Safety and efficacy of remote ischemic conditioning for spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (SERIC-ICH): A multicenter, randomized, parallel-controlled clinical trial study design and protocol.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have revealed that remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) may have a neuroprotective function. However, the potential benefit of RIC for patients with ICH remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study is to assess the safety and efficacy of RIC for patients with ICH. METHODS: The Safety and Efficacy of RIC for Spontaneous ICH (SERIC-ICH) is an ongoing prospective, randomized, multicenter, parallel-controlled, and blinded-endpoint clinical trial. The study will enroll an estimated 2000 patients aged ⩾18 years within 24 h after ICH onset, with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale ⩾6 and Glasgow Coma Scale ⩾8 upon presentation. The patients will be randomly assigned to the RIC or control groups (1:1) and will be treated with cuffs inflated to a pressure of 200 or 60 mmHg, respectively, twice daily for 7 days. Each RIC treatment will consist of four cycles of arm ischemia for 5 min, followed by reperfusion for another 5 min, for a total procedure time of 35 min. The primary efficacy outcome measure is the proportion of patients with good functional outcomes (modified Rankin scale 0-2) at 180 days. The safety outcome measures will include all adverse events and severe adverse events occurring in the course of the study. DISCUSSION: RIC is an inexpensive intervention and might be a strategy to improve outcomes in patients with ICH. The SERIC-ICH trial will investigate whether RIC treatment can be applied as an adjuvant treatment in the acute phase of ICH and identify safety issues.

[Immunophenotyping and molecular genetic analysis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma].

OBJECTIVE: To perform immunophenotyping and molecular genetic analysis for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and to explore their correlation and implication for prognosis. METHODS: Immunohistochemical streptavidin peroxidase (SP) method was used to determine the expression of CD10, BCL6 and MUM1 in 59 cases of DLBCL. A Hans algorithm was used to classify DLBCL into germinal center B-cell (GCB) and non-GCB subtypes. Interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay was performed on paraffin-embedded lymphoma tissue sections to detect translocations and amplifications of BCL6, BCL2 and MYC genes with dual-color break-apart BCL6 probe, dual-color dual-fusion IgH/ BCL2 probe and dual-color break-apart MYC probe, respectively. RESULTS: In the 59 cases of DLBCL, 28.8% (17/59) belonged to GCB subtype, and 71.2% (42/59) belonged to non-GCB subtype. The incidences of BCL6, BCL2 and MYC gene translocations were 24.1% (14/58), 1.7% (1/59) and 5.3% (3/57), respectively. The incidences of BCL6, BCL2 and MYC gene amplifications were 17.2% (10/58), 22.0% (13/59) and 21.1% (12/57), respectively. BCL6 amplification was not correlated with BCL6 translocation (P=0.424), but was correlated with amplifications of BCL2 and MYC (C=0.405 and 0.403, respectively, P <0.01). The incidence of BCL6 translocation in GCB type was higher than that in non-GCB type, and amplifications of BCL6, BCL2 or MYC were more frequently encountered in non-GCB type, though no statistical significance was detected (P=0.089 and 0.106, respectively). By univariate analysis, immunophenotyping and international prognostic index (IPI) exerted a significant effect on overall survival (OS) (P=0.047 and 0.001, respectively), but to which BCL6 translocation and amplification of the 3 genes were not related (P=0.150 and 0.444, respectively). By multivariate analysis, IPI score was the only independent prognostic factor for OS (RR =3.843, P=0.017). CONCLUSION: The GCB subtype of DLBCL is less common in the patient cohort. Common genetic aberrations have included BCL6 translocation and BCL6, BCL2 and MYC amplifications. Amplification of the 3 genes is strongly correlated with each other, and the incidence of BCL2 translocation is low. Immunophenotyping only has minor significance for the prognosis. Genetic aberrations cannot predict the clinical outcome of DLBCL.

