The rate of apoptosis and expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in leukocytes of acute myeloblastic leukemia patients.

The rate of apoptosis as well as expression of Bcl-2 and Bax was evaluated before and after induction therapy in leukocytes of 70 patients with acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML), retrospectively divided into group A (with longer survival) and group B (with shorter survival). We found, that leukocytes of untreated AML patients showed susceptibility to apoptosis similar to control cells. Marked increase in percentage of apoptotic leukocytes was observed after induction therapy exclusively in patients with longer survival, which was accompanied by better normalization of routine hematological parameters. In this group, the Bcl-2/Bax ratio was similar to the control and remained unchanged after treatment. In AML patients with shorter survival, a twofold increase in this ratio was observed both before and after the completion of induction therapy. In both groups of untreated patients, western blot analysis revealed the presence of prominent additional bands reacting with anti-Bcl-2 or anti-Bax antibody, which were undetectable in control leukocytes. After the therapy, these bands disappeared, especially in patients from group A. In conclusion, the lack of therapy-induced enhancement in leukocyte apoptosis, an increased ratio of Bcl-2/Bax as well as persistent presence of abnormal Bcl-2 and Bax protein bands after induction therapy in AML patients may be considered as factors associated with unfavorable clinical outcome.

[The routine coagulation tests along with activated protein C resistance (APC-R) in population of women applying for oral contraceptives]. / Rutynowe badania krzepniecia a opornosc na aktywne bialko C (APC-R) w populacji kobiet zglaszajacych sie po doustna antykoncepcje.

The routine coagulation tests along with activated protein C resistance (APC-R) were studied in North-Eastern Poland women, applying for oral contraceptives. The APTT, PT and fibrinogen concentration were evaluated in 128 women, aged 20-40 years, by means of nephelometric method. For estimation of APC-R, Coatest APC Resistance V test was used. The abnormalities in routine coagulation test were found in 13.3% of studied women. The resistance to activated protein C was observed among 4.3% of women with normal results of routine coagulation tests. The thrombotic event occurred in one of five APC-R positive woman. There was no correlation between APC-V ratio and APTT, PT or fibrinogen values.