Clinical Observation on Treatment of Chronic Aplastic Anemia by Shengxuening (生血宁) and Cyclosporin A

Objective： To explore the therapy to further elevate the efficacy of the treatment of chronic aplastic anemia （CAA）. Methods： Forty-five patients with CCA were assigned into two groups, the 26 patients in the treated group were treated by Shengxuening （ 生血宁, a Chinese herbal preparation） and cyclosporin A （CsA）, and the 19 patients in the control group were treated with androgen alone, with the therapeutic course lasting for over 3 months. Changes of peripheral blood picture, and the colony productivity of burst forming unit-erythroid （BFU-E）, colony forming unit-erythroid （CFU-E） and colony forming unit-granulocyte macrophage （CFU-GM） in bone marrow were observed before and after 3 months treatment. The amount of erythrocyte and platelet infusion, frequency of infection, condition of hemorrhage and relevant death were also observed. The follow-up study was conducted for over half a year. Results： The total effective rate in the treated group was 84.6 %, which was significantly higher than that in the control group （52.6 %, P〈0.05）. Levels of hemoglobin, reticulocyte, neutrophil and platelet increased after treatment in the treated group, as compared with those before treatment, with significant difference （ P〈0.05）, and the colony productivity of BFU-E, CFU-E and CFU-GM in bone marrow also got significantly increased （ P〈0.01 ）, and showed significant difference from those in the control group （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Shengxuening-assisting CsA therapy is an effective measure for treatment of CAA.

Effect of ginsenoside Rg1 on hematopoietic stem cells in treating aplastic anemia in mice via MAPK pathway

BACKGROUND Aplastic anemia(AA)presents a significant clinical challenge as a life-threatening condition due to failure to produce essential blood cells,with the current the-rapeutic options being notably limited.AIM To assess the therapeutic potential of ginsenoside Rg1 on AA,specifically its protective effects,while elucidating the mechanism at play.METHODS We employed a model of myelosuppression induced by cyclophosphamide(CTX)in C57 mice,followed by administration of ginsenoside Rg1 over 13 d.The invest-igation included examining the bone marrow,thymus and spleen for pathological changes via hematoxylin-eosin staining.Moreover,orbital blood of mice was collected for blood routine examinations.Flow cytometry was employed to identify the impact of ginsenoside Rg1 on cell apoptosis and cycle in the bone marrow of AA mice.Additionally,the study further evaluated cytokine levels with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and analyzed the expression of key proteins in the MAPK signaling pathway via western blot.RESULTS Administration of CTX led to significant damage to the bone marrow’s structural integrity and a reduction in hematopoietic cells,establishing a model of AA.Ginsenoside Rg1 successfully reversed hematopoietic dysfunction in AA mice.In comparison to the AA group,ginsenoside Rg1 provided relief by reducing the induction of cell apoptosis and inflammation factors caused by CTX.Furthermore,it helped alleviate the blockade in the cell cycle.Treatment with ginsenoside Rg1 significantly alleviated myelosuppression in mice by inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathway.CONCLUSION This study suggested that ginsenoside Rg1 addresses AA by alleviating myelosuppression,primarily through modulating the MAPK signaling pathway,which paves the way for a novel therapeutic strategy in treating AA,highlighting the potential of ginsenoside Rg1 as a beneficial intervention.

Aplastic anemia and severe pancytopenia during treatment with peg-interferon,ribavirin and telaprevir for chronic hepatitis C

Telaprevir and Boceprevir are the first direct acting antivirals approved for chronic hepatitis C in combination with peg-interferon alfa and ribavirin.Pancytopenia due to myelotoxicity caused by these drugs may occur,but severe hematological abnormalities or aplastic anemia(AA) have not been described.We collected all cases of severe pancytopenia observed during triple therapy with telaprevir in four Spanish centers since approval of the drug in 2011.Among 142 cirrhotic patients receiving treatment,7 cases of severe pancytopenia(5%) were identified and three were consistent with the diagnosis of AA.Mean age was 59 years,five patients had compensated cirrhosis and two patients had severe hepatitis C recurrence after liver transplantation.Severe pancytopenia was diagnosed a median of 10 wk after the initiation of therapy.Three patients had pre-treatment hematological abnormalities related to splenomegaly.In six patients,antiviral treatment was interrupted at the onset of hematological abnormalities.Two patients died due to septic complications and one patient due to acute alveolar hemorrhage.The remaining patients recovered.Severe pancytopenia and especially AA,are not rare during triple therapy with telaprevir in patients with advanced liver disease.Close monitoring is imperative in this setting to promptly detect serious hematological disorders and to prevent further complications.

