[Effect of miR-125b on T Cell Activation in Aplastic Anemia by Targetting B7-H4].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of miR-125b on T cell activation in patients with aplastic anemia (AA) and its molecular mechanism. METHODS: A total of 30 AA patients were enrolled in department of hematology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital from January 2018 to October 2021, as well as 15 healthy individuals as healthy control (HC) group. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated, in which the levels of miR-125b and B7-H4 mRNA were detected by RT-qPCR. Immunomagnetic beads were used to separate naive T cells and non-naive T cells from AA patients and healthy people to detect the levels of miR-125b and B7-H4 mRNA. Lentivirus LV-NC inhibitor and LV-miR-125b inhibitor were transfected into cells, and T cell activation was detected by flow cytometry. The dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was used to detect the targetting relationship between miR-125b and B7-H4. RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the levels of miR-125b, CD40L, ICOS, IL-10 mRNA and B7-H4 protein. RESULTS: Compared with HC group, the expression of miR-125b was up-regulated but B7-H4 mRNA was down-regulated in PBMCs of AA patients (P <0.05), and the proportions of CD4+CD69+ T cells and CD8+CD69+ T cells in PBMCs of AA patients were higher (P <0.05). The expression of miR-125b was significantly up-regulated but B7-H4 mRNA was down-regulated in both naive T cells and non-naive T cells of AA patients (P <0.05), and non-naive T cells was more significant than naive T cells (P <0.05). Compared with NC inhibitor group, the expression of miR-125b was significantly decreased, the expression level of CD69 on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in PBMCs was also significantly decreased, while the luciferase activity was significantly increased after co-transfection of miR-125b inhibitor and B7-H4-3'UTR-WT in the miR-125b inhibitor group (P <0.05). Compared with NC inhibitor group, the mRNA and protein levels of B7-H4 were significantly increased in the miR-125b inhibitor group (P <0.05). Compared with miR-125b inhibitor+shRNA group, the expression levels of CD69 on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were significantly increased, and the levels of CD40L, ICOS and IL-10 mRNA were also significantly increased in the miR-125b inhibitor+sh-B7-H4 group (P <0.05). CONCLUSION: MiR-125b may promote T cell activation by targetting B7-H4 in AA patients.

A 7-Day Decitabine-Included Conditioning Regimen Accelerated Donor Hematopoietic Engraftment while Reduced the Occurrence of Mucositis without Interfering with Prognosis.

INTRODUCTION: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is the standard and curative treatment strategy for patients with hematologic malignancies. Recently, decitabine-included regimens have been investigated by several studies including ours, which may prevent relapse of primary malignant diseases. METHODS: This study was to retrospectively evaluate a 7-day decitabine-included regimen with reduced dose of idarubicin for patients with hematologic malignancies who underwent allo-HSCT. RESULTS: A total of 84 patients were enrolled, including 24 cases in 7-day and 60 cases in 5-day decitabine groups, respectively. Patients conditioned with 7-day decitabine regimen showed accelerated neutrophil (12.05 ± 1.97 vs. 13.86 ± 3.15; u = 9.309, p < 0.001) and platelet (16.32 ± 6.27 vs. 21.37 ± 8.57; u = 8.887, p < 0.001) engraftment compared with those treated with 5-day decitabine regimen. Patients in the 7-day decitabine group showed a significantly lower incidence rate of total (50.00% [12/24] versus 78.33% [47/60]; χ2 = 6.583, p = 0.010) and grade III or above (4.17% [1/24] vs. 31.67% [19/60]; χ2 = 7.147, p = 0.008) oral mucositis compared to those in the 5-day decitabine group. However, the occurrence of other major complications post-allo-HSCT and outcomes of patients in these two groups were comparable. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that this 7-day decitabine-contained new conditioning regimen seems to be feasible and safe for patients with myeloid neoplasms who receive allo-HSCT, and a large-scale prospective study is needed to confirm the findings of this study.

Safety and efficacy of a modified busulfan/cyclophosphamide conditioning regimen incorporating cladribine for autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in acute myeloid leukemia.

