The Effect of SGLT2 Inhibitor Therapy on Endothelial Progenitor Cell Function in Patients With Heart Failure.

ABSTRACT: Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular mortality and hospitalizations in patients with heart failure (HF) with preserved or reduced ejection fraction (HFpEF or HFrEF). The mechanism for this benefit is not clear. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are bone marrow-derived cells able to differentiate into functional endothelial cells and participate in endothelial repair. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of SGLT-2 inhibitors on the level and function of EPCs in patients with HF. We enrolled 20 patients with symptomatic HF, 12 with HFrEF and 8 with HFpEF (aged 73.3 ± 10.2 years, 95% men). Blood samples were drawn at 2 time points: baseline and ≥3 months after initiation of SGLT-2 inhibitor therapy. Circulating EPC levels were evaluated by expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2), CD34, and CD133 by flow cytometry. EPC colony forming units (CFUs) were quantified after 7 days in culture. The proportion of cells that coexpressed VEGFR-2 and CD34 or VEGFR-2 and CD133 was higher following 3 months of SGLT-2 inhibitors [0.26% (interquartile range, IQR 0.10-0.33) versus 0.55% (IQR 0.28-0.91), P = 0.002; 0.12% (IQR 0.07-0.15) versus 0.24% (IQR 0.15-0.39), P = 0.001, respectively]. EPC CFUs were also increased following SGLT-2 inhibitor treatment [23 (IQR 3.7-37.8) versus 79.4 (IQR 25.1-110.25) colonies/10 6 cells, P = 0.0039]. In patients with symptomatic HF, both HFpEF and HFrEF, treatment with SGLT-2 inhibitors is associated with an increase in the level and function of circulating EPCs. This augmentation in EPCs may be a contributing mechanism to the clinical benefit of SGLT-2 inhibitors in patients with HF.

Comparison of peripheral blood automated hematopoietic progenitor cell count and flow cytometric CD34+ cell count.

BACKGROUND: Stem cell apheresis in the context of autologous stem cell transplantation requires an accurate cluster of differentiantion 34 (CD34+) count determined by flow cytometry as the current gold standard. Since flow cytometry is a personnel and time-intensive diagnostic tool, automated stem cell enumeration may provide a promising alternative. Hence, this study aimed to compare automated hematopoietic progenitor enumeration carried out on a Sysmex XN-20 module compared with conventional flow cytometric measurements. METHODS: One hundred forty-three blood samples from 41 patients were included in this study. Correlation between the two methods was calculated over all samples, depending on leukocyte count and diagnosis. RESULTS: Overall, we found a high degree of correlation (r = 0.884). Furthermore, correlation was not impaired by elevated leukocyte counts (>10 000/µL, r = 0.860 vs <10 000/µL, r = 0.849; >20 000/µL, r = 0.843 vs <20 000/µL, r = 0.875). However, correlation was significantly impaired in patients with multiple myeloma (multiple myeloma r = 0.840 vs nonmyeloma r = 0.934). SUMMARY: Stem cell measurement carried out on the Sysmex XN-20 module provides a significant correlation with flow cytometry and might be implemented in clinical practice. In clinical decision-making, there was discrepancy of under 15% of cases. In multiple myeloma patients, XN-20 should be used with caution.

Effects of Chronic Exercise on Endothelial Progenitor Cells and Microparticles in Professional Runners / Efeitos de Exercício Crônico Sobre Células Progenitoras Endoteliais e Micropartículas em Corredores Profissionais

Abstract Background: The effects of chronic exposure to exercise training on vascular biomarkers have been poorly explored. Objective: Our study aimed to compare the amounts of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), and endothelial (EMP) and platelet (PMP) microparticles between professional runners and healthy controls. Methods: Twenty-five half-marathon runners and 24 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were included in the study. EPCs (CD34+/KDR+, CD133+/KDR+, and CD34+/CD133+), EMP (CD51+) and PMP (CD42+/CD31+) were quantified by flow-cytometry. All blood samples were obtained after 12 h of fasting and the athletes were encouraged to perform their routine exercises on the day before. Results: As compared with controls, the CD34+/KDR+ EPCs (p=0.038) and CD133+/KDR+ EPCs (p=0.018) were increased, whereas CD34+/CD133+ EPCs were not different (p=0.51) in athletes. In addition, there was no difference in MPs levels between the groups. Conclusion: Chronic exposure to exercise in professional runners was associated with higher percentage of EPCs. Taking into account the similar number of MPs in athletes and controls, the study suggests a favorable effect of exercise on these vascular biomarkers.