Bowel inflammatory presentations on computed tomography in adult patients with severe aplastic anemia during flared inflammatory episodes

BACKGROUND Patients with severe aplastic anemia(SAA)frequently present with inflammatory episodes,and during flared inflammatory episodes,hematopoietic function is further exacerbated.The gastrointestinal tract is the most common site for infectious and inflammatory diseases,and its structural and functional features confer on it the most potent capacity to affect hematopoietic and immune functions.Computed tomography(CT)is a readily accessible approach to provide highly useful information in detecting morphological changes and guiding further work-ups.AIM To explore CT imaging presentations of gut inflammatory damage in adult SAA patients during inflammatory episodes.METHODS We retrospectively evaluated the abdominal CT imaging presentations of 17hospitalized adult patients with SAA in search of the inflammatory niche when they presented with systemic inflammatory stress and exacerbated hematopoietic function.In this descriptive manuscript,the characteristic images that suggested the presence of gastrointestinal inflammatory damage and related imaging presentations of individual patients were enumerated,analyzed and described.RESULTS All eligible patients with SAA had CT imaging abnormalities that suggested the presence of an impaired intestinal barrier and increased epithelial permeability.The inflammatory damages were concurrently present in the small intestine,the ileocecal region and the large intestines.Some readily identified imaging signs,such as bowel wall thickening with mural stratification(“water holo sign”,“fat holo sign”,intramural gas and subserosal pneumatosis)and mesenteric fat proliferation(fat stranding and“creeping fat sign”),fibrotic bowel wall thickening,“balloon sign”,rugged colonic configuration,heterogeneity in the bowel wall texture,and adhered and clustered small bowel loop(including various patterns of“abdominal cocoon”),occurred at a high incidence,which suggested that the damaged gastrointestinal tract is a common inflammatory niche responsible for the systemic inflammatory stresses and the exacerbated hematopoietic failure in patients with SAA.Particularly,the“fat holo sign”was present in 7 patients,a rugged colonic configuration was present in 10 patients,the adhesive bowel loop was present in 15 patients,and extraintestinal manifestations suggestive of tuberculosis infections were present in 5 patients.According to the imaging features,a suggestive diagnosis of Crohn’s disease was made in 5patients,ulcerative colitis in 1 patient,chronic periappendiceal abscess in 1 patient,and tuberculosis infection in 5 patients.Other patients were diagnosed with chronic enteroclolitis with acutely aggravated inflammatory damage.CONCLUSION Patients with SAA had CT imaging patterns that suggested the presence of active chronic inflammatory conditions and aggravated inflammatory damage during flared inflammatory episodes.

