Amplification of 1q21 and other abnormalities in multiple myeloma patients from a tertiary hospital in singapore

Much effort has been made to stratify multiple myeloma patients for targeted therapy. However, responses have been varied and improved patient stratifications are needed. Forty-five diagnostic samples from multiple myeloma patients (median age 65 years) were stratified cytogenetically as 15 having non-hyperdiploidy, 20 having hyperdiploidy and 10 having a normal karyotype. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assays with FGFR3/IGH, CCND1/IGH, IGH/MAF, RB1 and TP53 probes on bone marrow samples showed that IGH rearrangements were the most common abnormality in the non-hyperdiploid group but these were also found among hyperdiploid patients and patients with normal cytogenetics. Of these, FGFR3/IGH rearrangements were most frequent. Deletion of RB1/monosomy 13 was the most common genetic abnormality across the three groups and was significantly higher among non-hyperdiploid compared to hyperdiploid patients. On the other hand, the study recorded a low incidence of TP53 deletion/monosomy 17. The FGFR3/IGH fusion was frequently seen with RB1 deletion/monosomy 13. FISH with 1p36/1q21 and 6q21/15q22 probes showed that amplification of 15q22 was seen in all of the hyperdiploid patients while amplification of 1q21, Amp(1q21), characterized non-hyperdiploid patients. In contrast, deletions of 1p36 and 6q21 were very rare events. Amp(1q21), FGFR3/IGH fusion, RB1 deletion/monosomy 13, and even TP53 deletion/monosomy 17 were seen in some hyperdiploid patients, suggesting that they have a less than favorable prognosis and require closer monitoring.

Effects of glucagon on in vitro liquid production by lungs from fetal guinea pigs

BACKGROUND

Lung liquid reabsorption in newborns with respiratory distress syndrome can be deficient. Respiratory distress syndrome is often seen in infants of diabetic mothers, in whom the neonatal surge of glucagon is suppressed.

AIM

To investigate the possible effects of glucagon on lung liquid reabsorption.

METHODS

Lungs from near term fetal guinea pigs (62 (2) days gestation; term = 67 days) were supported in vitro for three hours; lung liquid production and reabsorption were monitored by a dye dilution method.

RESULTS

Untreated control preparations produced fluid at 1.75 (0.33) ml/h per kg body weight, and did not change significantly in three hours; those immersed in 10(-12) M glucagon during the middle hour showed no significant change, but those given higher concentrations all showed significant reductions in fluid production or even reabsorption (65.6 (10.3)% fall at 10(-11) M, 70.0 (6.3)% fall at 10(-10) M, and 90.6 (11.1)% fall at 10(-9) M; based on 54 preparations). At 10(-9) M glucagon, 12 out of 30 preparations reabsorbed fluid. The linear log dose-response curve (r(2) = 0.94) gave a theoretical threshold at 4 x 10(-15) M glucagon. Responses appeared to involve the amiloride sensitive Na(+) based reabsorptive system: responses to 10(-9) M glucagon appeared to be reduced by 10(-6) M amiloride, and were abolished by 10(-5) M amiloride (based on 72 preparations).

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that the surge of glucagon at birth may help to drain the lungs of fluid. As glucagon liberates cAMP, which also stimulates surfactant, glucagon is worth consideration for possible use in neonatal respiratory distress.