[Clinical and laboratory investigation of pericentric inv(9)(p22q34) with the der(9)t(9;22)(q34;q11) in Ph-positive leukemia].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate clinical and molecule genetics features of four Ph-positive leukemia patients characterized by pericentric inv(9)(p22q34) with the der(9)t(9;22)(q34;q11). METHODS: Cytogenetic analysis was carried out on bone marrow directly or after short-period culture. R banding was used for karyotype analysis. BCR/ABL fusion gene was detected with interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and chromosome painting was carried out using specific probes. RT-PCR was used to detect BCR/ABL chimeric transcripts. RESULTS: One patient with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) presented three clones, which included one with a normal karyotype, one with t(9;22)(q34;q11), and one with inv(9)(p22q34) involving the der(9)t(9;22) and additional t(8;12)(q12;p11). The inv(9)(p22q34) has always co-occurred with der(9)t(9;22)(q34;q11) accompanied by der(22)t(9;22)(q34;q11) in all metaphases from the three patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). B3a2 transcript was detected in all patients by RT-PCR. Inv(9)(p22q34) was found in both CML and AML, and was associated with poor prognosis. CONCLUSION: Inv(9)(p22q34) is a novel, rare, but recurrent secondary chromosomal abnormality for Ph-positive leukemia. Leukemia with der(9)t(9;22) and inv(9)(p22q34) has unique clinical and laboratory characteristics.

[Clinical and cytogenetic study of 6 cases of hematological disorders associated with 20q- and t (20;21) (q11;q11) abnormalities].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze clinical and cytogenetic features of hematological disorders associated with 20q- and t (20;21) (q11;q11) abnormalities. METHODS: Following short-term culture of bone marrow cells, karyotypic analysis was carried out with R-banding. 20q- and t(20;21) (q11;q11) was detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using dual-color 20q11/12 probe, ST 20qter /ST 21qter probes, SE20(D20Z1)/SE 13/21 probes, and WC20/WC21 probes. RESULTS: Six (2.3%) of the 257 patients with 20q- detected by conventional karyotypic analysis were found to have t(20;21) (q11;q11) abnormality. Five cases had myelodysplastic syndrome, 1 had acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Above results were all confirmed by FISH. CONCLUSION: i (20q-), t(20;21) (q11;q11) seems to be a rare but recurrent chromosomal abnormality which is specifically associated with myeloid disease, late occurrence and poor prognosis. The translocation between chromosome 20q11 and 21q11 may form a novel fusion gene which has an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease.

[Clinical and molecular cytogenetic studies of a case of B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia with t(14;14)(q11;q32)].

OBJECTIVE: To report on a rare case of B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) with t(14;14) (q11;q32) and clarify its clinical and molecular cytogenetic features. METHODS: Clinical data of a B-ALL patient with t(14;14) (q11;q32) were analyzed. After 24 hour of unstimulated culturing, chromosome specimens of bone marrow cells were prepared with regular method, and R-banding was used for karyotype analysis. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis was performed on fixed bone marrow cells using IGH dual-color break-apart probe, CEBPE dual-color break-apart probe, whole chromosome paint (WCP) probe for chromosome 4, and Chromoprobe Multiprobe-ALL System probe. RESULTS: The 39-year-old female was diagnosed with B-ALL based on morphologic and immunophenotypic analyses. Conventional cytogenetic analysis showed a karyotype of 47, XX, +4, t(14;14) (q11;q32) [20], which was confirmed by FISH analysis. FISH using IGH-dual-color break-apart probe confirmed involvement of IGH gene in t(14;14) (q11;q32), and FISH using CEBPE dual-color break-apart probe indicated that CEBPE is the partner gene involved in t(14;14) (q11; q32). The patient achieved complete remission (CR) after a round of combined chemotherapy. At the time of follow-up, she had remained CR for more than 6 months. CONCLUSION: t(14;14) (q11;q32) simultaneously involving IGH and CEBPE genes in B-ALL is a rare but recurrent genetic abnormality that may identify a new subgroup of B-ALL. In B-ALL patients, t(14; 14) (q11; q32) involving IGH/CEBPE translocation may indicate a better prognosis.

