Effects of gestational diabetes mellitus on the quality and quantity of blood hematopoietic stem cells: a case-control study.

AIM: To evaluate the effects of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on the quantity and quality of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC). METHODS: In this case-control study, HSC were isolated from umbilical cord blood (UCB) procured at delivery from 63 mothers with GDM and 67 healthy mothers. Total nucleated cells (TNC) and CD34+ cells were quantified using BD FACSCalibur flow cytometer. The quantity and quality of stem cells were determined. RESULTS: The GDM group had lower total cord blood volume and lower number of nucleated HSC compared with healthy mothers. Regarding stem cell quantity parameters, they had significantly lower UCB volume (P=0.041), TNC count (P=0.022), total viable NC count (P=0.014), and CD34+ percentage (P=0.014). Regarding the quality of stem cells, they had significantly lower viable TNC percentage (P=0.015). The predictors for total TNC count were longer labor duration (adjusted B coefficient [p]: 0.031 [0.046]), greater estimated blood loss (0.089 [0.005]), female neonates (12.322 [0.049]), and higher placenta weight (0.080 [0.033]). The predictors of total viable NC count were greater estimated blood loss (0.092 [0.003]), female neonates (13.16 [0.035]), and greater placenta weight (0.083 [0.026]). CONCLUSION: The GDM group had much lower quantity and quality of UCB stem cells. Our results should be taken into consideration when drawing cord blood for unrelated stem cell banking in an obstetric unit to ensure the obtaining of optimal cord blood samples and to avoid unnecessary expenses.

Histopathology imagery dataset of Ph-negative myeloproliferative neoplasm.

Tumorous cancer has been a widely known and well-studied medical phenomenon; however, rare diseases like Myeloproliferative Neoplasm (MPN) have received less attention, leading to delayed diagnosis. Despite the availability of advanced technology in diagnostic tools that can boost the procedure, the morphological assessment of bone marrow trephine (BMT) images remains critical to confirm and differentiate MPN subtypes. This paper reports a histopathological imagery dataset that was created to focus on the most common MPN from the Philadelphia Chromosome (Ph)-negative type, namely Essential Thrombocythemia (ET), Polycythemia Vera (PV), and Primary Myelofibrosis (MF). The dataset consisted of 300 BMT images that can be used to enable computer vision applications, such as image segmentation, disease classification, and object recognition, in assisting the classification of the MPN disease. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ministry of Health, Malaysia and the bone marrow trephine images were captured using a digital microscope from the Olympus model (BX41 Dual head microscope) with x10, x20, and x40 lens types. The development of comprehensive tools deployed from this dataset can assist medical practitioners in diagnosing diseases, thus overcoming the current challenges.

Non-deletional alpha thalassaemia: a review.

BACKGROUND: Defective synthesis of the α-globin chain due to mutations in the alpha-globin genes and/or its regulatory elements leads to alpha thalassaemia syndrome. Complete deletion of the 4 alpha-globin genes results in the most severe phenotype known as haemoglobin Bart's, which leads to intrauterine death. The presence of one functional alpha gene is associated with haemoglobin H disease, characterised by non-transfusion-dependent thalassaemia phenotype, while silent and carrier traits are mostly asymptomatic. MAIN BODY: Clinical manifestations of non-deletional in alpha thalassaemia are varied and have more severe phenotype compared to deletional forms of alpha thalassaemia. Literature for the molecular mechanisms of common non-deletional alpha thalassaemia including therapeutic measures that are necessarily needed for the understanding of these disorders is still in demand. This manuscript would contribute to the better knowledge of how defective production of the α-globin chains due to mutations on the alpha-globin genes and/or the regulatory elements leads to alpha thalassaemia syndrome. CONCLUSION: Since many molecular markers are associated with the globin gene expression and switching over during the developmental stages, there is a need for increased awareness, new-born and prenatal screening program, especially for countries with high migration impact, and for improving the monitoring of patients with α-thalassaemia.

Can Yellow Stripe Scad Compete with Salmon on Its Role in Platelet Phospholipid Membrane and Its Cardiovascular Benefits?

