BackgroundThe objective of this study was to explore whether individual variations in the concentration of growth factors (GFs) influence the biologic effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on human mesenchymal stem cells (HMSCs).MethodsThe concentrations of 7 representative GFs in activated PRP (aPRP) were measured using ELISA. The effects of PRP on the proliferation and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of HMSCs were examined using several concentrations of aPRP from 3 donors; the relationships between the GF levels and these biologic effects were then evaluated using 10% aPRP from 5 subgroups derived from 39 total donors. HMSCs were cultured in DMEM with the addition of aPRP for 4 or 12 days; then, DNA content and ALP activity were measured.ResultsThe quantity of DNA increased significantly at a 10% concentration of aPRP, but the ALP activity was suppressed at this concentration of aPRP. The GF concentrations varied among donors, and 5 subgroups of characteristic GF release patterns were identified via cluster analysis. DNA levels differed significantly between groups and tended to be higher in groups with higher concentrations of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) and platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs). DNA quantity was positively correlated with TGF-β1 concentration, and was negatively correlated with donor age. ALP activity was negatively correlated with PDGF-BB concentration.ConclusionsThe varying GF concentrations may result in different biologic effects; thus, individual differences in GF levels should be considered for reliable interpretation of the biologic functions and standardized application of PRP.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas of the orbit and ocular adnexa (OOA), the majority of which are extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphomas of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue-type (MALT lymphomas), are a rare disorder. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical features and treatment outcomes and complications in patients with MALT lymphoma of OOA. Thirty-seven patients with a histologically verified diagnosis of MALT lymphoma of OOA were included in this retrospective, observational case study. There were 22 (59%) men and 15 (41%) women, with a median age of 44 years (range, 21-80 years). The most common presenting complaint was a slowly growing orbital mass. The stages were IA(E) in 74%, IA(EE) (bilateral involvement) in 18%, IIIA(E) in 6%, and IVA(E) in 3%. None of the patients had an elevated value of LHD or beta(2)-microglobulin. Surgical resection alone was attempted as the sole treatment in two patients, but tumor recurred 19 and 24 months after surgery. Radiotherapy, with a median tumor dose of 3,060 cGy, was administered in 29 patients; all of the patients achieved complete remission, and none of them had severe later complications. Combination chemotherapy alone was employed in three patients with stage IIIA(E) or IVA(E). With a median follow-up duration of 21 months, the 3-year overall survival (OS) rate and event-free survival (EFS) rate were 97% and 86%, respectively. Subgroup analysis of the patients with localized disease, who received radiotherapy as an initial treatment modality, revealed that 3-year OS rate and EFS rate were 100% and 93%, respectively. All disease recurrences were documented histologically as MALT lymphoma. In conclusion complete staging evaluation is needed to select an adequate treatment modality. Radiotherapy alone can produce excellent local control and survival in patients with localized MALT lymphoma of OOA. Systemic chemotherapy should be considered in patients with advanced stages or systemic manifestation.

We evaluated the impact of functional polymorphisms in the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and vascular endothelial growth factor 2 (VEGFR2) genes on the survival of patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Five potentially functional polymorphisms in the VEGFA (rs699947, rs2010963 and rs3025039) and VEGFR2 (rs1870377 and rs2305948) genes were assessed in 494 DLBCL patients treated with rituximab plus CHOP chemotherapy. The associations of genotype and haplotype with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were analyzed. Of the five polymorphisms, VEGFR2 rs1870377T>A was significantly associated with both OS and PFS; in the dominant model, patients with the AA + TA genotypes had significantly better OS (P = 0.002) and PFS (P = 0.004) than those with the TT genotype. The association between significantly better OS and the AA + TA genotypes was observed separately in patients with low (0-2; P = 0.035) and high (3-5; P = 0.043) International Prognostic Index scores. Multivariate analysis showed that, relative to the AA + TA genotypes, the TT genotype was an independent prognostic factor for poor OS (HR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.21-2.43; P = 0.002) and PFS (HR, 1.57; 1.13-2.17; P = 0.004). Other independent significant predictors of survival in patients with DLBCL were International Prognostic Index score, age > 60 years, lactate dehydrogenase concentration >normal, extranodal disease >1 and presence of B symptoms. The VEGFR2 rs1870377 polymorphism might affect survival in patients with DLBCL, suggesting that angiogenesis might be related to poor survival in these patients. (Cancer Sci 2012; 103: 497-503)

No abstract

The involvement of central nervous system is rare in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). We report a APL patient of a 41 yr-old Korean male who presented with fever and petechia. Complete molecular remission was achieved with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), idarubicin, and cytarabine. Ten months later, he complained of a mild headache. The results of the physical examination and the complete blood counts were normal. The examination of cerebrospinal fluid showed the presence of promyelocyte. Bone marrow studies showed cytogenetic remission but with molecular relapse. He was treated with intrathecal and systemic chemotherapy.