[Rinsho ketsueki] The Japanese journal of clinical hematology最新文献

A 27-year-old woman was diagnosed with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in the neonatal period, and was admitted to our hospital after presenting with impaired consciousness, purpura, nausea and vomiting, with a platelet count of 10×10⁹/l. Congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (cTTP) was suspected on the basis of recurrent thrombocytopenia and impaired consciousness, so tests for ADAMTS13 activity and inhibitor were performed. ADAMTS13 activity was severely decreased, ADAMTS13 inhibitor was negative, and platelet count increased after transfusion of fresh frozen plasma. These findings and the results of genetic testing done on all family members led to a diagnosis of cTTP. cTTP requires differential diagnosis even in adults. If a patient diagnosed with ITP in childhood has a history or findings that suggest cTTP during follow-up observation, it is necessary to actively consider ADAMTS13 testing.

The transcription factor GATA-1 is essential for erythroid differentiation. Recently, FAM210B, which encodes a mitochondrial inner membrane protein, has been identified as a novel target of GATA-1. To clarify the role of FAM210B, we depleted endogenous FAM210B in human iPS-derived erythroid progenitor (HiDEP-1) cells, and found that erythroid differentiation was more pronounced in the FAM210B depleted cells. Comprehensive metabolite analysis revealed a decline in mitochondrial function accompanied by increased lactate production, indicative of anaerobic glycolysis. Mass spectrometry revealed that FAM210B could interact with multiple subunits of mitochondrial ATP synthases, such as subunit alpha (ATP5A) and beta (ATP5B). Our results suggested that FAM210B contributes prominently to erythroid differentiation by regulating mitochondrial energy metabolism. This review will discuss the potential association between mitochondrial metabolism and erythropoiesis.

Atypical chronic myeloid leukemia (aCML) is a rare disease classified as a myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasm (MDS/MPN). Recent advances in gene mutational profiling have clarified the characteristics of aCML as a disease entity relative to other MDS/MPNs. Although some studies suggest the efficacy of DNA demethylating agents and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, data about these agents are limited due to the small number of patients. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is only therapeutic option that can provide durable remission for aCML and other MDS/MPNs. Retrospective studies from Europe and Japan revealed the clinical results of allo-HSCT for aCML. This review summarizes the pathogenesis of aCML and the development of allo-HSCT and other therapeutic options.

FLT3 mutations are the most frequently identified genetic abnormalities in adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, accounting for approximately 30%. FLT3-ITD mutation specifically is considered as a poor prognostic factor in AML, and allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in first remission is recommended for younger patients. The recent clinical introduction of FLT3 inhibitors has been reported to improve the prognosis of patients with FLT3 mutation-positive AML. In Japan, alongside monotherapy with gilteritinib or quizartinib for relapsed/refractory patients, combination of quizartinib with intensive chemotherapy was approved in 2023 for untreated FLT3-ITD mutation-positive AML. Studies to date have demonstrated the utility of measurable/minimal residual disease evaluation targeting FLT3 mutations and the efficacy of maintenance therapy after allogeneic transplantation. However, emergence of additional genetic mutations associated with treatment resistance has been observed. Thus, FLT3 mutations are utilized not only as a prognostic factor in AML but also as a target for treatment and for response assessment. Furthermore, the development of new treatment strategies involving FLT3 inhibitors is highly anticipated to improve clinical outcomes for patients with FLT3 mutation-positive AML.

Unlike for anticoagulants, no good monitoring methods exist for antiplatelet agents, and their monitoring is considered unnecessary. In the platelet aggregation test, which is the standard test for platelet function, aggregation is evaluated by adding a platelet activator to platelets in a cuvette. Therefore, it provides information on the maximum potential of platelets to induce aggregation, but not the actual in vivo degree of platelet activation. In vivo platelet activation markers are not widely used because they require a special blood collection method, although some tests are covered by insurance. My colleagues and I identified the platelet activation receptor C-type lectin-like receptor 2 (CLEC-2) and found that CLEC-2 is cleaved and released during platelet activation. We established a plasma-soluble CLEC-2 (sCLEC-2) assay system with the aim of using it as a marker of in vivo platelet activation. Elevation of sCLEC-2 has been reported in various thrombotic diseases. The multi-center prospective cohort study CLECSTRO is now underway to investigate the usefulness of sCLEC-2 for diagnosis, typing, and prognostic estimation in acute ischemic stroke.

The proportion of female doctors among younger generations has increased in recent years, and support for reemployment after childbirth and childcare leave is important for maintaining stability of local healthcare. We conducted a questionnaire with doctors in the Department of Pediatrics at Ehime University School of Medicine and it's affiliated hospitals to identify issues in the career development of female doctors. Although many female physicians want to pursue career development by obtaining subspecialty qualifications and PhD degrees, a high percentage have not actually obtained them. This is not only due to interruptions in work caused by childbirth and childcare but also because they are busy with housework, childcare, and daily work, and lack sufficient information about career development. In this regard, it appears that beyond improving work-life balance, female doctors must always keep in mind their career design and future goals, as well as their social mission as a physician. For administrators of these departments, acceptance of diversity, providing adequate support for female physicians to return to work after maternity/childcare leave, and balancing childcare and work are important for expanding female doctors' opportunities and career development.

An 80-year-old Japanese man presented with systemic lymphadenopathy, including the para-aortic area and left inguinal nodes, which was diagnosed as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and human herpesvirus (HHV) 8-positive/HIV-negative Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). Immunohistochemical examination revealed that the lymphoma cells were negative for HHV-8. The patient received combined chemotherapy with rituximab, pirarubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisolone for six cycles and achieved complete remission. In the literature, five cases of simultaneous appearance of malignant lymphoma and KS in the same lymph node have been reported, but DLBCL as a histological subtype has not yet been reported.