Mutations of the epigenetics-modifying gene (DNMT3a, TET2, IDH1/2) at diagnosis may induce FLT3-ITD at relapse in de novo acute myeloid leukemia.

Gene mutations were found in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and their importance has been noted. To clarify the importance and stability of mutations, we examined gene mutations in paired samples at diagnosis and relapse of 34 adult AML patients. Five acquired gene mutations were detected at relapse. Of the 45 gene mutations at diagnosis, 11 of them were lost at relapse. The acquired mutations at relapse were all class I mutations as Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) and rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (RAS) mutations. The disappeared mutations at relapse were 3 of 11 internal tandem duplications of FLT3 (FLT3-ITD) (27.3%), 3 of 3 FLT3 tyrosine kinase domain (FLT3-TKD) (100%), 3 of 13 Nucleophosmin 1 (23.1%) and 2 of 5 CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-α (40%) mutations. However, epigenetics-modifying gene (DNMT3a, TET2 and IDH1/2) mutations had no change between diagnosis and relapse samples, and may become minimal residual disease marker. The frequency of FLT3-ITD at relapse in patients with DNMT3a mutation at diagnosis is significantly higher than those in patients without them (P=0.001). Moreover, the high frequency of FLT3-ITD at relapse is also seen in AML cases that initially present with any epigenetics-modifying gene mutations (P<0.001). Our results indicate that epigenetics-modifying gene mutations may cause genetic instability and induce FLT3-ITD, leading to resistance to therapy and relapse.

Plasma des-acyl and acyl ghrelin in patients with eating disorders.

A recently recognized peptide, ghrelin, increases appetite and energy retention in human. Previous reports have shown higher plasma level in eating disorder (ED) patients and correlations with body mass index (BMI). This study examined these findings by measuring active (N-RIA) and total (C-RIA) levels of plasma ghrelin. Multipurpose assessments of symptoms were conducted for 11 ED patients and 5 control females. Results revealed significant differences of C-RIA between the groups. The BMI did not correlate with ghrelin, but demonstrated reversal correlation with the ratio of N-RIA and C-RIA (NC ratio) according to the ED or control group. The NC ratio also tended to be associated with a self-rating score. The NC ratio might be related to specific characteristics of ghrelin secretion or clearance in ED patients. Further basic and clinical investigations are necessary.

[Different sensitivity of sinus node and atrioventricular node to adenosine triphosphate].

We showed that higher concentration of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) was required to prolong the spontaneous cycle length of the sinus node (SN) than that required to prolong the spontaneous cycle length of the atrioventricular node (AVN). Spontaneously beating preparations of SN and AVN of rabbit (n = 8) were superfused with Tyrode solution containing 10(-8)-10(-3)M ATP, and action potential was recorded. The negative chronotropic action of ATP was dependent on the concentration. The required concentration of ATP to prolong spontaneous cycle length significantly (p less than 0.01) was 10(-5)M in SN and 10(-6)M in AVN, respectively. At concentrations higher than 10(-6)M, the degree of prolongation was greater in AVN than in SN (p less than 0.01). 10(-7)M dipyridamole enhanced this effect of ATP, while 10(-4)M theophylline reduced it. Action potential duration of 50% repolarization was not changed significantly in either SN or AVN at concentrations up to 10(-3)M. Maximum diastolic potential (MDP) was hyperpolarized from 10(-8)M to 10(-4) M. Hyperpolarization of MDP induced by ATP was greater in AVN than in SN but it was not statistically significant. MDP was depolarized by 10(-3) M ATP in both SN and AVN. The maximum velocity of depolarization was slightly larger in both SN and AVN as the concentration of ATP was increased in the perfusate. However, it was not statistically significant. 10(-3) M ATP decreased the maximum velocity of depolarization.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Complete remission obtained in refractory acute lymphocytic leukemia using high-dose cytosine arabinoside combined with low-dose L-asparaginase].

A 41-year-old male was diagnosed as acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) in November, 1982 and partial remission was obtained by a combination chemotherapy of LVP, DVP ABOP and VAMP. In January, 1983, peripheral blood showed an increasing number of leukemic cells and he was readmitted to our hospital. WBC count in the peripheral blood was 13,200/mm3 and an 82% ratio of leukemic cells was observed. Bone marrow aspiration showed a hypercellularity of 89.4% leukemic cells. High-dose Ara-C therapy was started at a dose of 3 g/m2 i.v. every 12 hours for 6 days. Leukemic cells in peripheral blood were rapidly decreased in number, and the nucleated cell count of bone marrow was also reduced after 3 weeks of treatment, however 95% of leukemic cells remained. Low-dose L-asparaginase was then supplemented at a dose of 2000 U for 3 days, and 2 months later complete remission was achieved. The side effects associated with this high-dose Ara-C therapy were nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and conjunctivitis, although these were tolerable. These observations suggest that high-dose Ara-C combined with L-asparaginase should be added to the treatment of leukemia which is refractory to conventional chemotherapy.