This is a small phase I study examining the safety and efficacy of a cladribine (CLAD)-containing conditioning regimen prior to autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantion (auto-HSCT) for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). All patients, aged 15-54 years (median 32 years), had favorable/intermediate risk AML (n = 20) or acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL; n = 2) and no evidence of minimal residual disease (MRD) prior to transplantation. Fourteen of the 22 patients received the conditioning regimen as follows: busulfan (Bu) + cyclophosphamide (Cy) + CLAD + cytarabine (Ara-c) or idarubicin. The conditioning regimen of 8 patients was without Cy nor idarubicin to reducing adverse cardiac reaction: the regimen of Bu + CLAD+ Ara-c for 6 patients; and the regimen of Bu + melphalan + CLAD + Ara-c for the other 2 patients. All 22 AML patients received peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. The number of infused mononuclear cells and CD34+ cells was 10.00 (2.88-20.97) × 108/kg and 1.89 (1.52-10.44) × 106/kg, respectively. Hematopoietic reconstitution was achieved in all patients, with a median time of 13 (10-34) days for neutrophils and 28 (14-113) days for platelets. Two patients suffered from pulmonary infection, 4 patients suffered from septicemia during the neutropenic stage, and the others suffered from infection or gastrointestinal reaction without exceeding grade 3 after conditioning, which were all alleviated by anti-infection and other supportive treatment. None of the patients died of transplantation-related complications. At a median follow-up of 29.5 (ranging from 4.0 to 60.0) months, three patients relapsed after auto-HSCT at a median time of 6 (ranging from 0.5 to 10.0) months. One patient died due to relapse at 18 months after auto-HSCT. The remaining 21 patients were all alive, including 19 patients with negative MRD. The other 2 patients achieved negative MRD after allogeneic HSCT or chemotherapy. The estimated 2-year survival, relapse, and Leukemia-free survival rates were 94.1 ± 5.7%, 14.7 ± 7.9% and 85.3 ± 7.9%, respectively. A CLAD-combination conditioning regimen is efficient and safe for auto-HSCT, indicating an effective approach for AML treatment.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia With CEBPA Mutations: Current Progress and Future Directions.

Mutations in CCAAT enhancer binding protein A gene (CEBPA) are one of the common genetic alterations in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Recently, the emergence of new evidence makes it necessary to reconsider the subsets and treatment of AML patients with CEBPA mutations. This review will summarize the history of research progress of CEBPA mutations in AML, the heterogeneities of AML with CEBPA double mutations (CEBPA dm), and two special subtypes of CEBPA mutated AML. We will discuss the treatment of AML with CEBPA mutations as well, and finally propose a new algorithm for the treatment of these patients, including both familial and sporadic CEBPA mutated AML patients. This review may be beneficial for further investigation and optimizing clinical management of AML patients with CEBPA mutations.

[Galectin-3 Expression and Its Clinical Significance in Acute Myeloid Leukemia with Positive AML1/ETO Fusion Gene].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mRNA expression of galectin-3 and its clinical significance in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients carrying AML1/ETOfusion gene. METHODS: RQ-PCR method was used to detect the expression of galectin-3 mRNA in bone marrow mononuclear cells of 53 AML patients with AML1/ETO+, ELISA was used to detect the expression of galectin-3 protein in peripheral blood, and the correlations of galectin-3 expression with clinical and laboratory features and outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: The mRNA and protein levels of galectin-3 were significantly higher in newly diagnosed AML1/ETO+ AML patients compared with the control ( P<0.001). Galectin-3 mRNA and protein expressions were positively correlated (r=0.732, P<0.001). Galectin-3 protein was significantly decreased during the period of complete remission (CR)( P<0.001). The mRNA expression of galectin-3 was negatively correlated with the count of white blood cells ( P=0.014), and positively correlated with CD34 expression and additional cytogenetic aberrations (ACA) ( P=0.001, P=0.026). There was no significant difference in CR, partial remission (PR), induction death (early mortality) between galectin-3 high-expression group and low-expression group ( P>0.05), but there was significant difference in recurrence rate between the two groups ( P=0.029). The median overall survival (OS) rate and disease-free survival (DFS) rate were shortened in the high-expression group ( P=0.007, P=0.015) and the cumulative incidence of relapse was increased ( P=0.045), but there was no significant difference in the cumulative incidence of CM(155mm]mortality ( P>0.05). Cox regression analysis suggested galectin-3 mRNA level an independent indicator of OS and DFS in AML1/ETO+ AML patients. CONCLUSION: Bone marrow galectin-3 mRNA level may be an important reference index for evaluating the prognosis and guiding the treatment of AML1/ETO+ AML patients.

Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 4 (TRPM4) Contributes to High Salt Diet-Mediated Early-Stage Endothelial Injury.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The present study investigated whether the transient receptor potential melastatin 4 (TRPM4) channel plays a role in high salt diet (HSD)-induced endothelial injuries. METHODS: Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to examine TRPM4 expression in the mesenteric endothelium of Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) rats fed a HSD. The MTT, TUNEL, and transwell assays were used to evaluate the cell viability, cell apoptosis, and cell migration, respectively, of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to determine the concentrations of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion protein 1 (VCAM-1), and E-selectin. Carboxy-H2DCFDA, a membrane-permeable reactive oxygen species (ROS)-sensitive fluorescent probe, was used to detect intracellular ROS levels. RESULTS: TRPM4 was mainly expressed near the plasma membrane of mesenteric artery endothelial cells, and its expression level increased in SS hypertensive rats fed a HSD. Its protein expression was significantly upregulated upon treatment with exogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and aldosterone in cultured HUVECs. Cell viability decreased upon treatment with both agents in a concentration-dependent manner, which could be partially reversed by 9-phenanthrol, a specific TRPM4 inhibitor. Exogenous H2O2 induced apoptosis, enhanced cell migration, and increased the release of adhesion molecules, including ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-selectin, all of which were significantly attenuated upon treatment with 9-phenanthrol. Aldosterone and H2O2 induced the accumulation of intracellular ROS, which was significantly inhibited by 9-phenanthrol, suggesting that oxidative stress is one of the mechanisms underlying aldosterone-induced endothelial injury. CONCLUSIONS: Given the fact that oxidative stress and high levels of circulating aldosterone are present in hypertensive patients, we suggest that the upregulation of TRPM4 in the vascular endothelium may be involved in endothelial injuries caused by these stimuli.