Resumo Fundamento: Os efeitos da exposição crônica ao exercício sobre biomarcadores vasculares foram pouco estudados. Objetivo: Nosso estudo teve como objetivo comparar as quantidades de células progenitoras endoteliais (CPEs), e de micropartículas endoteliais (MPEs) e plequetárias (MPPs) de corredores profissionais com controles sadios. Métodos: Vinte e cinco corredores de meia maratona e 24 controles pareados quanto à idade e ao sexo foram incluídos no estudo. CPEs (CD34+/KDR+, CD133+/KDR+ e CD34+/CD133+), MPE (CD51+) e MPPs (CD42+/CD31+) foram quantificadas por citometria de fluxo. Todas as amostras de sangue foram obtidas após 12 horas de jejum, e os atletas foram incentivados a realizar seus exercícios de rotina no dia anterior à coleta. Resultados: Em comparação aos controles, CPEs CD34+/KDR+ (p=0,038) e CD133+/KDR+ (p=0,018) estavam aumentados, e CPEs CD34+/CD133+ não foram diferentes (p=0,51) nos atletas. As concentrações de MP não diferiram entre os grupos. Conclusão: A exposição crônica ao exercício em corredores profissionais associou-se a uma maior porcentagem de CPEs. Considerando o número similar de MPs entre atletas e controles, o estudo sugere um efeito favorável do exercício sobre esses biomarcadores vasculares.

Mobilization of hematopoietic progenitor cells for autologous transportation: consensus recommendations / Mobilização de células progenitoras hematopoéticas para transplante autólogo: recomendações de consenso

SUMMARY Selected patients with certain hematological malignancies and solid tumors have the potential to achieve long-term survival with autologous hematopoietic progenitor cell transplant. The collection of these cells in peripheral blood avoids multiple bone marrow aspirations, results in faster engraftment and allows treatment of patients with infection, fibrosis, or bone marrow hypocellularity. However, for the procedure to be successful, it is essential to mobilize a sufficient number of progenitor cells from the bone marrow into the blood circulation. Therefore, a group of Brazilian experts met in order to develop recommendations for mobilization strategies adapted to the reality of the Brazilian national health system, which could help minimize the risk of failure, reduce toxicity and improve the allocation of financial resources.

RESUMO Pacientes selecionados com certas neoplasias hematológicas e tumores sólidos têm o potencial de alcançar sobrevida de longo prazo com o transplante autólogo de células progenitoras hematopoéticas. A coleta dessas células no sangue periférico evita múltiplas aspirações de medula óssea, resulta em enxertia mais rápida, e permite o tratamento de pacientes com infiltração, fibrose ou hipocelularidade medular. Contudo, para o sucesso desse procedimento, é essencial mobilizar um número suficiente de células progenitoras da medula óssea para a circulação sanguínea. Por isso, um painel de especialistas brasileiros se reuniu com o objetivo de desenvolver recomendações para estratégias de mobilização adaptadas à realidade do sistema de saúde nacional, que pudessem contribuir para minimizar os riscos de falha, reduzir a toxicidade e melhorar a alocação de recursos financeiros.

Expression of VEGF-A, HIF-1 A, CD34 and Ki67 in clear cell renal cell carcinomas and their relationship with conventional prognostic markers. / Expression of VEGF-A, HIF-1 A, CD34 and Ki67 in clear cell renal cell carcinomas and their relationship with conventional prognostic markers.

Clear cell renal carcinoma is the most frequent type of renal carcinoma. Recently, attention has been focused in the expression of angiogenic factors by these tumors, which would justify in part their capacity to grow, invade and disseminate, stating a worse evolution of those patients with an unfavorable angiogenic profile. 83 samples of nephrectomy with a diagnosis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma were studied. Clinical and pathological data were collected. Tumors were studied to assess immunohistochemical expression of the following markers: VEGF-A, HIF-1α, CD34 and Ki67. Results indicated a direct linear relationship between expressions of these four markers. Besides, the expression of HIF-1α was directly related to Furhman grade, invasion of the renal vein and tumor stage. Likewise, tumor proliferation index, assessed with Ki67, was directly related to the presence of necrosis, capsular invasion and advanced tumor stage. Regarding the expression of CD34, vascular density was inversely related to tumor necrosis and overall survival. These findings are controversial compared with the available literature. Then, a research scenery would be open, where the importance of generating prospective and more standardized studies are highlighted to determine the role of these angiogenic factors in tumor evolution and prognostic evaluation of these tumors.