Leukemic transformation during anti-tuberculosis treatment in aplastic anemia-paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria syndrome:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence demonstrates that autoimmune hematopoietic failure and myeloid neoplasms have an intrinsic relationship with regard to clonal hematopoiesis and disease evolution.In approximately 10%-15%of patients with severe aplastic anemia(SAA),the disease phenotype is transformed into myeloid neoplasms following antithymocyte globulin plus cyclosporine-based immunosuppressive therapy.In some of these patients,myeloid neoplasms appear during or shortly after immunosuppressive therapy.Leukemic transformation in SAA patients during anti-tuberculosis treatment has not been reported.CASE SUMMARY A middle-aged Chinese female had a 6-year history of non-SAA and a 2-year history of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria(PNH).With aggravation of systemic inflammatory symptoms,severe pancytopenia developed,and her hemoglobinuria disappeared.Laboratory findings in cytological,immunological and cytogenetic analyses of bone marrow samples met the diagnostic criteria for“SAA.”Definitive diagnosis of disseminated tuberculosis was made in the search for infectious niches.Remarkable improvement in hematological parameters was achieved within 1 mo of anti-tuberculosis treatment,and complete hematological remission was achieved within 4 mo of treatment.Frustratingly,the hematological response lasted for only 3 mo,and pancytopenia reemerged.At this time,cytological findings(increased bone marrow cellularity and an increased percentage of myeloblasts that accounted for 16.0%of all nucleated hematopoietic cells),immunological findings(increased percentage of cluster of differentiation 34+cells that accounted for 12.28%of all nucleated hematopoietic cells)and molecular biological findings(identification of somatic mutations in nucleophosmin-1 and casitas B-lineage lymphoma genes)revealed that“SAA”had transformed into acute myeloid leukemia with mutated nucleophosmin-1.The transformation process suggested that the leukemic clones were preexistent but were suppressed in the PNH and SAA stages,as development of symptomatic myeloid neoplasm through acquisition and accumulation of novel oncogenic mutations is unlikely in an interval of only 7 mo.Aggravation of inflammatory stressors due to disseminated tuberculosis likely contributed to the repression of normal and leukemic hematopoiesis,and the relief of inflammatory stressors due to anti-tuberculosis treatment contributed to penetration of neoplastic hematopoiesis.The concealed leukemic clones in the SAA and PNH stages raise the possibility of an inflammatory stress-fueled antileukemic mechanism.CONCLUSION Aggravated inflammatory stressors can repress normal and leukemic hematopoiesis,and relieved inflammatory stressors can facilitate penetration of neoplastic hematopoiesis.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation of aplastic anemia by relative with mutations and normal telomere length: A case report

BACKGROUND Immunosuppressive therapy and matched sibling donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(MSD-HSCT)are the preferred treatments for aplastic anemia(AA).CASE SUMMARY In this report,we describe a 43-year-old male patient with severe AA who carried BRIP1(also known as FANCJ),TINF2,and TCIRG1 mutations.Screening of the family pedigree revealed the same TINF2 mutation in his mother and older brother,with his older brother also carrying the BRIP1 variant and demonstrating normal telomere length and hematopoietic function.The patient was successfully treated with oral cyclosporine A,eltrombopag,and acetylcysteine,achieving remission 4 years after receiving MSD-HSCT from his older brother.CONCLUSION This case provides a valuable clinical reference for individuals with suspected pathogenic gene mutations,normal telomere length,and hematopoietic function,highlighting them as potential donors for patients with AA.

Construction of gene/protein interaction networks and enrichment pathway analysis for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and aplastic anemia

Background:To develop a protein-protein interaction network of Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria(PNH)and Aplastic anemia(AA)based on genetic genes and to predict pathways underlying the molecular complexes in the network.Methods:In this research,the PNH and AA-related genes were screened through Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM).The plugins and Cytoscape were used to search literature and build a protein-protein interaction network.Results:The protein-protein interaction network contains two molecular complexes that are five higher than the correlation integral values.The target genes of this study were obtained:CD59,STAT3,TERC,TNF,AKT1,C5AR1,EPO,IL6,IL10 and so on.We also found that many factors regulate biological behaviors:neutrophils,macrophages,vascular endothelial growth factor,immunoglobulin,interleukin,cytokine receptor,interleukin-6 receptor,tumor necrosis factor,and so on.This research provides a bioinformatics foundation for further explaining the mechanism of common development of both.Conclusion:This indicates that the PNH and AA is a complex process regulated by many cellular pathways and multiple genes.