This review article stresses the effective role of dietary fish fillet docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on overweight as a risk factor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) via platelet phospholipid modification. Several reports have demonstrated that saturated fat in overweight evokes systemic inflammation and more importantly predisposes it to cardiovascular disorder. Prospective studies have shown that saturated fat is directly proportional to the level of arachidonic acids (AA), precursor of thromboxane in the platelet phospholipid membrane as omega-6 fatty acid in overweight and obese people. Some literature has demonstrated that omega-3 fatty acid from fish fillet ameliorates inflammation, reduces proinflammatory cytokine, inhibits signaling pathway, and regulates the physical composition of inflammatory leukocytes and free radicals (ROS). Yellow stripe scad (YSS) is a local Malaysian fish that has been shown to contain a comparable level of EPA/DHA content as observed in salmon. This review article will focus on the dietary role of fish fillet that will balance the omega-6 fatty acid/omega-3 fatty acid ratio in platelet phospholipid from YSS to manage and prevent healthy overweight/obesity-related risk factor of CVD and to avoid the risk orthodox drug treatment.

Percentage of hypochromic red cells as a potential screening test to evaluate iron status in blood donors.

INTRODUCTION: Haemoglobin (Hb) levels are used to assess eligibility for blood donation but are not correlated with iron status. The percentage of hypochromic red cells (%Hypo-He) has been suggested as a useful screening parameter for iron deficiency. The aim of this study was to determine the cut-off level and accuracy of %Hypo-He screening among blood donors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 170 blood donors were recruited into the study. Blood donors were classified into three groups: normal, latent iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia based on their Hb, serum ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT) levels. The diagnostic performance of %Hypo-He was evaluated with a validation group comprising 160 blood donors. RESULTS: Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that %Hypo-He is an excellent parameter for detecting iron deficiency, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.906, a confidence interval (CI) of 0.854-0.957 at a cut-off of 0.6%, and 74.51% sensitivity and 88.24% specificity. A moderate negative correlation between %Hypo-He and TSAT (ρ = -0.576 [P < 0.001]) and a strong negative correlation between %Hypo-He and serum ferritin (ρ = -0.703 [P < 0.001]) were found. A cut-off value of 0.6% was applied to the validation group and showed 82.9% sensitivity and 96% specificity. CONCLUSION: %Hypo-He with a cut-off value of 0.6% is a potential parameter with high sensitivity and specificity for evaluating iron status among blood donors. This parameter is suitable for screening because its measurement has a faster turnaround time than biochemical markers.

In Vitro Antiatherothrombotic Effects of Extracts from Berberis Vulgaris L., Teucrium Polium L., and Orthosiphon Stamineus Benth.

Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The pathogenesis is mainly due to atherosclerosis, plaque rupture, and platelet thrombus formation. The main risk factors for coronary artery disease include obesity, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, diabetes, and high blood pressure. As a part of disease management, treatment options using anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs can be applied with addition to lipid-lowering medication. However, medicinal plants comprising antiatherothrombotic effects can be used as options to combat the disease rather than drug therapies with lesser adverse effects. Therefore, the haematological effect of Berberis vulgaris L., Teucrium polium L., and Orthosiphon stamineus Benth extracts was studied using in vitro model to prevent and to treat coronary atherothrombotic disease. The aqueous, methanol, and polysaccharide extracts of B. vulgaris, T. polium, and O. stamineus, respectively, were studied for their anticoagulant and antiplatelet effect on human whole blood. Extracts were subjected to the prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) test for anticoagulant activity. The antiplatelet activity was investigated using an electrical impedance method. B. vulgaris aqueous extract (BVAE), B. vulgaris polysaccharide extract (BVPE), T. polium aqueous extract (TPAE), and T. polium polysaccharide extract (TPPE) significantly prolonged the coagulation time in a concentration-dependent manner (p<0.05). The administration of BVAE demonstrated the most effective antiplatelet activity against platelet aggregation caused by arachidonic acid (AA) and collagen. These antiplatelet activities may correspond to the presence of higher total phenolic compound, which thus inhibit the platelet aggregation activity. In conclusion, these findings provide strong evidence on the antiatherothrombotic effect of BVAE and TPAE.

Medicinal Herbals with Antiplatelet Properties Benefit in Coronary Atherothrombotic Diseases.

