Expression of Apoptosis Related and Proliferative Proteins in Malignant Lympho-Proliferative Disorders

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

The current study aimed to perform an immunohistochemical analysis of patterns of apoptotic and cell proliferative related protein expression in different histological grades and immune phenotypes of malignant lymphomas and other lymphoproliferative disorders.

METHODS

This observational study was carried on 60lymph node biopsies of lymphoproliferative disorders. The biopsies were analyzed histologically and immunohistochemically.

RESULTS

A total of 60 lymph node biopsies were included in the study, of which 81.6% were of malignant lympho-proliferative lesions. The majority of the biopsies were B-cell (66%) and were grouped in the intermediate grade. Bax and BCL-2 protein expression was presented by percentage of immune positive neoplastic cells per 10fields and graded on a scale of 1 to4. A Bcl-2, Bax Protein Ratio (BBPR) was determined for each case by dividing the estimated Bcl-2 protein (percentage of Bcl-2 positive cells x Bcl-2 staining intensity) by the estimated Bax protein (percentage of Bax positive cells x Bax immunostaining intensity). The mean BBPR was found to be significantly higher in indolent lymphomas (2.64 ± 1.3) as compared to aggressive lymphomas (0.47 ± 0.9) (P<0.01). The expression of P53 and PCNA in 35 biopsies of Non Hodgkin Lymphomas (NHL) was found to increase from low to high grade tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant correlation was found between BBPR and predicted biological behavior of indolent and aggressive lymphomas. This indicates the important role of Bcl-2 and Bax in biological behavior of lymphomas. Furthermore, P53 and PCNA expression were found to increase from low to high-grade tumors suggesting their prognostic value in NHL.

Synthesis of 3 H, 2 H4 , and 14 C-MK 3814 (preladenant)

MK 3814 is a potent and selective antagonist of the A_2a receptor. A_2a receptor antagonists have the potential for the treatment of Parkinson disease. Three distinct isotopically labelled forms of MK 3814 were synthesized. [³ H]MK 3814 was prepared for a preliminary absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion data (ADME) evaluation of the compound and [¹⁴ C]MK 3814 for more definitive ADME work, including an absorption, metabolism, and excretion study in man. In addition, [² H₄ ]MK 3814 was prepared as an internal standard for a liquid chromatography mass spectrometry bioanalytical method. This paper discusses the synthesis of 3 isotopically labelled forms of MK 3814.

Synthesis of (3) H, (2) H4 and (14) C-SCH 417690 (Vicriviroc)

Vicriviroc or SCH 417690 is a potent and selective antagonist of the CCR5 receptor. CCR5 receptor antagonists have the potential for the treatment of HIV infections. Four distinct isotopically labelled forms of SCH 417690 were synthesized. Low specific activity [(3) H]SCH 417690 was prepared for a preliminary absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion evaluation of the compound and [(14) C]SCH 417690 for more definitive absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion work, including an absorption, metabolism and excretion study in man. In addition, high specific activity [(3) H]SCH 417690 was prepared for CCR5 receptor binding work and [(2) H4 ]SCH 417690 was prepared as an internal standard for a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry bioanalytical method. The paper discusses the synthesis of four isotopically labelled forms of SCH 417690.

Platelet functions and coagulation changes in Indian children with nephrotic syndrome

INTRODUCTION

Only little is known on the effect of the platelet function in the paediatric nephrotic syndrome. The earlier studies which had been done on hypercoagulability have mainly featured the secondary forms of the nephrotic syndrome and the data on the minimal change type of disease is limited. We therefore, made an effort to study the platelet functions and the coagulation profile in children with the nephrotic syndrome,to find the relationship between the steroid response and the coagulation profile, and to look for the correlation between thromboembolism and the hypercoagulable states.

METHODOLOGY

Twenty nine children with the steroid responsive nephrotic syndromewere studied to see the platelet aggregation and the coagulation parameters and their response to the steroid therapy. Doppler studies were done for the renal vein and the inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombus.

RESULTS

It was seen that an increased aggregability of the platelets occurred with Adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and collagen (out of the four agonists, ADP, Collagen, Ristocetin and Arachidonic acid) which were used as agonists for the assay. We also observed that the Partial thromboplastin time (PTT) had become prolonged and a significant decline in the high values of the procoagulant proteins (Protein C and Protein S) was seen after the steroid therapy and when the children went into remission. These findings were suggestive of a reversibility of the changes in the steroid responsive nephrotic syndrome with the steroid therapy. One child was found to have thrombosis of the inferior vena cava (IVC) on Doppler studies, which resolved with treatment subsequently.

CONCLUSIONS

An increased platelet aggregability contributes to the hypercoagulable states, that may increase the incidence of thrombosis in such patients. Although the incidence of such complications is very low, in a given child with the hypercoagulable states, Doppler may be used to look for any evidence of a latent thrombus and, an early intervention could be instituted. A change in the coagulation parameters points to the reversibility of the changes which are produced in a diseased state.

