Identification of a molecular signature predictive of sensitivity to differentiation induction in acute myeloid leukemia.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) blasts are immature committed myeloid cells unable to spontaneously undergo terminal maturation, and characterized by heterogeneous sensitivity to natural differentiation inducers. Here, we show a molecular signature predicting the resistance or sensitivity of six myeloid cell lines to differentiation induced in vitro with retinoic acid or vitamin D. The identified signature was further validated by TaqMan assay for the prediction of response to an in vitro differentiation assay performed on 28 freshly isolated AML blast populations.

Gene expression profile of Vitamin D3 treated HL60 cells shows an incomplete molecular phenotypic conversion to monocytes.

By high density oligonucleotide microarrays we have studied the expression profile of proliferating and VD treated HL60 cells and the molecular phenotype of VD monocytes and that of CD14+ peripheral monocytes has been compared. The results indicate that important changes in functional categories of the differentially expressed genes underlie the differentiation transition from myeloblasts to monocytes. This differential gene expression pattern leads to an increased expression of mRNAs involved in surface and external activities since many of the VD induced genes belong to ligand binding, receptors, cell surface antigens, defense/immunity and adhesion molecules functional categories.

Effect of L-arginine load on platelet aggregation: a comparison between normotensive and preeclamptic pregnant women.

Background: In the present study we hypothesized that a derangement of the L-arginine-nitric oxide system could be involved in the development of the hypercoagulative status found during preeclampsia. In order to verify such hypothesis we have compared the effects of nitric oxide substrate, L-arginine on platelet aggregation. Moreover, we have also measured the L-citrulline plasma levels as a stochiometric metabolite resulting from the conversion L-arginine to nitric oxide.

The effectiveness and tolerability of epoetin alfa in patients with multiple myeloma refractory to chemotherapy.

Anemia is a frequent complication of multiple myeloma, becoming chronic in patients who are resistant to chemotherapy. This randomized, parallel, controlled multicenter study (71 patients receiving concomitant chemotherapy) evaluated the efficacy and safety of epoetin alfa in improving anemia and eliminating the need for transfusions in multiple myeloma patients refractory to conventional first- or second-line chemotherapy. Forty patients were treated with subcutaneous epoetin alfa (150 IU/kg per dose, increasing to 300 IU/kg per dose, every 3 weeks) for 6 months, and 31 entered a control group.