[Cellular and molecular aspects of multiple myeloma]

Multiple Myeloma [MM] is a plasma cell disorder witch accounts for about 10% of all hematologic cancers; 99% of patients diagnosed are older than 40 years of age. The aim of this study is to evaluate the recognized cellular and molecular factors effective on the emergence and development of MM. In the present study, 150 articles about genetic translocation, osteoclast and osteoblast cells, chemokines, signaling pathways, and Multiple Myeloma published in recent years were firstly selected to be reviewed. Out of this number, 69 which applied to cellular and molecular biology of MM were selected to be studied. Bone lesions and pathological fractures are the most important complications of Multiple Myeloma. Recurrent infection, renal insufficiency, hyperproteinemia, amyloidosis, hypercalcemia, decrease of alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin are other complications which are mostly caused by cell-cell interaction, chemokine, and immunoglobulin signal induction. The results show that infiltration of tumor cells like myeloma cells is due to secretion of some factors from BM cells as well as the presence of calcium and iron whose concentration is high in BM

Auer rod-like inclusions in myeloma cells in a patient with IgG multiple myeloma.

Various inclusions have been reported in the past in plasma cells as well as myeloma cells. Most of these represent light chains of immunoglobulins which are concentrated within these cells. Auer rod-like inclusions in myeloma cells have been infrequently reported. They do not influence prognosis in patients with multiple myeloma but are more of a morphological variance. We report a patient of IgG myeloma with auer rod-like inclusions in myeloma cells in the bone marrow aspirates.