Expression of Adherent Molecule and Cyclin by Ligustrazine in Bone Marrow of Mice with Immune-Induced Aplastic Anemia

Summary: Mice with immune induced aplastic anemia (AA) were given 5 mg ligustrazine intraperitoneally twice a day. On the 14th day, the expression of CD 49d , CD 49e , cyclinD 2 in bone marrow mononuclear cells (MNC) was examined by flow cytometry, and VCAM 1 on stromal cells was immunohistochemically measured by Strept Avidin Biotin Complex (SABC). The expression of CD 49d , CD 49e , VCAM 1 and cyclinD 2 in ligustrazine treated group was significantly higher than that in AA group ( P <0 01), but the ratio of G 0+G 1 phase cells was significantly lower than that in AA group ( P <0.01).The results showed that ligustrazine could improve the expression of adherent molecule and cyclin D 2 in the bone marrow of mice with immune induced aplastic anemia, thereby promoting the growth of hematopoietic cells.

Role of Stem Cell Factor and Its Receptor in the Pathogenesis of Pediatric Aplastic Anemia

In order to investigate the levels of stem cell factor (SCF) and its receptor c-kit protein and mRNA in pediatric aplastic anemia (AA) and their relevance to the pathogenesis, immunocytochemical and in situ hybridization were utilized to detect the expression of SCF and its receptor c-kit gene protein and mRNA, respectively in 59 children with AA and 51 normal controls. The relationship between SCF and c-kit and the pathogenesis of AA was analyzed subsequently. The results showed that the positive rate of SCF protein and mRNA expression in children with AA was significantly lower than that in healthy controls (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the positive rate of c-kit protein and mRNA expression between children with AA and control group (P>0.05). It was concluded that the expression of SCF is significantly decreased in children with AA, which may be closely associated with the pathogenesis of the AA. c-kit may be unrelated to the development of pediatric AA. Therefore, AA in children may have abnormalities at SCF/c-kit signal transduction levels.

Excellent response of severe aplastic anemia to treatment of gut inflammation: A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Cumulative evidence suggests that the aberrant immune responses in acquired aplastic anemia(AA) are sustained by active chronic infections in genetically susceptible individuals. Recently, the constant source to trigger and sustain the pathophysiology has been proposed to come from the altered gut microbiota and chronic intestinal inflammation. In this case, our serendipitous finding provides convincing evidence that the persistently dysregulated autoimmunity may be generated, at least in a significant proposition of AA patients, by the altered gut microbiota and compromised intestinal epithelium.CASE SUMMARY A 30-year-old Chinese male patient with refractory severe AA experienced a 3-month-long febrile episode, and his fever was refractory to many kinds of injected broad-spectrum antibiotics. When presenting with abdominal cramps, he was prescribed oral mannitol and gentamycin to get rid of the gut infection. This treatment resulted in a quick resolution of the fever. Unanticipatedly, it also produced an excellent hematological response. He had undergone three episodes of recurrence within the one-year treatment, with each recurrence occurring 7-8 wk from the gastrointestinal inflammation eliminating preparations. However,subsequent treatments were able to produce subsequent remissions and consecutive treatments were successful in achieving durative hematological improvements, strongly indicating an etiological association between chronic gut inflammation and the development of AA. Interestingly, comorbid diseases superimposed on this patient(namely, psychiatric disorders, hypertension,insulin resistance, and renal dysfunction) were ameliorated together with the hematological improvements.CONCLUSION Chronic gut inflammation may be responsible for AA pathogenesis. The comorbidities and AA may share a common etiological association.

Clinical and Experimental Study of Low Molecular Weight Heparin in Patients with Chronic Anemia