Imaging diagnosis of neonatal anemia: report of two unusual etiologies

Anemia in neonatal period is rare, with the common causes being Rh and ABO blood group incompatibility, hemorrhagic disease of newborn, congenital hemolytic anemia, hemoglobinopathies, and TORCH (toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes virus) infections. Congenital leukemia and infantile osteopetrosis (OP) are among the rare causes of neonatal anemia. A review of the literature shows approximately 200 reported cases of congenital leukemia. Articles describing the imaging features of congenital leukemia are still rarer. Infantile OP, another rare disorder with a reported incidence of 1 in 250,000 has characteristic imaging features, which are diagnostic of the disease. We report a case each, of two rare diseases: Congenital leukemia and infantile osteopetrosis. Additionally, our report highlights the radiological and imaging features of congenital leukemia and infantile OP and their crucial role in arriving at an early diagnosis.

High order interactions of xenobiotic metabolizing genes and P53 codon 72 polymorphisms in acute leukemia

Polymorphisms in xenobiotic metabolizing genes are associated with altered metabolism of carcinogens in acute leukemia (AL). This study applied two data mining approaches to explore potential interactions among P53 and xenobiotic metabolizing genes in 230 AL patients [131 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and 99 acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)] and 199 controls. Individually, none of the genotypes showed significant associations with AML risk. However, in ALL the CYP1A12A TC genotype was associated with increased risk (OR = 2.02; 95% CI = 1.14-3.58; P = 0.01), whereas the GSTM1 null genotype imparted reduced risk (OR = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.31-0.96; P = 0.03). In classification and regression tree analysis, combinations of GSTM1 present, CYP1A12C AA or GG, EPHX1 exon3 TC, and EPHX1 exon4 AA or GG genotype strongly enhanced the risk of AML (OR = 5.89; 95% CI = 1.40-26.62; P = 0.01). In ALL, combinations of CYP1A12A TT, P53 GG or CC and GSTP1 AG genotypes conferred the highest risk (OR = 4.19; 95% CI = 1.45-12.25; P = 0.004). In multifactor dimensionality reduction analysis, a four locus model (GSTP1, P53, EPHX1 exon3, and CYP1A12A) was the best predictor model for ALL risk. The association between this model and ALL risk remained true even at low prior probabilities of 0.01% (false positive report probability = 0.05). Interaction entropy interpretations of the best model of ALL revealed that two-way interactions were mostly synergistic. These results suggest that high order gene-gene interactions play an important role in AL risk.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation with intracranial haematoma in neonatal congenital syphilis

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) although a well known complication in neonatal sepsis is extremely rare in congenital syphilis and there are scanty reports of this entity in the literature. Intracranial bleeding following DIC in neonatal congenital syphilis is even rarer, and has been reported only once earlier. We are reporting the second case of neonatal DIC with intracranial haematoma due to congenital syphilis in a newborn. Our patient also had clinical and biochemical evidence of hepatitis which predisposes to DIC. Extensive investigations and emergent use of imaging modalities including ultrasound and CT scan led to early diagnosis and treatment in our patient, who could therefore be salvaged from an otherwise life threatening disease.

Association of glutathione S-transferase, EPHX, and p53 codon 72 gene polymorphisms with adult acute myeloid leukemia

Polymorphisms in genes encoding detoxification enzymes have been suggested as susceptibility factors for many solid tumors. However, their association with hematological malignancies is controversial. A case-control study was done to determine the association between glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1), GSTT1, GSTP1, EPHX1, and p53 codon 72 polymorphisms as risk factors in 120 adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cases and 202 healthy controls by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism techniques. Data were analyzed using χ(2) and conditional logistic regression model. None of the polymorphisms studied alone was associated with increased risk for AML. However, the frequency of GSTT1 null genotype was higher among controls (28.7%) than AML cases (21.6%), which showed a protective effect of the null genotype (odds ratio = 0.58, 95% confidence interval: 0.33-1.05, p = 0.07). In a combined analysis, both EPHX1 (His113His) and GSTP1 (Ile/Val) genes imparted a fourfold risk for adult AML but did not reach statistical significance (odds ratio = 4.22, 95% confidence interval: 0.992-17.99, p = 0.05). These findings suggest that the etiology of adult AML cannot be explained by polymorphism at a single locus, perhaps because of complexity involved in the metabolism of diverse xenobiotic compounds, and therefore, multiple gene-gene interactions should be investigated to predict the risk of AML.

Coagulation profile in diabetes and its association with diabetic microvascular complications

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the haemostatic parameters and to assesss their relationship with microvascular complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Coagulation and fibrinolysis parameters were measured in 60 type 2 diabetic patients (M:F 1:1) with (n=40) and without (n=20) diabetic microvascular complications and in 30 nondiabetic healthy subjects (M:F 1:1).

