Network Analysis of miRNA and Cytokine Landscape in Human Hematopoiesis.

The differentiation/maturation trajectories of different blood cell types stemming from a CD34 common ancestor takes place in different biologically relevant multidimensional spaces. Here, we generated microRNA and cytokine profiles from highly purified populations of hematopoietic progenitors/precursors derived from cord blood hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. MicroRNA and cytokine landscapes were then analyzed to find their mutual relationships under the hypothesis that the highly variable miRNome corresponds to the 'force field' driving the goal of a stable phenotype (here corresponding to the cytokine abundance pattern) typical of each cell kind.

Ex Vivo Anti-Leukemic Effect of Exosome-like Grapefruit-Derived Nanovesicles from Organic Farming-The Potential Role of Ascorbic Acid.

Citrus fruits are a natural source of ascorbic acid, and exosome-like nanovesicles obtained from these fruits contain measurable levels of ascorbic acid. We tested the ability of grapefruit-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) to inhibit the growth of human leukemic cells and leukemic patient-derived bone marrow blasts. Transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) showed that the obtained EVs were homogeneous exosomes, defined as exosome-like plant-derived nanovesicles (ELPDNVs).

Ascorbate Plus Buformin in AML: A Metabolic Targeted Treatment.

In the present study, we characterized the metabolic background of different Acute Myeloid Leukemias' (AMLs) cells and described a heterogeneous and highly flexible energetic metabolism. Using the Seahorse XF Agilent, we compared the metabolism of normal hematopoietic progenitors with that of primary AML blasts and five different AML cell lines. We assessed the efficacy and mechanism of action of the association of high doses of ascorbate, a powerful oxidant, with the metabolic inhibitor buformin, which inhibits mitochondrial complex I and completely shuts down mitochondrial contributions in ATP production.

Transcription factors implicated in late megakaryopoiesis as markers of outcome after azacitidine and allogeneic stem cell transplantation in myelodysplastic syndrome.

The hypomethylating agent azacitidine (AZA) is used to treat higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (HR-MDS) and elderly patients with low-blast count acute myeloid leukemia (LBC-AML). Platelet recovery is an early predictor of AZA response. We prospectively studied the expression profile of transcription factors, critical for late megakaryopoiesis and changes in their expression after AZA treatment in patients with HR-MDS and LBC-AML enrolled in the BMT-AZA trial (EudraCT number 2010-019673-15).

Sibling cord blood donor program for hematopoietic cell transplantation: the 20-year experience in the Rome Cord Blood Bank.

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) represents a source of hematopoietic stem cells for patients lacking a suitably matched and readily available related or unrelated stem cell donor. As UCB transplantation from compatible sibling provides good results in children therefore directed sibling UCB collection and banking is indicated in family who already have a child with a disease potentially treatable with an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Particularly, related UCB collection is recommended when the patients urgently need a transplantation.

Donating umbilical cord blood to a public bank or storing it in a private bank: knowledge and preference of blood donors and of pregnant women.

Background: Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is a source of stem cells for allogeneic haematopoietic transplantation in paediatric and adult patients with haematological malignancies and other indications. Voluntary donation is the basis for the success of unrelated UCB transplantation programmes. In the last few years a growing number of private banks offer their services to expectant parents, to store UCB for future use.

Concurrent search for unrelated cord and volunteer donor in high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

To assess the effectiveness of the search for an unrelated donor on the outcome of patients with high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia, we analyzed prospectively 136 patients who underwent a search for cord blood (CB) and an unrelated volunteer donor (UD) at the same time. The probability of finding a donor was 58.2%, 70.

Valproic acid affects the engraftment of TPO-expanded cord blood cells in NOD/SCID mice.

Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC) can improve the long-term outcome of transplanted individuals and reduce the relapse rate. Valproic acid (VPA), an inhibitor of histone deacetylase, when combined with different cytokine cocktails, induces the expansion of CD34+ cell populations derived from cord blood (CB) and other sources. We evaluated the effect of VPA, in combination with thrombopoietin (TPO), on the viability and expansion of CB-HSPCs and on short- and long-term engraftability in the NOD/SCID mouse model.

Functional analysis and gene expression profile of umbilical cord blood regulatory T cells.

The aim of the study was to analyze and compare the functional properties and the gene expression profile of regulatory T cells (Tregs) isolated from cord blood (CB) units (n = 23) and from the peripheral blood (PB) of adult normal donors (n = 13). Tregs were purified from mononuclear cells and expanded for 6 days with anti-CD3, anti-CD28, and IL-2. CB and PB Tregs presented similar immunophenotypic features.

Unrelated cord blood transplant in children with high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a long-term follow-up.

Background And Objectives: The aim of this single center study was to assess the impact of pre-transplant factors on long-term follow-up in young patients affected by high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who underwent an unrelated cord blood transplant (CBT). The conditioning regimens, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis and supportive policies were uniform for all patients.

Design And Methods: We analyzed the results of CBT performed in 30 patients, aged <18 years, affected by high risk ALL.

HLA typing strategies in a cord blood bank.

Background And Objectives: Although widely used, serological typing of HLA loci does not always produce uequivocal results. This may be particularly the case for cord blood since samples may be of small volume and poor quality, and contaminated.

Design And Methods: We typed 220 cord blood units (CBU) for HLA class I antigens using the serological technique.