[Clinical and experimental study of a multiple myeloma case with low hypodiploidy].

OBJECTIVE: To report the clinical and laboratory characterization of a case of multiple myeloma with low hypodiploid complex karyotyptic abnormalities. METHODS: Cytogenetic examination of bone marrow performed by 24 h culture method. R-banding technique was used to analyze the karyotype. Interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was performed using chromosome probes such as 13q14, p53, Rb1, 1q21 and IgH/CCND1. The DNA content was detected by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Chromosome analysis revealed complex chromosomal rearrangement. Five cells had a low hypodiploid karyotype with 35 chromosomes. Three cells had the duplication of the low hypodiploid karyotype. Four cells had a normal karyotype. Monosomy 1, 13, 14, 17 and a mark chromosome 1 derived from chromosome 11 resulting in the amplication of CCND1 gene were confirmed by interphase FISH. Flow cytometric analysis displayed a low hypodiploid peak with the DNA index of 0.8426. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that the low hypodiploidy is a rare abnormality in multiple myeloma. Interphase FISH is a reliable method for detecting molecular abnormalities in multiple myeloma.

[Clinical and experimental studies of childhood acute myeloid leukemia with 11q23/MLL rearrangements].

OBJECTIVE: To explore clinical and experimental features of 28 cases of childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with 11q23/MLL gene rearrangements. METHODS: Karyotypes of 234 cases of de novo childhood AML were analyzed using short-term culture of bone marrow cells and R-banding. The fusion transcripts involving MLL gene and partial tandem duplication of MLL (MLL-PTD) were detected by multiple reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. Two cases with 11q23 translocation by karyotypic analysis but with negative result of multiple RT-PCR were studied with MLL-dual-color fluorescence in situ hybridization (D-FISH). RESULTS: R-banding karyotypic analysis has revealed 20 cases with 11q23 translocation (14 cases with M5, 4 cases with M4, 2 cases with M2), including 12 cases with t(9;11)(p22;q23), 3 cases with t(1;11)(q21;q23), 2 cases with t(6;11)(q27;q23), 1 case with t(11;19)(q23;p13), 1 with t(5;11)(q31;q23), and 1 with t(X;11)(q24;q23). Eighteen cases with 11q23 translocation having fusion transcripts involving MLL genes were confirmed with multiple RT-PCR; 2 cases showed negative results, but they were confirmed to have MLL rearrangements by D-FISH. MLL-PTD was also detected in 8 cases (4 cases M5, 2 cases M4, M2 and M6, one case each) from the other childhood AML cases. The total incidence of 11q23/MLL gene rearrangements was 11.97% (28/234), and most of patients(85.7%, 24/28) were M4/M5. The complete remission (CR) rate after treatment for the 28 cases with MLL rearrangements was 53.8%, the difference was significant by statistics (P< 0.05) compared with 90.5% for the control group (M4/M5 childhood AML with other karyotypic abnormalities or normal karyotype). Of them, 2 cases receiving intensive chemotherapy survived for 81 and 66 months, respectively, 4 cases receiving allogeneic stem cell transplantation survived for 21, 20, 16 and 11 months, respectively, and are still alive with CR. The medium survival (MS) time for 28 cases with 11q23/MLL rearrangements was 11 months, whereas the MS for control group was 15 months. The difference was not statistically significant(P> 0.05). CONCLUSION: The 11q23/MLL rearrangements is highly correlated with the occurrence of monocytic leukemia (M4 and M5). The 11q23 translocation and MLL-PTD are mutually exclusive, though both are indicative of poor prognosis. Intensive chemotherapy and allogeneic stem cell transplantation may ameliorate the clinical outcome. Multiple RT-PCR combined with karyotypic analysis and D-FISH are useful for screening the 11q23/MLL rearrangements in childhood AML.

[Fluorescence in situ hybridization study of acute myeloid leukemia with cryptic chromosome rearrangements].