Objective: To preliminary study the significance of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in the treatment patients of with anemia of chronic diseases (ACD), and the changes in the serum levels of BMP6, hepcidin and IL-6. To preliminary study the significance of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in the treatment the patients with anemia of chronic diseases (ACD), and the changes in the serum levels of BMP6, hepcidin and IL-6. Methods: Used LMWH (4000 u/day, 7 - 15 days) to therapy 61 patients with ACD, and ELISA method was used to determine Hepcidin and BMP6 before and after treatment, and the determination of IL-6 by Electro-chemi-luminescence, and to analyze its clinical significance. Results: 1) In all 61 cases, the levels of Hepcidin in post-therapy were 0.82 ± 0.24 mg/L, which were lower than 1.05 ± 3.83 mg/L in pre-therapy (t = 2.5726, P < 0.05). The levels of IL-6 in post-therapy were 24.88 ± 12.58 mg/L, which were lower than 38.22 ± 31.23 mg/L in pre-therapy (t = 2.9650, P < 0.05), but there were no statistically significant both Hb and BMP6 between in pre-therapy and post-therapy (all P > 0.05). However, The levels of Hb in post-therapy were higher than in pre-therapy (t = 1.9832, P < 0.05). 2) The Hb level in the tumor anemia group after treatment was 91.18 ± 15.91 g/L, which was higher than that before treatment (85.45 ± 18.33 g/L), the difference was statistically significant (t = 1.9711, P < 0.05). 3) The levels of hepcidin and IL-6 in the tumor anemia group after treatment were 0.73 ± 0.45 mg/L and 30.33 ± 28.39 mg/ml, which were lower than those before treatment (1.09 ± 0.41 mg/L and 50.76 ± 42.10 mg/ml), respectively, the difference was statistically significant (t = 3.3941, P < 0.01 and t = 2.3597, P < 0.05). 4) There was no significant difference in all indexes in tumor anemia free group (all P > 0.05). 5) Although Hb level increased slightly in the non-tumor anemia group, there was no statistical significance (P > 0.05), and there was no statistical difference in other indexes (all P > 0.05). 6) After treatment, the level of Hb was negatively correlated with Hepcidin and IL-6 (respectively r = -0.2809, t = 2.2490, P < 0.05 and r = -0.2781, t = 2.2266, P < 0.05). Hepcidin was positively related to IL-6 (r = -0.2941, t = 2.3622, P < 0.05). There was no correlation between BMP6 and Hb, Hepcidin and IL-6 levels. Conclusion: LMWH could up-regulate the levels of Hb, and better for the degree of anemia in patients with ACD. The possible mechanism is to reduce the level of Hepcidin and IL-6.

Acquired aplastic anemia:Is bystander insult to autologous hematopoiesis driven by immune surveillance against malignant cells?

We previously reported a serendipitous finding from a patient with refractory severe aplastic anemia who had gotten an unexpected hematological response to treatment with gut-cleansing preparations(GCPs).This patient experienced three recurrences over the ensuing one year of intermittent GCP treatments,with each recurrence occurring 7-8 wk from a GCP.After his third recurrence,he was prescribed successive treatment with rifampicin,berberine,and monthly administered GCP for 4 mo,and he developed an erythroid proliferative neoplasma and an overwhelming enteropathy,and eventually died of septic shock.Laboratory investigations had validated the resolution of myelosuppression and the appearance of malignant clonal hematopoiesis.From the treatment process and laboratory investigations,it is reasonably inferred that the engagement of gut inflammation is critically required in sustaining the overall pathophysiology of acquired aplastic anemia probably by creating a chronic inflammatory state.Incorporation of rifampicin,berberine,and monthly GCP into cyclosporine can enhance the immunosuppressive effect.In a subgroup of acquired aplastic anemia patients whose pathogenesis is associated with genotoxic exposure,the suppressed normal hematopoiesis may result from the bystander insult that is mediated by the soluble inflammatory cytokines generated in response to the immunogenic products of damaged hematopoietic cells in the context of chronic inflammatory state and may offer a protective antineoplastic mechanism against malignant proliferation.

Epstein–Barr-virus-associated hepatitis with aplastic anemia: A case report

BACKGROUND Hepatitis-associated aplastic anemia(HAAA) is a rare condition. Patients with HAAA usually present with acute hepatitis, jaundice and significantly increased transaminase. After 1–2 mo, hepatitis gradually improves, but progressive hemocytopenia, bone marrow hematopoietic failure, and severe or extremely severe aplastic anemia are manifest. Most cases of HAAA are fulminant and usually lethal if left untreated. The literature on Epstein–Barr virus(EBV)-associated HAAA is sparse.CASE SUMMARY We report a 30-year-old man who was admitted to our hospital because of pale yellow urine and skin with a simultaneous decrease in peripheral blood ternary cells. We made a diagnosis of EBV-associated HAAA. The treatment strategy for this patient included eltrombopag, an immunosuppressive regimen of rabbit antihuman thymocyte immunoglobulin, cyclosporine, and supportive care. The patient was discharged in normal physical condition after five months. A hemogram performed on follow-up revealed that he had achieved a complete response.CONCLUSION Eltrombopag plus anti-thymocyte globubin and cyclosporine may be a therapeutic option for EBV-associated HAAA.Larger studies are warranted to confirm.