Significance of ETV6 rearrangement in acute promyelocytic leukemia with t(15;17)/promyelocytic leukemia/retinoic acid receptor alpha.

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a common subtype of acute myeloid leukemia in China. Since the application of arsenic trioxide and all-trans retinoic acid in the treatment of APL, the prognosis has greatly improved. However, ~20% of patients with APL relapse upon completing chemotherapy. Decreasing the relapse rate and incidence of early mortality may pose the greatest challenges for the future management of APL. Recently, Ets variant 6 (ETV6) was reported to be involved in a variety of translocations associated with hematological malignancies of myeloid and lymphoid origin. To date, little is known about the clinical implication of ETV6 rearrangement in APL. In the present study, ETV6 rearrangement was examined by split-signal fluorescence in situ hybridization in 258 adults with APL, and its association with the clinical features and outcomes of the patients was analyzed. The data suggested that ETV6 rearrangement may be an independent unfavorable prognostic factor for overall survival in APL patients.

Synchronous occurrence of gastrointestinal stromal tumor and acute myeloid leukemia: A case report and review of the literature.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) originate from the mesenchymal tissue of the gastrointestinal tract. The pathogenesis of GIST is associated with the mutational activation of the receptor tyrosine kinase cluster of differentiation (CD)117 or platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α. Overall, ~60% of GISTs occur in the stomach. Clinically, GISTs may coexist with various types of cancer, including liver cancer, pancreatic tumors and lymphoma, either synchronously or metachronously. The present study reports the case of a patient with the synchronous occurrence of a CD117-positive GIST and acute myeloid leukemia. A 69-year-old man was hospitalized for heart palpitations and dizziness, and was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by bone marrow aspiration and flow cytometry analysis. An abdominal computed tomograpy and gastroscopy revealed the presence of GIST. The patient received chemotherapy in combination with imatinib (400 mg/day), and the mass was removed 2 months later. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first reported case of the synchronous development of a CD117-positive GIST and AML. Additional studies are required in order to understand the association between GIST and hematological malignancies.

[Hypercoagulable state in patients with multiple myeloma].

OBJECTIVE: This study was to detect the plasma thrombomodulin (TM), D-dimer and fibrinogen in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and to analyze their relationship with morbid state, and also to investigate the relationship of the expression of coagulation factor with the ratio of myeloma cells. METHODS: ELISA was used to detect the TM level in 45 cases of MM at different stages. The plasma level of D-dimer and fibrinogen was detected by STA automatic coagulation analyser. RESULTS: The level of plasma TM in newly diagnosed patients was higer than that in normal control group and in platform stage group (P < 0.01; P < 0.05). There were significant differences between relapsed or refractory group and normal control group or those reached platform stage group (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the level of plasma TM in the group of thalidomide combined with chemotherapy was higer than that in newly diagnosed patients (P < 0.05). The level of plasma D-dimer and fibrinogen of MM patients was higher than that in normal controls (P < 0.01;P < 0.05). The expression of D-Dimer in relapsed or refractory group reached the maximum. Also, the level of plasma D-Dimer in group of thalidomide combined chemotherapy was higer than in newly diagnosed patients (P < 0.05). The expression of coagulation factor did not correlate with the ratio of myeloma cells. CONCLUSIONS: Level of plasma TM, D-Dimer and fibrinogen of MM patients is higher than that in control group. The level of plasma TM and D-Dimer can be elevated when thalidomide used, which indirectly suggested the tendency for thrombosis in MM patients.

[Expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 in patients with multiple myeloma and its significance].

In order to investigate the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in patients with multiple myeloma and its significance, the expression of VCAM-1 in 23 patients were detected by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) and then compared with that in normal control. The results showed that the expression of VCAM-1 in patients with newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma was much higher than that in normal control and in patients reached plateau stage (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory patients (p > 0.05). It is concluded that the expression of VCAM-1 in patients with multiple myeloma is abnormal, which may be an important factor for the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma.