Jorge Arbelbide

Partial and total monosomal karyotypes in myelodysplastic syndromes: comparative prognostic relevance among 421 patients.

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) include a group of heterogeneous hematological disorders with a variable risk of leukemic evolution and short survival. Around 40–50% of patients show abnormal karyotypes that are mostly characterized by monosomies or deletions. Cytogenetic findings are an independent prognostic factor and the International prognostic scoring system (IPSS) differentiates three cytogenetic categories, despite the Intermediate one being heterogeneous. The aim of this study, including 421 Argentinean patients with primary MDS, is to characterize the cytogenetic profile, to test its prognostic value and to compare partial and monosomal karyotypes against other cytogenetic findings. An abnormal karyotype (median survival: 26 months) was observed in 176 patients. The presence of complex karyotypes, number of alterations, and the IPSS cytogenetic groups showed significant differences for predicting outcome. Behavior of patients with isolated deletions (median survival: 49 months) did not differ from those with normal karyotype (56 months, P = 0.654) or Good prognostic findings (43 months, P = 0.371). However, a worse prognosis was observed when another alteration was added (31 months, P = 0.043). Karyotypes with autosomal monosomies (median survival: 16 months) had a prognostic impact similar to other Poor cytogenetic findings (17 months, P = 0.626). In our population classified according to French‐American‐British (FAB) or World Health Organization (WHO), this new categorization of cytogenetic abnormalities, recognizing three different risk groups, showed an independent prognostic impact and a better discriminating power than the IPSS categories. It can be concluded that all isolate deletions (excluding 7q‐) are good prognostic findings and all monosomies (excluding Y chromosome loss) are bad indicators. Am. J. Hematol., 2011.

DNA methylation analysis of tumor suppressor genes in monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance

Aberrant DNA methylation is considered an important epigenetic mechanism for gene inactivation. Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is believed to be a precursor of multiple myeloma (MM). We have analyzed methylation status of p15INK4B, p16INK4A, ARF, SOCS-1, p27KIP1, RASSF1A, and TP73 genes in bone marrow DNA samples from 21 MGUS and 44 MM patients, in order to determine the role of aberrant promoter methylation as one of the steps involved in the progression of MGUS to MM. Methylation specific polymerase chain reaction assay followed by DNA sequencing of the resulting product was performed. SOCS-1 gene methylation was significantly more frequent in MM (52%) than in MGUS (14%; p = 0,006). Methylation frequencies of TP73, ARF, p15INK4B, p16INK4A, and RASSF1A were comparable in MGUS: 33%, 29%, 29%, 5%, and 0%, to that observed in MM: 45%, 29%, 32%, 7%, and 2%. All patients lacked methylation at p27KIP1 gene. In both entities, a concurrent methylation of p15INK4B and TP73 was observed. The mean methylation index of MGUS was lower (0.16) than that of MM (0.24; p < 0.05). Correlations with clinicopathologic characteristics showed a higher mean age in MGUS patients with SOCS-1 methylated (p < 0.001); meanwhile in MM, methylation of p15INK4B was more frequent in males (p = 0.009) and IgG isotype (p = 0.038). Our findings suggest methylation of TP73, ARF, p15INK4B, and p16INK4A as early events in the pathogenesis and development of plasma cell disorders; meanwhile, SOCS-1 methylation would be an important step in the clonal evolution from MGUS to MM.

High risk of cardiovascular disease in iron overload patients

Eur J Clin Invest 2011; 41 (5): 479–486

Altered mRNA Expression of Telomere-Associated Genes in Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance and Multiple Myeloma

In this study, we explored changes in the expression of the telomere maintenance genes, TRF1, TRF2 and TANK1 in patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and multiple myeloma (MM). Results were correlated with human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) expression, telomere length (TL) and clinicopathological characteristics. Bone marrow (BM) samples from 132 patients, 64 with MGUS and 68 with MM, were studied. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to quantify gene expression. TL was evaluated by terminal restriction fragment length analysis. MGUS patients showed increased TRF1 levels (P = 0.006) and lower expression of TRF2 (P = 0.005) and TANK1 (P = 0.003) compared with MM patients. For hTERT analysis, patients were divided into three groups by use of receiver operating characteristics: low (group I (GI)), intermediate (group II (GII)) and high (group III (GIII)) expression. We observed increasing expression of TRF2 and TANK1 from GI to GIII in MGUS and MM, with differences for both genes in MM (P < 0.01) and for TRF2 in MGUS (P > 0.01). GIII patients with the highest telomerase expression had the shortest TL. In both entities, a positive association between TRF2-TANK1, TRF2-hTERT and TANK1-hTERT (P ≤ 0.01) was observed. In MM, the percentage of BM infiltration and Ki-67 index were positively associated with TRF2, TANK1 and hTERT expression (P ≤ 0.03) and negatively with TL (P = 0.02), whereas lactate dehydrogenase was significantly correlated with TRF2 mRNA (P = 0.008). Our findings provide the first evidence of a modification in the expression of telomeric proteins in plasma cell disorders, and suggest that mechanisms other than telomerase activation are involved in TL maintenance in these pathologies.

Expression profile of shelterin components in plasma cell disorders. Clinical significance of POT1 overexpression

The core complex of telomere-associated proteins, named the shelterin complex, plays a critical role in telomere protection and telomere length (TL) homeostasis. In this study, we have explored changes in the expression of telomere-associated genes POT1, TIN2, RAP1 and TPP1, in patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and multiple myeloma (MM). A total of 154 patients: 70 with MGUS and 84 with MM were studied. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to quantify gene expression. TL was evaluated by Terminal Restriction Fragments. Our data showed increased expression of POT1, TPP1, TIN2 and RAP1 in MM with respect to MGUS patients, with significant differences for POT1 gene (p=0.002). In MM, the correlation of gene expression profiles with clinical characteristics highlighted POT1 for its significant association with advanced clinical stages, high calcium and β2-microglobulin levels (p=0.02) and bone lesions (p=0.009). In multivariate analysis, POT1 expression (p=0.04) was a significant independent prognostic factor for overall survival as well as the staging system (ISS) (p<0.02). Our findings suggest for the first time the participation of POT1 in the transformation process from MGUS to MM, and provide evidence of this gene as a useful prognostic factor in MM as well as a possible molecular target to design new therapeutic strategies.

Proatherogenic disturbances in lipoprotein profile, associated enzymes and transfer proteins in women with iron deficiency anaemia

OBJECTIVE To characterize the lipid-related atherogenic risk factors in iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) patients. DESIGN AND METHODS Twenty IDA women were compared to healthy age-matched controls. Lipoprotein profile, cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), paraoxonase (PON) 1 and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) (LpPLA(2)) activities and plasma levels of oxidized-LDL were evaluated. RESULTS Triglycerides were higher (median [range]) (1.0 [0.5-1.9] vs. 0.7 [0.5-1.5] mmol/L, p<0.05) and HDL-C lower (mean + or - SD) (1.3 + or - 0.3 vs. 1.6 + or - 0.4 mmol/L, p<0.01) in the patients group. CETP (197 + or - 29% vs. 151 + or - 29% mL(-1) h(-1), p<0.001), PON 1 (122 + or - 17 vs. 140 + or - 33 micromol mL(-1) min(-1), p<0.05) and LpPLA(2) (9.6 + or - 2.0 vs. 8.1 + or - 1.7 micromol mL(-1) h(-1), p<0.05) activities were different in IDA women. No difference was observed in oxidized-LDL. Haemoglobin correlated negatively with triglycerides (r=-0.35, p<0.05), CETP (r=-0.62, p<0.001) and LpPLA(2) (r=-0.34, p<0.05), while ferritin was positively associated with HDL-C (r=0.39, p<0.05) and inversely with CETP (r=-0.49, p<0.005). CONCLUSION The alterations in lipoprotein profile, CETP, PON 1 and LpPLA(2) activities described in the present study indicate that non-treated IDA might represent a proatherogenic state.

Monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS): the characteristics and significance of a new meta-entity

Monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS) is a new nosological group of entities (meta-entity) defined in 2012, whose pathogenesis depends on monoclonal immunoglobulins (Ig) secreted by low-grade lymphoproliferative disorders, which belong to M-protein-related diseases. Renal damage is the result of monoclonal Ig deposit or its activity as autoantibodies, which can compromise any nephronal area. MGRS does not include kidney diseases produced by high-grade lymphoproliferative disorders as well as those whose pathogenesis are independent of monoclonal Ig (such as drug toxicity or metabolic disorders). The importance of this hemato-nephrological meta-entity is based on two aspects: First, it is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, including recurrence in post-renal transplant or its appearance as “de novo” after it; and second, it usually improves after treating the plasmocyte or lymphocyte clone responsible, leading to the elimination of M-protein. Between low-grade lymphoproliferative disorders, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) requires special consideration for two reasons: First, it is the disorder most related to MGRS; second, when MGUS progresses to MGRS, effective treatment against toxic underline clone should be performed taking into account the nephrological perspective.

Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation–Specific Comorbidity Index Predicts Morbidity and Mortality in Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation

The hematopoietic cell transplantation-specific comorbidity index (HCT-CI) score is a useful tool to assess the risk for nonrelapse mortality (NRM) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Although the HCT-CI has been investigated in autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), its use is limited. To improve on the current use of the HCT-CI score on the morbidity and mortality after ASCT, we assessed the 100-day morbidity defined as orotracheal intubation (OTI), dialysis or shock (vasopressors need), 100-day NRM, early composite morbidity-mortality (combined endpoint that included any previous endpoints), and long-term NRM. We retrospectively reviewed a cohort of 1730 records of adult patients who received an ASCT in Argentinean centers between October 2002 and August 2016. Median follow-up was 1.15 years, and median age was 53 years. Diseases were multiple myeloma (48%), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (27%), and Hodgkin lymphoma (17%); 51% were in complete or partial remission; and 13% received ≥ 3 chemotherapy lines before transplant (heavily pretreated). Early NRM (100-day) was 2.7%, 5.4% required OTI, 4.5% required vasopressors, and 2.1% dialysis, with an early composite morbidity-mortality of 6.8%. Long-term (1 and 3 years) NRM was 4% and 5.2% and overall survival 89% and 77%, respectively. High-risk HCT-CI patients had a significant increase in 100-day NRM compared with intermediate and low risk (6.1% versus 3.4% versus 1.8%, respectively; P = .002), OTI (11% versus 6% versus 4%, P = .001), shock (8.7% versus 5.8% versus 3%, P = .001), early composite morbidity-mortality (13% versus 9 % versus 4.7%, P < .001), and long-term NRM (1 year, 7.7% versus 4% versus 3.3%; and 3 years, 10.8% versus 4% versus 4.8%, respectively; P = .002). After multivariate analysis these outcomes remained significant: early composite morbidity-mortality (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] compared with low risk: intermediate risk 2.1 [1.3 to 3.5] and high risk 3.3 [1.9 to 5.9]) and NRM (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] compared with low risk: intermediate risk .97 [.8 to 2.4] and high risk 3.05 [1.3 to 4.5]). No significant impact was observed in overall survival. Other than comorbidities, significant impact was observed for heavily pretreated patients, age ≥ 55 years, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and bendamustine-etoposide-citarabine-melphalan conditioning. We confirmed that the HCT-CI had a significant impact on NRM after ASCT, and these findings are mainly due to early toxicity express as 100-day NRM and the 3 main morbidity outcomes as well as the composite endpoint.

Application of the revised International Prognostic Scoring System for myelodysplastic syndromes in Argentinean patients

Dear Editor, The International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) [1], the gold standard for risk assessment in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), has been recently revised (IPSS-R). The authors proposed a new prognostic model including novel components: five cytogenetic prognostic subgroups with specific classification of a number of less common cytogenetic subsets [2, 3]; the 2–<5%; depth of cytopenias at clinically relevant cut-points for haemoglobin level, platelet count, and absolute neutrophil count [2]. As the score [2] was established in MDS patients including all French–American–British classification subtypes [4], the aim of this study was to apply the IPSS-R in Argentinean MDS patients classified according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification [5]. We retrospectively analysed a cohort of 371 de novo MDS patients [6] diagnosed between 1981 and 2012. According to the WHO classification, 43 patients were classified as refractory cytopenia with unilineage dysplasia/ refractory anaemia with ringed sideroblasts, 17 as del(5q) syndrome, 201 as refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia, 44 as RAEB type 1, and 66 as RAEB type 2. The median age was 70 (17–92) years with 72 % of patients above 60, the gender ratio was 1.4 (M/F: 214/ 157), and 157 (42 %) patients showed an abnormal karyotype. During the follow-up (median 23.3 months), 80 (22 %) showed

Influence of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Progression on the Prognosis of 831 Patients With Myelodysplastic Syndromes From the Argentine Database

Background A large group of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) will die of causes intrinsic to bone marrow failure. One third of patients will develop acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which is associated with an extremely poor outcome and a short survival. Our objectives were to analyze the prognostic variables and scoring systems in the attempt to determine the influence of progression on the overall survival of MDS patients. Patients and Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of 831 MDS patients, including those from the Argentine Registry. Results Of the 831 MDS patients, 158 (19.0%) experienced transformation, with a median overall survival of 17.9 months from diagnosis and 3.5 months after progression. The survival of patients with adverse karyotypes or greater risk, according to the International Prognostic Scoring System‐revised (IPSS‐R) or World Health Organization‐based Prognostic Scoring System (WPSS) was not affected when stratified by patients with and without evolution to AML (P > .05). In contrast, the survival of lower risk patients was significantly reduced for those patients with progression to AML (P < .001) and those younger (P = .024) than those who died of non–AML‐related causes. The intermediate‐risk patients were heterogeneously distributed; however, an upgrade from a lower IPSS‐R to a higher WPSS‐hemoglobin risk category was associated with a worse outcome, not affected by progression (P = .420), with a median event‐free survival of 16 months. Conclusion The use of the IPSS‐R and WPSS systems simultaneously might help in identifying those patients who require more aggressive treatment. Nevertheless, more efforts are needed to improve the identification of those lower risk patients whose survival is significantly reduced by progression to AML. Micro‐Abstract In our retrospective review of 831 patients with myelodysplastic syndromes, 158 developed progression with a very poor outcome (median survival after evolution, 3.5 months). The survival of patients with adverse karyotypes or with greater International Prognostic Scoring System‐revised or World Health Organization‐based Prognostic Scoring System risk was not affected when stratified by patients with and without evolution to acute myeloid leukemia. Our results could help in individualizing those patients who require more aggressive treatment.