OBJECTIVE: To detect specific chromosome rearrangements in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) using interphase-fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). METHODS: All cases were studied by R-band karyotypic analysis using direct method and/or short-term culture for chromosomes preparation. Interphase-FISH was performed in 108 cases of AML with M5, M4, M2, M3 subtypes including 103 cases with normal karyotypes, 4 cases with chromosomal abnormalities other than specific chromosomal rearrangements using chromosome translocation probe such as AML1/ETO, PML/RARα, CBFß/MYH11 and MLL. RESULTS: Of 38 cases of M2-AML without t(8;21) on conventional cytogenetics(CC) analysis, 4 cases showed positivity for AML1/ETO fusion transcript, which included 2 cases with typical signal model and 2 with insertion. Of 9 cases of M3-AML without t(15;17) on CC analysis, 6 showed positivity for PML/RARα fusion transcript including 2 with typical signal model, 3 with insertion, one without PML/RARα rearrangement on reverse transcription-PCR and FISH assay using PML/RARα probe. FISH assay using the RARα dual color, break-apart rearrangement probe indicated a partial deletion of RARα. Of 23 cases with M4 or M4EO-AML without inv(16) on CC analysis, 3 showed positivity for CBFß/MYH11 fusion transcript. Of 38 cases without 11q23 translocation on CC analysis, all cases were negative for MLL rearrangement. CONCLUSION: Interphase-FISH can detect specific chromosome rearrangements such as AML1/ETO, PML/RARα or CBFß/MYH11 in some AML cases with normal karyotype, though it seemed less useful for the detection of MLL rearrangement.

LPXN, a member of the paxillin superfamily, is fused to RUNX1 in an acute myeloid leukemia patient with a t(11;21)(q12;q22) translocation.

RUNX1 (previously AML1) is involved in multiple recurrent chromosomal rearrangements in hematological malignances. Recently, we identified a novel fusion between RUNX1 and LPXN from an acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patient with t(11;21)(q12;q22). This translocation generated four RUNX1/LPXN and one LPXN/RUNX1 chimeric transcripts. Two representative RUNX1/LPXN fusion proteins, RL and RLs, were both found to localize in the nucleus and could bring the CBFB protein into the nucleus like the wild-type RUNX1. Both fusion proteins inhibit the ability of RUNX1 to transactivate the CSF1R promoter, probably through competition for its target sequences. Unlike RL and RLs, the LPXN/RUNX1 fusion protein LR was found to localize in the cytoplasm. Thus, we believe it has little impact on the transcriptional activity of RUNX1. We also found that fusion proteins RL, RLs, LR, and wild-type LPXN could confer NIH3T3 cells with malignant transformation characteristics such as more rapid growth, the ability to form colonies in soft agar, and the ability to form solid tumors in the subcutaneous tissue of the BALB/c nude mice. Taken together, our data indicated that the RUNX1/LPXN and LPXN/RUNX1 fusion proteins may play important roles in leukemogenesis and that deregulation of cell adhesion pathways may be pathogenetically important in AML. Our study also suggests that LPXN may play an important role in carcinogenesis.

[The different signal patterns of two FISH probes in the FISH detection of Ph-positive leukemia and their clinical significance].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the signal patterns of dual color extra-signal BCR/ABL probe (ES-FISH) and dual color dual fusion BCR/ABL probe (D-FISH) in the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) detection of Ph-positive leukemia, and to explore their diagnostic value. METHODS: ES-FISH probe and D-FISH probe were used, respectively, to detect the BCR/ABL fusion gene in 74 cases with typical t(9;22)(q34;q11) and 37 cases with variant t(9;22)(q34;q11) translocation or complex karyotypic abnormalities containing Ph translocation. RESULTS: The BCR/ABL fusion gene in all cases with typical t(9;22)(q34;q11) could be detected by both FISH probes. D-FISH had a signal pattern of 1O1G2F, while ES-FISH showed a signal pattern of 2O1G1F. ES-FISH enables the minor breakpoint cluster region to be identified in 9 cases (12.2% ) of Ph-positive leukemia, whereas D-FISH could not differentiate the minor breakpoint cluster region from major breakpoint cluster region. D-FISH could distinguish simple ABL gene deletion from simultaneous deletion of the ABL and BCR genes in 8 cases (10.8%) of Ph-positive leukemia patients, but ES-FISH could not. For variant Ph translocation or complex karyotypic abnormalities containing Ph translocation, each FISH probe showed four or six types of signal pattern, most of which were atypical. The exact interpretation was dependent on conventional karyotypic analysis and FISH on metaphases. CONCLUSION: ES-FISH and D-FISH probes displayed different signal patterns in Ph-positive leukemia due to their differences in size and covered regions. ES-FISH and D-FISH probes may be selected as better probe for Ph-positive acute lymphocytic leukemia and Ph-positive chronic myeloid leukemia, respectively. When imatinib was used for treatment, there was no preference between ES-FISH and D-FISH probe, because major breakpoint cluster region, minor breakpoint cluster region and partial sequence deletion of derivative chromosome 9, would not affect the prognosis of Ph-positive leukemia. However, considering that ES-FISH probe has a better cost-performance than D-FISH probe does, it is recommended as first choice.