Clinical Significance of Platelet Count at day +60 After Allogeneic Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation

Thrombocytopenia (TP) is a frequent complication after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) and regarded as a poor prognostic factor, especially in patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), although various factors were related to the development of TP after allogeneic SCT. Sixty-three patients receiving allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) were stratified according to platelet count (PC) at day +60 and analyzed in terms of overall survival (OS) and the incidence of non-relapse mortality (NRM). Ten patients (15.9%) were stratified in group 1 (PC or =80 x 10(9)/L). Group 3 was associated with lower incidence of extensive chronic GVHD (p=0.013), better 3-yr OS (p=0.0030), and lower NRM rate (p<0.0001). In multivariate analyses, the PC at day +60 was identified as an independent prognostic factor (p=0.003) together with CD34+ cell dose (p<0.001), disease risk (p=0.004), and acute GVHD (p=0.033) in terms of NRM, and the PC (p=0.047) and CD34+ cell dose (p=0.026) in terms of incidence of infectious events. Measuring the platelet count at day +60 is a simple method for predicting the risk of chronic GVHD development and prognosis after allogeneic PBSCT.

Hemangioma elastótico adquirido ¿Una entidad infradiagnosticada? / Acquired elastotic hemangioma: an underrecognized entity?

Planteamiento: Describimos una variante clínicopatológica de hemangioma adquirido que aparece en el adulto y que probablemente sea una entidad infradiagnosticada. Material y métodos: Este artículo informa sobre los hallazgos clínicos, histológicos e inmunohistoquímicos de una variante de hemangioma cutáneo llamada hemangioma elastótico adquirido. Resultados: El hemangioma elastótico adquirido se presenta en la piel con daño actínico como placas eritematosas con una apariencia angiomatosa. Histológicamente muestra una proliferación en dermis superficial de capilares que se disponen paralelos a la epidermis. Conclusiones: El hemangioma elastótico adquirido es una variante clínicopatológica de hemangioma diferente de otras proliferaciones vasculares cutáneas (AU)

Tumor fibroso solitario subcutáneo maligno: ¿pronóstico impredecible? / Subcutaneous malignant solitary fibrous tumor: Unpredictable behavior?

El tumor fibroso solitario (TFS) es un ejemplo de neoplasia poco frecuente que se adscribe a una localización concreta en un inicio, pero su típica imagen y patrón de expresión inmunohistoquímico están permitiendo describirlo en múltiples localizaciones. Dada su rareza y relativamente reciente descripción en su variante extrapleural, todavía no hay acuerdo en su comportamiento, ya que en algunas series no hay casos malignos, pero sí en otras. A los criterios más ampliamente reconocidos como definitorios de malignidad como la hipercelularidad, pleomorfismo, necrosis e índice mitótico > 4 mitosis/10CGA, se añaden otros criterios como la invasividad, tamaño, hemorragia, resecabilidad, positividad difusa del p53. Sin embargo, utilizando estos criterios su comportamiento todavía resulta imprevisible, ya que casos aparentemente benignos recidivan o metastatizan y la malignidad histológica según se define actualmente se asocia pero no predice un comportamiento agresivo en todos los casos. Por lo tanto, no hay acuerdo en la literatura ni se conoce con exactitud el pronóstico ni las características exactas que lo definen, por lo que es necesaria una mayor casuística. Describimos el caso de una mujer de 31 años con un TFS subcutáneo, de larga evolución y características histológicas convencionales de malignidad (AU)

Hemorragia digestiva baja secundaria a tumor estromal yeyunal / Lower digestive hemorrhage secondary to a jejunal stromal tumor

Presentamos el caso de una mujer joven que comenzó con una hemorragia digestiva baja y que precisó intervención quirúrgica urgente ante la persistencia y gravedad de la misma. Fue diagnosticada por angiografía selectiva de arteria mesentérica superior de lesión yeyunal con sangrado activo tras haber resultado negativas otras pruebas diagnósticas. La intervención quirúrgica y la aplicación de pruebas inmunorreactivas establecieron el diagnóstico de tumor mesenquimal tipo estromal CD 34+. Revisamos las características de este tipo de tumores infrecuentes en esta localización (AU)