RESULTS

The mean age of diabetic patients and healthy controls was 56.9 +/- 8.78 and 53.2 +/- 7.58 respectively (p = 0.05). The plasma levels of PAI-1 (22.6 +/- 6.85 vs 44.8 +/- 20.8, p = 0.00), serum fibrinogen (227.5 +/- 22.8 vs. 252.75 +/- 40.23, p = 0.002) and vWF activity (99.4 +/- 28.18 vs. 144.78 +/- 36.21, p = 0.00) were found to be increased in diabetics compared to healthy controls. Plasma PAI-1 levels (37.15 +/- 15.18 vs 48.65 +/- 22.29, p = 0.0) and vWF activity (123.19 +/- 29.63 vs. 155.57 +/- 34.61, p = 0.007) were significantly increased in diabetic patients with microvascular complications than those without microvascular complications.Amongst the diabetic patients, protein S activity (63.05 +/- 16.85 vs. 51.59 +/- 10.7, p = 0.002) was significantly lower in patients with microvascular complications than in patients without these complications. Diabetic retinopathy was associated with decreased protein S levels (63.05 +/- 16.85 vs. 48.48 +/- 8.72, p = 0.005) and vWF activity (123.19 +/- 29.63 vs. 151.85 +/- 29.74, p = 0.009). Diabetic nephropathy was associated with increased PAI-1 levels (39.55 +/- 13.20 vs. 51.69 +/- 26.53, p = 0.02) and vWF activity (134.99 +/- 32.54 vs. 157.57 +/- 37.37, p = 0.007). Diabetic neuropathy did not show any significant relationship with any of the haemostatic variables.

CONCLUSION

Hypercoagulable state as indicated by decreased fibrinolysis and increased coagulability is responsible as one of the factors for the development of microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus.

Relation of cell viability and apoptosis with clinical remission following induction chemotherapy in ALL and AML

Evaluation of in vitro spontaneous apoptosis of acute leukemic blast cells after incubating for different time period and its correlation with clinical outcome is well documented in the literature. However, there is insufficient information available on the flowcytometric determination of cell viability immediately after separating blast cells and its correlation with the clinical response. In this study, we attempted to evaluate the relationship between viability of freshly isolated leukemic cells and the clinical response. Cell viability was evaluated in freshly isolated leukemic cells from 84 patients with acute leukemia (AL) using 7-Amino-Actinomycin D and was correlated with the clinical response following induction chemotherapy. Patients with ALL who achieved complete remission (CR) had significantly lower mean live cell (70.9%) compared to those patients who did not achieve CR (93.3%) (p=0.02). Furthermore, ALL responders had also significantly higher mean early apoptotic cell (19.4%) as compared to non responders (5%) (p=0.04). No significant difference was found in the mean live / early apoptotic cell count of responders and non responders of AML patients. The probability of obtaining CR in ALL patients was 3.7 and 2.7 times higher in those who had mean live cell count less than 70% and apoptotic cell count more than 10%, respectively. A lower cell viability and higher apoptosis in freshly isolated leukemic cells at the time of diagnosis may indicate a favorable response in patients with ALL but may not provide any sufficient information in predicting the response in AML patients to induction chemotherapy.

Combined transmesocolic and left paraduodenal hernia: barium, CT and MRI features

Internal hernia is difficult to diagnose clinically because the symptoms are often non-specific. Although this entity is an uncommon cause of small-bowel obstruction, prompt diagnosis is essential for a favorable outcome. We report the barium, CT and MRI features of a rare case of non-obstructing combined transmesocolic and left paraduodenal hernia.

Elevated levels of interferon-gamma, interleukin-10, and interleukin-6 during active disease in Indian kala azar

We have evaluated levels of 6 cytokines in sera of 35 patients of kala azar (KA), 29 post kala azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL), and 18 healthy controls using cytometric bead array technology. Results indicated significantly high levels of interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin (IL)-10, and IL-6 during active KA, while tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), IL-2, and IL-4 were minimal. Serum level of cytokines in PKDL was comparable to the controls while TNF-alpha was significantly elevated compared to KA or control. At post-treatment stage, KA patients showed a significant decrement in the levels of IFN-gamma, IL-10, and IL-6; however, IL-6 remained significantly elevated above control levels. Further, comparison of cytokine levels in children and adults revealed elevated level of IL-10 in pediatric cases. SAG unresponsive cases showed significantly elevated levels of IFN-gamma in comparison with the responsive cases. The results depict that type1 response is not depressed during active KA and suggest the possibility that unresponsiveness to type1 stimuli may prevail.

Disseminated histoplasmosis with reactive haemophagocytosis presenting as PUO in an immunocompetent host

Disseminated histoplasmosis (DH) with reactive haemophagocytosis has been described in literature mainly in immunocompromised hosts. Only sporadic case reports exist in immunocompetent hosts. Here, we present a rare case of DH with reactive haemophagocytosis in an immunocompetent host presenting as PUO.