[Detection of JAK2V617F mutation and its clinical significance in 80 patients with M2 acute myelogenous leukemia].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the prevalence and prognostic significance of JAK2V617F gene mutation in acute myelogenous leukemia M2 (AML-M2) patients. METHODS: Allele specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect JAK2 gene mutation. RESULTS: Of 80 de novo AML-M2 patients, 6 at the time of first diagnosis and 1 at relapse were found to have JAK2V617F gene mutation (8.8%, 7/80). Morphologically, the whole blood and bone marrow of the 7 AML-M2 patients with JAK2V617F gene mutation presented a picture of acute leukemia instead of myeloproliferative disorders. Immunophenotypically, bone marrow samples showed myelogenous linage expression. Complete remission was obtained in 4 of 5 AML-M2 patients with JAK2V617F mutation who received treatment, while one patient had no response to the treatment. Follow-up was performed in all the 5 patients, with a median survival of 18.5 months in 4 patients. CONCLUSION: JAK2V617F gene mutation, as a type-1 mutation, might not be an initial event in the pathogenesis of acute myelogenous leukemia, and its presentation does not mean a poor prognosis in de novo AML patients.

[Clinical and laboratory features of patients with CD34(+) acute promyelocytic leukemia].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the expression of CD34 in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and investigate the clinical and laboratory features of CD34(+) APL patients. METHODS: 262 APL patients diagnosed by chromosome analysis and/or fusion gene examination in the last five years were retrospectively analyzed in this study. To survey the expression of CD34 in those patients, all the cases were divided into two groups (CD34(+) APL vs. CD34(-) APL). The clinical features including age, gender, abnormal values of the peripheral hemogram before treatment, the complete remission (CR) rate and the incidence of DIC and laboratory data such as the results of morphology, immunology, cytogenetics and molecular biology (MICM) between those two groups were compared. RESULTS: Of the 262 APL patients, 38 (14.5%) cases were positive for CD34 expression. There were no statistically significant differences between CD34(+) APL and CD34(-) APL groups in gender and age (P > 0.05). Before treatment, the median level of WBC in CD34(+) APL was 25.92 x 10(9)/L, which was significantly higher than that of CD34(-) APL (5.3 x 10(9)/L, P < 0.05). CD34(+) APL by morphology classification were mostly of the subtypes M3b and M3v (65.8%), while these subtypes in CD34(-) APL (40.3%) were significantly less (P < 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups compared in respect of complete remission (CR) rate and the incidence of DIC (P > 0.05). The expression level of CD34 in APL had correlation to the expression level of CD2, CD7 and CD117; the latter three phenotypes in CD34(+) APL were significantly higher than those in CD34(-) APL (P < 0.01). No significant difference was found between those two groups by chromosome analysis, but there was more PML-RAR-alpha transcript short form in CD34(+) APL than that in CD34(-) APL (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: CD34(+) acute promyelocytic leukemia is a unique subtype of APL with different biological characteristics.

[Detection and clinical significance of JAK2 mutation in 412 patients with chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the frequency of JAK2V617F mutation in Chinese patients with chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) and to study the relationship between JAK2V617F mutation and clinical characteristics. METHODS: JAK2V617F mutation was screened by allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (AS-PCR). RESULTS: JAK2V617F mutation was detected in 277 of the 412 patients with MPN. The frequency of JAK2V617F mutation was similar among essential thrombocythemia (ET), idiopathic myelofibrosis (IMF) and chronic myeloproliferative disorders-unclassified (MPD-U) (P > 0.05), but it was significantly lower than that in polycythemia vera (PV) (P < 0.05). The presence of JAK2V617F was found to be significantly correlative with advanced age at diagnosis (P < 0.01) and with higher hemoglobin levels and higher leukocyte counts (P < 0.05). Significant difference was found in complication of vascular events between JAK2V617 positive and negative patients (P < 0.05). JAK2V617F positive MPD-U patients were more prone to progress into typical MPN compared with JAK2V617F negative MPD-U patients. The association between abnormal karyotype and JAK2V617F was not found in cytogenetical analysis of 301 patients. CONCLUSION: The presence of JAK2V617F in MPD-U is associated with the disease development. There is a correlation between JAK2V617F mutation in MPN and advanced age, higher leukocyte counts, hemoglobin level and vascular events.

[Fluorescence in situ hybridization studies on a myeloid leukemia patient with ins(8;21)(q22;q22.1q22.3)].

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with the insertion (8;21)(q22;q22.1q22.3). A 33-year-old Chinese woman was referred to our hospital. Hematologic data showed WBC 42.7 x 10(9)/L with monocytosis (monocyte counts 7.296 x 10(9)/L). Bone marrow aspirate was hypercellular with 4.5% monoblasts and 7.5% promonocytes. At first she was diagnosed with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) according to the FAB criteria. Initially the patient received supportive care only, but her general condition rapidly became worse three months later. The monoblasts and promonocytes in the bone marrow rose to 20.5%. After two cycles of combined chemotherapy she obtained complete remission. METHODS: Chromosome specimens were prepared by short-term culture of bone marrow cells. Karyotype analysis was carried out by R-banding technique. Three fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analyses were performed using AML1-ETO dual color, dual fusion probe, whole chromosome painting 8 and 21 probes, and cen-8 and Tel 21qter probes, respectively. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay for detecting the AML1-ETO fusion transcript was also performed. RESULTS: Conventional cytogenetic analysis showed a karyotype of 46,XX,ins(8;21) (q22;q22.1q22.3)[7]/46,XX[3]. FISH tests confirmed the insertion. RT-PCR analysis detected the AML1-ETO fusion transcript. CONCLUSION: We consider that this patient should be rediagnosed as acute myeloid leukemia according to the criteria proposed by World Health Organization (WHO) and that FISH and RT-PCR play an important role in verification of the ins(8;21).

[The quantitative assay and clinical significance of JAK2V617F mutation in 131 patients with chronic myeloproliferative disorders].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the frequency and mutational status of JAK2V617F mutation in Chinese patients with chronic myeloproliferative disorders (CMPD) and to study the relative quantification of mutated JAK2 mRNA and the clinical significance. METHODS: JAK2V617F mutation and the mutational status were screened with amplification-refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR), the relative quantification of mutated JAK2 mRNA was studied by using capillary electrophoresis. RESULTS: A higher prevalence of JAK2V617F in either the heterozygote or homozygote status in essential thrombocythemia (ET) was observed in elderly patients with ET (P < 0.05). The presence of JAK2V617F was found to be significantly correlated with the age at diagnosis (P < 0.05); patients with age > or = 60 years showed significantly higher JAK2 mutated RNA levels than those with age < 60 years (P < 0.05); the presence of JAK2V617F in polycythemia vera (PV) and ET was found to be significantly associated with higher hemoglobin level and higher leukocyte count (P < 0.05). In addition, higher leukocyte count was observed in homozygous ET patients than in heterozygous ET patients (P < 0.05). The frequency of JAK2V617F mutation and the prevalence of homozygote in PV patients were higher than those in ET patients (P < 0.05). The differences of JAK2V617F mRNA levels among PV, ET and chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis (IMF) were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: ARMS-PCR technique can be used to detect the frequency and mutational status of JAK2V617F mutation owing to its sensitivity and along with capillary electrophoresis, quantitative assay for mutated JAK2 mRNA, diagnosis of CMPD and judgement of prognosis become possible.

