Cytotoxic and Apoptotic Effects of Luffa Cylindrica Leaves Extract against Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemic Stem Cells.

BACKGROUND: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is an aggressive malignancy defined by accumulation of lymphoblasts in the bone marrow. Leukemic stem cells (LSCs) are the major cause of the recurrence and metastasis of ALL. This study aimed to develop an effective anti-cancer agent targeting these LSCs. Luffa Cylindrica (L.C.) leaves extract was selected to evaluate its effect on ALL via eradicating the LSCs as it contains many active anti-cancer flavonoids. METHODS: Thirty-two bone marrow samples of ALL patients were used in this study. LSCs population was identified in the selected samples. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay and flow cytometry. Cell cycle, apoptosis, proliferation marker; ki-67 and colony forming assay were further analyzed. RESULTS: This study revealed the expression of CD34+/CD38+ cells in addition to CD34+/CD38- population and the extract was effective against the two LSCs populations. MTT assay showed that treated leukemic cells exhibited significant reduction in the viable cells in a dose dependent manner with IC50 of 3 µg/µl which was then confirmed by flow cytometry. Cell cycle analysis results showed significant reduction in the percentage of cells treated with L.C. extract in both the S and G0/G1 phases, with concomitant increase in the G2/M phase. Also, L.C. extract could effectively induce apoptosis, inhibit proliferation and suppress colonogenecity of leukemic cells. CONCLUSION: This study validated the medicinal potential of L.C. leaves extract as a promising anti-leukemic agent targeting both LSCs and blasts in ALL patients, which may be explained by the synergy found between its potent flavonoids especially apigenin, luteolin and kaempferol.

MicroRNA-150 down Regulation in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia Patients and Its Prognostic Implication.

BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that are important for post-transcriptional gene regulation in both healthy and morbid conditions. Numerous miRNAs promote tumorigenesis, while others have a tumour suppressive effects. Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a heterogeneous group of genetically diverse hematopoietic malignancies with variable response to treatment. AIM: Our study aimed to investigate the possible role of miR-150 in de novo adult AML and the impact of its level on survival, and we used in the silicon analysis to predict the main target genes involved in miR-150 mediated cancer pathway. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We evaluated miR-150 expression profiling assay using TaqMan primer probes RT-PCR in the plasma of 50 adult AML patients, before the start of treatment and at day 28 of treatment, along with 20 normal adult control samples. miR-16 was used as an endogenous reference for standardisation. Follow-up of patients during treatment at day 28 of induction chemotherapy and after one year was done. RESULTS: In this study, we found a significantly lower level of miR-150 in AML patients when compared to controls (p = 0.005) with 0.62 fold change than in healthy controls. Patients were divided into two groups: the low miR-150 group (miR-150 < 1) and the high miR-150 group (miR-150 > 1). A statistically significant difference was found between the two groups regarding initial total leukocytic count and initial PB blast count while for the TLC, HB and PLT count at follow up. No difference in the overall survival between the low and the high miR-150 groups could be demonstrated. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that miR-150 functions as a tumour suppressor and gatekeeper in inhibiting cell transformation and that its downregulation is required for leukemogenesis.

Nanotechnology applications in hematological malignancies (Review).

A major limitation to current cancer therapies is the development of therapy-related side-effects and dose limiting complications. Moreover, a better understanding of the biology of cancer cells and the mechanisms of resistance to therapy is rapidly developing. The translation of advanced knowledge and discoveries achieved at the molecular level must be supported by advanced diagnostic, therapeutic and delivery technologies to translate these discoveries into useful tools that are essential in achieving progress in the war against cancer. Nanotechnology can play an essential role in this aspect providing a transforming technology that can translate the basic and clinical findings into novel diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive tools useful in different types of cancer. Hematological malignancies represent a specific class of cancer, which attracts special attention in the applications of nanotechnology for cancer diagnosis and treatment. The aim of the present review is to elucidate the emerging applications of nanotechnology in cancer management and describe the potentials of nanotechnology in changing the key fundamental aspects of hematological malignancy diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.

Prevalence of bone marrow necrosis in Egyptian cancer patients referring to the National Cancer Institute.

BACKGROUND: Bone marrow necrosis is a relatively rare entity which has been associated with a poor prognosis. It is most commonly found in patients with neoplastic disorders and severe infections. METHODS: The study comprised examination of 5043 bone marrow biopsy specimens performed at the National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, over 7 years period (March 2004-March 2011). It included 5 years retrospective (2867 archived samples) and 2 years prospective (2176 samples). RESULTS: Bone marrow necrosis was diagnosed in fifteen out of 5043 examined specimens with a percentage of 0.3% and ranged from mild to massive according to semiquantitative estimation. Prognosis of all patients was poor with survival not exceeding 6 months from the date of marrow necrosis diagnosis. CONCLUSION: In Egyptian patients, bone marrow necrosis in association with malignancy is a rare disorder which is accompanied by a poor outcome.