smear revealed the presence of multiple abnormally hypergranular promyelocytes. White blood cell differential counts were not performed due to severe pancytopenia. A bone marrow examination, immunophenotyping analysis, and cytogenetic and molecular studies revealed APL. The patient was treated with all-trans retinoic acid immediately after abnormal promyelocytes were observed in the peripheral blood smear, but induction chemotherapy was delayed because of his poor condition. His persistent dyspnea and abdominal discomfort led to a thoracentesis and the observation of abnormal promyelocytes that were positive for PML-RARA fusion gene by FISH. To our knowledge, this is the first report of leukemic pleural infiltration with PML-RARA fusion gene-positivity via FISH.

Progress of PML post-translational modifications in tumor cells / 中国病理生理杂志

The promyelocytic leukemia (PML) protein is an important part of the PML nuclear bodies (PML-NBs) structure.PML protein is crucial for the assembly of PML-NBs and recruits more than 30 different proteins, including DAXX, ATRX, and small ubiquitin-like molecules involving SUMO to the PML-NBs region.Increased evidence has emerged that a number of different proteins is involved in regulating PML activities by post-translational modifications, such as SUMO modification, ubiquitination and phosphorylation.Here, we review recent studies on the combination of PML and different proteins in the process of apoptosis, replicative senescence and DNA damage response.

A Case of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia with Co-existence of BCR-ABL1 and PML-RARA Rearrangements Detected by PCR

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a distinct subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) characterized by PML-RARA fusion and specific morphology. The BCR-ABL1 rearrangement is mainly observed in patients with chronic myeloid leukiemia (CML). However, it is also found in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and in a few patients with AML. However, it is very rarely observed in patients with APL. Here, we report a case of APL with t(15;17) and co-existence of PML-RARA and BCR-ABL1. Further study with more cases is warranted to find the right treatment and prognostic significance.

Clinical study of children with acute promyelocytic leukemia treated with arsenic trioxide with positive PML -RARa fusion gene / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of different treatment regimens for children with acute promye-locytic leukemia (APL)with positive PML -RARa fusion gene.Methods Thirty -two newly diagnosed APL patients were included in this study,treated either with all -trans -retinoic acid (ATRA)and chemotherapy (CT)(group A) or with ATRA and arsenic trioxide (ATO)(group B).Clinical situation and clinical efficacy were analyzed in patients in different groups.They were also separated into low risk group,intermediate risk group and high risk group according to different risk criteria.Clinical characteristics,complete remission,long -time survival and urine arsenic concentra-tion were analyzed and compared.Results (1 )Fourteen of 1 5 patients (93.3%)in group A achieved hematological complete remission (HCR)with a median time of 38 days (28 -63 days).Sixteen of 1 7 patients (94.1 %)in group B achieved HCR with a median time of 29 days (1 0 -42 days),which was significantly shorter than group A,and there was a significant difference between 2 groups(t =3.53,P =0.002).(2)The 5 -year event -free survival (EFS)of group A and group B was (60.0 ±1 2.6)% and (81 .9 ±9.5)%,respectively;the 5 -year EFS of group B was almost 20% higher than group A;while there was no significant difference between the 2 groups(χ2 =1 .1 5,P =0.28).The 5 -year overall survival (OS)of group A and group B was (72.2 ±1 1 .9)% and (94.1 ±5.7)%,respectively,the 5 -year OS of group B was almost 20% higher than group A;while there was no significant difference between the 2 groups(χ2 =2.88,P =0.1 6).(3)The 5 -year EFS of low plus intermediate group and high risk group patients was (74.0 ±1 0.1 )% and (64.8 ±1 4.3)%,the 5 -year EFS of low plus intermediate group was almost 1 0% higher than high risk group,but there was no significant difference between the 2 groups(χ2 =0.1 4,P =0.71 ).The 5 -year OS of low plus intermediate group and high risk group patients was (84.7 ±8.1 )% and (71 .3 ±1 4.1 )%,the 5 -year OS of low plus intermediate group was almost 1 0% higher than high risk group,while there was no significant difference be-tween the 2 groups(χ2 =0.36,P =0.55).(4)ATO related side effects were mild,including abnormal liver tests and e-lectrocardiogram,but were invertible after supportive therapy.At the end of each chemotherapy course,the urine arsenic concentration remained low and no chronic arsenic toxicity or second malignancies were found during the follow -up period.Conclusions The ATRA plus ATO regimen is a promising and better treatment for childhood APL with positive PML -RARa fusion gene compared with conventional chemotherapy.It was necessary to take risk stratification in APL patients.

Clinical analysis of 43 childhood APL with APL2008 / 重庆医学

Objective To evaluate the treatment of current status and prognosis in childhood APL with APL2008 ,which was administrated since 2008 in our center .Methods A total of 43 children with newly diagnosed APL between 2008 to 2014 were studied retrospectively .Treatment options and current status were summarized from 28 patients who received APL2008 therapy . Results Studied 43 patients were at median age of 8 years and 4 months ,with 28 boys and 15 girls .The main clinical manifestations were infection ,anemia ,bleeding ,fever ,hepatomegaly ,splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy .The proportions of low ,intermediate and high risk groups were 27 .9% ,48 .8% and 23 .3% ,respectively .Eleven cases could be diagnosed as DIC .Bone marrow morphology showed abnormal elevation of promyelocyte .37 patients had distinctive immunophenotype such as frequent expression of CD33 , CD117 and MPO .PML/RARαfusion gene positive rate was 100% in 43 children and cytogenetic analysis were positive in 37 cases , of which specific genetic lesion in APL cells with t (15 ;17)(q22 ;q12) was found in 28 cases ,and karyotypes was found in 9 cases as infrequent chromosomal abnormalities .In 43 patients ,4 cases were early dead from intracranial hemorrhage at early stage ,and 11 cases were given up early .There were only 2 cases dead ,2 cases relapsed and 1 case lost among 28 APL children ,which enabled ef‐ficacy analysis possible .96 .4% of these 28 cases achieved HCR .The 2 year Kaplan Meier estimates of OS and EFS were 85 .9% ± 7 .6% and 80 .4% ± 8 .8% .But OS and EFS would be 94 .7% ± 5 .1% and 88 .9% ± 7 .4% if 3 patients who had non standard treat‐ment were excluded .Conclusion Childhood APL were characterized by anemia ,bleeding ,fever and infiltration .APL′s coincidence rate between PML/RARa fusion gene and morphology ,immunology and cytogenetics were 95 .3% ,90 .2% and 86 .5% ,respective‐ly .APL2008 significantly improved the prognosis of APL .

Avaliação do fator CIITA como potencial adjuvante molecular para vacinas e imunoterapias / Evaluation of CIITA factor as a potential molecular adjuvant for vaccines and immunotherapies

O fator CIITA é a proteína responsável por controlar a transcrição de genes do complexo principal de histocompatibilidade de classe II (MHC II) envolvidos na apresentação antigênica a linfócitos T CD4+. A expressão desta proteína é complexa e célula-específica, dependendo de mecanismos de regulação transcricionais e póstranscricionais. Com o intuito de investigar o potencial do fator CIITA como adjuvante molecular, no presente estudo desenvolvemos e validamos sistemas de transferência gênica capazes de promover a eficiente expressão de CIITA em vários tipos celulares. Além disso, investigamos a regulação pós-traducional deste fator em células não hematopoéticas. Desta forma, foram produzidos um vetor plasmidial e um vetor lentiviral, ambos carreando a sequência do fator CIITA humano desenhada in silico visando a eliminação de elementos cis-reguladores, e otimizada para eficiente expressão em células humanas. A transfecção/transdução de três linhagens de células humanas não hematopoéticas resultou na eficiente expressão de CIITA com localização nuclear apropriada. Células expressando CIITA apresentaram síntese de novo do MHC II, confirmando a funcionalidade da proteína e validando ambos os vetores para a análise futura da atividade adjuvante do CIITA em imunizações gênicas. Ensaios preliminares de inoculação de explantes de pele humana com o vetor lentiviral evidenciaram a eficiente transdução e expressão do CIITA exógeno em células primárias. Em seguida, células dendríticas (DCs) derivadas de monócitos de indivíduos saudáveis ou infectados com HIV-1 foram transduzidas com o vetor lentiviral para confirmar a expressão do CIITA em células primárias e avaliar a aplicação desse sistema adjuvante no aprimoramento da vacina de DCs anti-HIV. DCs de indivíduos saudáveis ou infectados foram transduzidas com sucesso pelo lentivírus, o qual induziu uma produção prolongada do mRNA codificando CIITA. Entretanto, os vetores lentivirais induziram um...

The CIITA factor is a protein responsible for controlling the transcription of major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC II) genes involved on antigen presentation to CD4+ T helper cells. The expression of this transcription factor is complex and differs in various cell types depending on transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. In order to investigate the CIITA factor potential as molecular adjuvant, here we developed and validated two gene delivery systems capable of promoting efficient CIITA expression in various human cell types. Additionally, we applied the delivery systems to investigate the post-translational regulation of this factor in nonimmune cells. A DNA plasmid and a lentiviral vector were produced, both carrying the human CIITA DNA sequence in silico designed to avoid cis-regulatory elements, and genetic optimized for expression efficacy in human cells. Transfection or transduction of three different non-immune human cell lines resulted in efficient CIITA expression with proper nuclear localization. The CIITA-expressing cells presented de novo MHC II molecules expression confirming the functionality of the exogenous protein, and validating both delivery systems for the future analysis of the CIITA adjuvant activity in genetic immunizations. Preliminary assays involving the inoculation of the lentiviral vector into human skin explants showed efficient transduction and expression of exogenous CIITA in primary cells. Next, monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) from healthy individuals and HIV-1-infected patients were transduced with the lentiviral vector to confirm the exogenous CIITA expression in primary human cells and also evaluate the applicability of this adjuvant system to improve the DC-based vaccines against HIV. DCs from healthy and infected individuals were successfully transduced by the lentivirus, which induced a sustained CIITA mRNA production. However, the vector particles by themselves induced an...

Characterizing PML/RARα Isoforms of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL) in Malay patients.

Aim: Reciprocal translocation between retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARα) gene on chromo- some 17 and promyelocytic leukemia (PML) gene on chromosome 15 is the hallmark for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Three different PML/RARα isoforms have been described; S-form, L-form and V-form. Our aims were to characterize the different types of PML/RARα iso- forms in Malay patients with APL and to determine the outcome of these different types of iso- forms. Materials and methods: RT-PCR analysis was performed on 20 patients recruited from hematology-oncology ward. RT-PCR detected fusion transcript of PML/RARα in all patients. Results and Discussion: Of these patients, 65% (13 patients) exhibited L/V-form, and 35% (7 patients) S-form. Total white blood cell count (TWBC) was higher in L/V-form (25 x 109/l) compared to S-form (2.1 x 109/l) (p < 0.05). Five years survival rate was 100% and 33.3% for L/V-forms and S-forms respectively (p<0.005). Conclusion: We conclude that L/V- forms is the commonest isoform among Malays. They presented at younger age with higher TWBC counts. Although the sample size is small, our preliminary data showed an interestingly longer survival outcome among L/V-forms compared to S-form. PML/RARα isoforms could be used in future as risk stratification feature in patients diagnosed as APL. Further study with more number of patients is required.

Leukemia Cutis with PML-RAR-a Translocation.

Leukemia cutis is the infiltration by neoplastic leukocytes or their precursors into the epidermis, dermis or the subcutis resulting in clinically identifiable cutaneous lesions. The diagnosis is of great value in cases where leukemia cutis aids in the diagnosis of leukemia. This has a poor prognosis and strongly correlates with additional signs of extramedullary involvement. A 27-year-old male patient, known case of AML-M3, presented with cutaneous nodules on both lower limb, which on biopsy proved to be leukemic deposits. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis and the patient was discharged with advice to continue chemotherapy.