Translocation t(2;8)(p12;q24) in two patients with B Cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

It is well known that translocation between chromosomes 2 and 8, t(2;8)(p12;q24), has a strong association with Burkitt's lymphoma. It has rarely been seen in indolent lymphoproliferative disorders. In this study, we report for the first time on 2 cases of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with t(2;8). They were diagnosed as having typical CLL (case 1) and CLL/prolymphocytic leukemia (case 2), respectively, based on morphology and immunophenotyping. Karyotypic analysis of the bone marrow cells using the R-banding technique revealed a karyotype of 47,XY, t(2;8)(p12;q24), +4,[17]/46, XY[9] in case 1 and a karyotype of 45,X, t(Y;7)(q12;q21),t(2;8)(p12; q24),del(12)(p12),-17[5]/46,XY[9] in case 2. T(2;8) translocation was confirmed by whole chromosome painting. Rearrangement of the MYC gene and loss of one p53 allele were detected by FISH only in case 2. Both cases had negative ZAP70 and CD38 expressions; however, only case 1 showed good response to therapy. We consider that MYC rearrangement, loss of one p53 allele as well as other factors, such as more prolymphocytes in the blood and bone marrow and complex chromosome abnormalities, also had adverse effects on the poorer prognosis of case 2.

[The clinical and laboratory features of acute promyelocytic leukemia: an analysis of 513 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical and laboratory features of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). METHODS: 513 APL patients in the last two decades were retrospectively analyzed in this research. We investigated the clinical features including age, sex, abnormality of peripheral hemogram before treatment, therapeutic effect and follow-up and laboratory data such as morphology, immunology, cytogenetics and molecular biology (MICM). RESULTS: The median age of the APL patients was 33 years old and the ratio of male and female was 1.21:1. Before treatment, the median level of WBC was 4.3 x 10(9)/L and the detection rate of abnormal promyelocyte on blood film was 85.8%; with immunophenotypic detection, the expression levels of CD117, CD34, HLA-DR, CD7, CD14 and CD19 in APL were found to be lower and the expression levels of CD2, CD33 and MPO higher than those in other subtypes of acute myelocytic leukemia (AML) (both P < 0.01). Specific abnormal chromosome t (15;17) was detected in 91.7% of the patients, of whom 75.9% had standard translocation of t (15;17), being the most common one and 15.8% of the patients had t (15;17) with additional abnormal chromosome. There was only 7.5% of the patients with normal karyotype. However, the presence of both simple translocation and complex translocation was seldom seen. With molecular biological detection, PML/RARalpha fusion gene positive rate was 99.6%. In a relatively long clinical follow-up, we found that the complete remission (CR) rate in APL patients was 84.7%, incidence of DIC was 13.4% and five-year survival rate was 30.7%. The median count of WBC in CR group was lower than that non-remission group (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences on expressions of CD34 and CD2 and changes of cytogenetics between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive evaluation of MICM could be of important significance in the diagnosis and prognosis judgment for APL patients. The CR rate in these patients with high WBC count was considerable low.

Interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization detection of cytogenetic abnormalities in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

The most frequent chromosomal abnormalities in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) are deletions on 13q14 and 17p13, trisomy 12, and 14q32 rearrangement. Conventional cytogenetic analysis underestimates the frequency of specific chromosome aberrations in B-CLL because of the low rate of spontaneous mitoses and the poor response to mitogen stimulation. We used interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (I-FISH) to explore the incidence of chromosomal changes in the peripheral blood cells of B-CLL patients. Probes for 13q14 (D13S319), 17p13 (p53), the centromere of chromosome 12 (CEP12), and 14q32 (IGHC/IGHV) were applied to detect chromosomal aberrations in peripheral blood samples from 83 B-CLL patients (60 men, 23 women). Molecular cytogenetic aberrations were found in 61 cases (73.5%), and 8 patients (9.6%) showed 2 kinds of abnormalities. The most frequent abnormality was deletion of 13q14 (41.0%), followed by +12 (19.3%), deletion of 17p13 (12%), and 14q32 rearrangement (9.6%). FISH results were analyzed for correlation with Binet stages. The percentages of patients who showed abnormalities by FISH were 73.0%, 73.3%, and 80% for Binet stages A, B, and C, respectively, and the percentages of patients with abnormalities who showed 2 anomalies were 7.9%, 27.3%, and 0% for Binet stages A, B, and C, respectively. We noted no consistent pattern among the various Binet stages in the distribution of either the types of FISH-detected anomalies or the numbers of FISH anomalies. I-FISH was found to be a rapid, exact, and sensitive technique for analysis of chromosome aberrations in CLL. FISH could provide accurate information regarding the molecular cytogenetic features of CLL.

NOTCH1 mutations in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: prognostic significance and implication in multifactorial leukemogenesis.

PURPOSE: NOTCH signaling pathway is essential in T-cell development and NOTCH1 mutations are frequently present in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). To gain insight into its clinical significance, NOTCH1 mutation was investigated in 77 patients with T-ALL. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Detection of NOTCH1 mutation was done using reverse transcription-PCR amplification and direct sequencing, and thereby compared according to the clinical/biological data of the patients. RESULTS: Thirty-two mutations were identified in 29 patients (with dual mutations in 3 cases), involving not only the heterodimerization and proline/glutamic acid/serine/threonine domains as previously reported but also the transcription activation and ankyrin repeat domains revealed for the first time. These mutations were significantly associated with elevated WBC count at diagnosis and independently linked to short survival time. Interestingly, the statistically significant difference of survival according to NOTCH1 mutations was only observed in adult patients (>18 years) but not in pediatric patients (< or = 18 years), possibly due to the relatively good overall response of childhood T-ALL to the current chemotherapy. NOTCH1 mutations could coexist with HOX11, HOX11L2, or SIL-TAL1 expression. The negative effect of NOTCH1 mutation on prognosis was potentiated by HOX11L2 but was attenuated by HOX11. CONCLUSION: NOTCH1 mutation is an important prognostic marker in T-ALL and its predictive value could be even further increased if coevaluated with other T-cell-related regulatory genes. NOTCH pathway thus acts combinatorially with oncogenic transcriptional factors on T-ALL pathogenesis.

[Fluorescence in situ hybridization identifies complex chromosomal aberrations in multiple myeloma].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the value of the technique of multiplex fluorescence in sit hybridization (M-FISH) combined with interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in the identification of the chromosomal aberrations in multiple myeloma (MM) and to investigate the frequency of 13q14 deletion, IgH translocations and 17p13 deletion. METHODS: Seven MM patients with complex chromosomal abnormalities (CCAs) were analyzed by combining the technique of conventional cytogenetics (CC) with M-FISH and FISH. RESULTS: M-FISH identified the aberrations which were undetected by CC, including twelve kinds of numeral aberrations and twenty-nine kinds of structural aberrations, In addition, abnormalities of chromosome 1, chromosomes 13 deletion and IgH translocations were the most frequent aberrations. Using the LSI D13S319 probe specific for 13q14, we observed a deletion of 13q14 in 6 MM patients; using the LSI p53 probe specific for 17p13, we observed p53 deletion in 4 MM patients; using the LSI IGHC/IGHV probe specific for 14q32, we observed a translocation involving 14q32 in 5 MM patients (43.5%), two translocations in two cases (case 6 and 7). CONCLUSION: M-FISH combined with FISH could refine the cytogenetics of MM patients and detect the missed abnormalities or correct the misidentified abnormalities analyzed by CC. It provides an ideal method for the research of chromosomal aberrations in MM.