INTERLEUKIN-2 (IL-2) PRODUCTION AND INTERLEUKIN-2 RECEPTOR EXPRESSION IN PATIENTS WITH APLASTIC ANEMIA

IL-2 production and IL-2 receptor (Tac antigen) of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells in 30 patients with aplastic anemic (AA) were studied. We found that mononuclear cells from patients produce spontaneously IL-2 in the absence of exogenous lee-tin stimulation, the proportion of Tac+ cells in mononuclear cells increased. The release of IL-2 and or Tac antigen expression were elevated in almost every patient with AA. The plasma from patients stimulate mitogen-induced blastogenesis and Tac antigen expression of normal human lymphocytes. Immunological 1 abnormalities of patients with AA possibly might represents secondary response to bone marrow depression.

DYNAMIC OBSERVATION OF THYROID FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH APLASTIC ANEMIA

Accelerating cell growth is one of the functions of thyroid hormone. In the absence or lack of this hormone, hematopoietic disorder may occur. Dynamic observation of thyroid function in aplastic anemia (AA) state has not been reported yet.

Anemia treatment and left ventricular hypertrophy in non-dialysis chronic kidney disease

To this day, the target hemoglobin level that minimizes cardiovascular risk in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients remains unclear. When one examines the many randomized trials of epoetin therapy in aggregate, enhanced quality of life provides the most cogent argument for hemoglobin levels above 110 g/L. It remains unclear whether treatment of anemia improves longevity, or even a surrogate marker (such as left ventricular [LV] mass index), especially when applied at earlier phases of CKD.

Proliferation and Apoptosis of Bone Marrow CD4^+ T Cells in Patients with Aplastic Anemia and Impacts of the Secreted Cytokines on Hematopoietic Stem Cells from Umbilical Cord Blood

Recent studies indicate that immune-associated aplastic anemia(AA)resembles such autoimmune diseases as insulin-dependent diabetes and chronic autoimmune thyroiditis that belong to organ-specific autoimmune diseases.Many independent investigation groups have successfully isolated the pathopoiesis-associated T cell clone causing hematopoiesis failure with a CD4 phenotype from peripheral blood and bone marrow(BM)in AA patients.In the current study,BM CD4+ T cells were isolated from AA patients and healthy con...

Electrophysiological changes of autonomic cells in left ventricular outflow tract in guinea pigs with iron deficiency anemia complicated with chronic heart failure

Objective: To investigate the electrophysiological changes of autonomic cells in left ventricular outflow tract in guinea pigs with iron deficiency anemia complicated with chronic heart failure.Methods: Guinea pigs model of iron deficiency anemia complicated with chronic heart failure in 10 guinea pigs of the experimental group was made by feeding a low iron diet,pure water and subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol. The control group consisting of 11 guinea pigs was given normal food, normal water and injected with normal saline. The left ventricular outflow tract model specimen was also prepared. The standard microelectrode technique was used to observe electrophysiological changes of autonomic cells in the outflow tract of left ventricular heart failure complicated with iron deficiency anemia in guinea pig model. The indicators of observation were maximal diastolic potential, action potential amplitude, 0 phase maximal depolarization velocity, 4 phase automatic depolarization velocity, repolarization 50% and 90%, and spontaneous discharge frequency.Results: Compared with the control group, 4 phase automatic depolarization velocity,spontaneous discharge frequency and 0 phase maximal depolarization velocity decreased significantly(P < 0.01) and action potential amplitude reduced(P < 0.01) in model group. Moreover, repolarization 50% and 90% increased(P < 0.01).Conclusions: There are electrophysiological abnormalities of the left ventricular outflow tract in guinea pigs with iron deficiency anemia complicated with heart failure.