CTLA-4 polymorphisms are associated with treatment outcomes of patients with multiple myeloma receiving bortezomib-based regimens.

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) are important risk factors associated with autoimmune diseases and malignancies. This study explored the association of CTLA-4SNPs with the development of myeloma and evaluated the outcome of patients receiving bortezomib-based regimens in relation to CTLA-4SNPs. Peripheral blood samples from 86 patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and 154 healthy controls were obtained to investigate CTLA4 polymorphisms.

Quantitative chimerism kinetics in relapsed leukemia patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Background: Chimerism analysis is an important tool for the surveillance of post-transplant engraftment. It offers the possibility of identifying impending graft rejection and recurrence of underlying malignant or non-malignant disease. Here we investigated the quantitative chimerism kinetics of 21 relapsed leukemia patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

Quantitative assessment of hematopoietic chimerism by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction of sequence polymorphism systems after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Background: Analysis of changes in recipient and donor hematopoietic cell origin is extremely useful to monitor the effect of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and sequential adoptive immunotherapy by donor lymphocyte infusions. We developed a sensitive, reliable and rapid real-time PCR method based on sequence polymorphism systems to quantitatively assess the hematopoietic chimerism after HSCT.

Methods: A panel of 29 selected sequence polymorphism (SP) markers was screened by real-time PCR in 101 HSCT patients with leukemia and other hematological diseases.

[Chronic hepatic damage in acute promyelocytic leukemia patients treated with tetra-arsenic tetra-sulfide].

Objective: To investigate the chronic hepatic damage in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) patients long-term treated with tetra-arsonic tetra-sulfide (As(4)S(4)).

Methods: The periodical liver biochemical examinations and ultrasonography results and hepatic fibrosis indicators (P III NP and type IV collagen) of patients were analysed.

Results: 106 APL patients treated with As(4)S(4), the median follow-up time was 36 months (6 - 72).

[Arsenic absorption and retention in acute promyelocytic leukemia patients treated with tetra-arsenic tetra-sulfide].

The objective of this study was to investigate arsenic absorption and retention in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) patients treated with tetra-arsenic tetra-sulfide (As(4)S(4)). Arsenic concentrations in samples from APL patients were quantitatively determinated by Hydride Generation Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. The results showed that blood arsenic level was 51.