Coronary atherothrombotic diseases such as coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, and heart failure are the serious concerns of the thrombus formed in blood vessels. Anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs are the cornerstones of the management of these diseases. To prevent the recurrence of these diseases, double antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin and clopidogrel has been the standard management in most hospitals. However, aspirin resistance and clopidogrel inefficient effects due to noncompliance with double drugs regimen can cause a sinister effect on patients. Medicinal plants serve as a greater resource for new medication and their potential currently became a topic of interest to the researchers all over the world. Traditionally, certain herbs have been used as a treatment for heart diseases but have been investigated for their antiplatelet properties. This current review explained few traditional antithrombotic herbals and their antiplatelet properties in vitro and in vivo and this is to be deeply discussed in further research.

Increased regulatory T cells in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia patients.

INTRODUCTION: Regulation in adaptive immune response balances a fine line that prevents instigation of self-damage or fall into unresponsiveness permitting abnormal cell growth. Mechanisms that keep this balance in check include regulatory T cells (Tregs). Tregs consist of a small but heterogeneous population, which may be identified by the phenotype, CD3+CD4+CD25+CD127-. The role of Tregs in pathogenesis of cancers is thus far supported by evidence of increased Tregs in various cancers and may contribute to poorer prognosis. Tregs may also be important in acute leukaemias. OBJECTIVE: A review of the literature on Tregs in acute leukaemias was conducted and Tregs were determined in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemias (ALLs). RESULTS: Studies on Tregs in B-cell ALL are few and controversial. We observed a significantly increased percentage of Tregs (mean±SD, 9.72 ± 3.79% vs. 7.05 ± 1.74%; P = 0.047) in the bone marrow/peripheral blood of ALL (n = 17) compared to peripheral blood of normal controls (n = 35). A positive trend between Tregs and age (R = 0.474, P = 0.055, n = 17) implicates this factor of poor prognosis in B-cell ALL. DISCUSSION: Tregs in cancer are particularly significant in immunotherapy. The manipulation of the immune system to treat cancer has for a long time ignored regulatory mechanisms inducible or in place. In lymphoma studies, tumour-specific mechanisms that are unlike conventional methods in the induction of Tregs have been hypothesized. In addition, tumour-infiltrating Tregs may present different profiles from peripheral blood pictures. Tregs will continue to be dissected to reveal its mysteries and their impact on clinical significance.

Increased regulatory T cells in acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients.

INTRODUCTION: Regulation in adaptive immune response balances a fine line that prevents instigation of self-damage or fall into unresponsiveness permitting abnormal cell growth. Mechanisms that keep this balance in check include regulatory T cells (Tregs). Tregs consist of a small but heterogeneous population which may be identified by the phenotype, CD3+CD4+CD25+CD127-. Role of Tregs in pathogenesis of cancers is thus far supported by evidence of increased Tregs in various cancers and may contribute to poorer prognosis. Tregs may also be important in acute leukemias. OBJECTIVE: A review of the literature on Tregs in acute leukemias was conducted and Tregs were determined in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemias (ALLs). RESULTS: Studies on Tregs in B-cell ALL are few and controversial. We observed a significantly increased percentage of Tregs (mean ± SD, 9.72 ± 3.79% vs. 7.05 ± 1.74%; P = 0.047) in the bone marrow/peripheral blood of ALL (n = 17) compared to peripheral blood of normal controls (n = 35). A positive trend between Tregs and age (R = 0.474, P = 0.055, n = 17) implicates this factor of poor prognosis in B-cell ALL. DISCUSSION: Tregs in cancer are particularly significant in immunotherapy. The manipulation of the immune system to treat cancer has for a long time ignored regulatory mechanisms inducible or in place. In lymphoma studies tumor-specific mechanisms that are unlike conventional methods in the induction of Tregs have been hypothesized. In addition, tumor-infiltrating Tregs may present different profiles from peripheral blood pictures. Tregs will continue to be dissected to reveal their mysteries and their impact on clinical significance.

The effects of herbs and fruits on leukaemia.

In developing countries, herbal therapy is the first and basis form of treatment for most types of diseases. About 75-80% of the world's population prefers herbal therapy as a major treatment due to its better adequacy and satisfactoriness, which enhance human body's symmetry with minimal side effects. Fruits and plants have been presented from the past as promising tools in becoming a natural anticancer agents. Many of these plant extracts are currently used in cancer therapy and prevention. This review paper will particularly explore and emphasize on herbs and fruits used in the treatment of the leukaemia.