Comparison of Immunohistochemistry, Cytochemistry, and Flow Cytometry in AML for Myeloperoxidase Detection

NET-related gene signature for predicting AML prognosis

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a malignant blood cancer with a high mortality rate. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) influence various tumor outcomes. However, NET-related genes (NRGs) in AML had not yet received much attention. This study focuses on the role of NRGs in AML and their interaction with the immunological microenvironment. The gene expression and clinical data of patients with AML were downloaded from the TCGA-LAML and GEO cohorts. We identified 148 NRGs through the published article. Univariate Cox regression was used to analyze the association of NRGs with overall survival (OS). The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator were utilized to assess the predictive efficacy of NRGs. Kaplan-Meier plots visualized survival estimates. ROC curves assessed the prognostic value of NRG-based features. A nomogram, integrating clinical information and prognostic scores of patients, was constructed using multivariate logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards regression models. Twenty-seven NRGs were found to significantly impact patient OS. Six NRGs-CFTR, ENO1, PARVB, DDIT4, MPO, LDLR-were notable for their strong predictive ability regarding patient survival. The ROC values for 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 0.794, 0.781, and 0.911, respectively. In the training set (TCGA-LAML), patients in the high NRG risk group showed a poorer prognosis (p < 0.001), which was validated in two external datasets (GSE71014 and GSE106291). The 6-NRG signature and corresponding nomograms exhibit superior predictive accuracy, offering insights for pre-immune response evaluation and guiding future immuno-oncology treatments and drug selection for AML patients.

Bone marrow-restricted aberrant myeloperoxidase expression in B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A diagnostic dilemma and mimicry of mixed phenotype acute leukemia

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is the most specific marker of the myeloid lineage, essential for diagnosing acute myeloid leukemia and mixed phenotype acute leukemia with myeloid components. In this regard, we present a unique case of B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) with isolated MPO expression in bone marrow blasts detected by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry, while peripheral blood blasts were negative for MPO expression. In this report, our discussion encompasses diagnostic pitfalls from a laboratory testing perspective in similar cases and includes a literature review. Furthermore, we emphasize the necessity of conducting a comprehensive analysis for the accurate diagnosis of MPO-positive B-ALL cases.

N-3-Methylbutyl-benzisoselenazol-3(2H)-one Exerts Antifungal Activity In Vitro and in a Mouse Model of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis

In the present work, we evaluated the antifungal activities of two novel ebselen analogs, N-allyl-benzisoselenazol-3(2H)-one (N-allyl-bs) and N-3-methylbutylbenzisoselenazol-3(2H)-one (N-3mb-bs). Colorimetric and turbidity assays were performed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of these compounds in S1 (fluconazole-sensitive) and S2 (fluconazole-resistant) strains of C. albicans. N-3mb-bs was more active than the N-allyl-bs compound. It is noteworthy that the concentration of N-3mb-bs observed to inhibit fungal growth by 50% (18.2 µM) was similar to the concentration observed to inhibit the activity of the yeast plasma membrane H+-ATPase (Pma1p) by 50% (19.6 µM). We next implemented a mouse model of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) using the S1 strain and examined the mouse and yeast proteins present in the vaginal lavage fluid using proteomics. The yeast proteins detected were predominately glycolytic enzymes or virulence factors associated with C. albicans while the mouse proteins present in the lavage fluid included eosinophil peroxidase, desmocollin-1, and gasdermin-A. We then utilized the N-3mb-bs compound (12.5 mg/kg) in the mouse VVC model and observed that it significantly reduced the vaginal fungal burden, histopathological changes in vagina tissue, and expression of myeloperoxidase (MPO). All in all, the present work has identified a potentially promising drug candidate for VVC treatment.

Expression and Clinical Significance of CD30 and CD56 in Lymphoblastic Lymphoma: A Retrospective Analysis on Paraffin-Embedded Tissues by Immunohistochemistry

Background: We evaluated CD30 and CD56 expression in lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL) and correlated the results with clinicopathological features and prognosis. Methods: Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed on 85 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded LBL specimens using two CD30 clones and one CD56 antibody clone. Results: Weak and diffuse expression of CD30 was expressed in 4.7% (clone Ber-H2) or 14.1% (clone EPR4102) in LBL, while CD56 was expressed in 24.7%. CD30 and CD56 expression correlated with lactate dehydrogenase levels. CD56-positive expression was closely associated with an unfavorable prognosis. Although CD30 expression exhibited a trend toward poorer overall survival, it did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: CD56 is a potential negative prognostic marker. These findings suggest that CD30 and CD56 targeted therapies could be potential therapeutic targets for LBL patients.

Bioinformatics and Raman spectroscopy-based identification of key pathways and genes enabling differentiation between acute myeloid leukemia and T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) are two of the most prevalent hematological malignancies diagnosed among adult leukemia patients, with both being difficult to treat and associated with high rates of recurrence and mortality. In the present study, bioinformatics approaches were used to analyze both of these types of leukemia in an effort to identify characteristic gene expression patterns that were subsequently validated via Raman spectroscopy. For these analyses, four Gene Expression Omnibus datasets (GSE13204, GSE51082, GSE89565, and GSE131184) pertaining to acute leukemia were downloaded, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were then identified through comparisons of AML and T-ALL patient samples using the R Bioconductor package. Shared DEGs were then subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses and were used to establish a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. In total, 43 and 129 upregulated and downregulated DEGs were respectively identified. Enrichment analyses indicated that these DEGs were closely tied to immune function, collagen synthesis and decomposition, inflammation, the synthesis and decomposition of lipopolysaccharide, and antigen presentation. PPI network module clustering analyses further led to the identification of the top 10 significantly upregulated and downregulated genes associated with disease incidence. These key genes were then validated in patient samples via Raman spectroscopy, ultimately confirming the value of these genes as tools that may aid the differential diagnosis and treatment of AML and T-ALL. Overall, these results thus highlight a range of novel pathways and genes that are linked to the incidence and progression of AML and T-ALL, providing a list of important diagnostic and prognostic molecular markers that have the potential to aid in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of these devastating malignancies.

Update on Acute Leukemias of Ambiguous Lineage

Acute leukemias of ambiguous lineage are a heterogenous group of diseases that include acute undifferentiated leukemias and mixed-phenotype acute leukemias (MPALs). These leukemias pose a challenge for pathologists and clinicians alike in diagnosis, treatment, and further management. Recent genetic characterization has provided insights into their underlying biology and classification, and has offered potential for targeted therapies. This article addresses diagnosis of MPALs with examples of the most common pitfalls, recent comprehensive molecular studies, and advancement in treatment and follow-up modalities.

Standardised immunophenotypic analysis of myeloperoxidase in acute leukaemia

Given its myeloid‐restricted expression, myeloperoxidase (MPO) is typically used for lineage assignment (myeloid vs. lymphoid) during acute leukaemia (AL) diagnostics. In the present study, a robust flow cytometric definition for MPO positivity was established based on the standardised EuroFlow protocols, the standardised Acute Leukaemia Orientation Tube and 1734 multicentre AL cases (with confirmed assay stability). The best diagnostic performance was achieved by defining MPO positivity as ≥20% of the AL cells exceeding a lymphocyte‐based threshold. The methodology employed should be applicable to any form of standardised flow cytometry.

A Graphene Oxide-Based Fluorescent Aptasensor for the Turn-on Detection of CCRF-CEM

A convenient, low-cost, and highly sensitive fluorescent aptasensor for detection of leukemia has been developed based on graphene oxide-aptamer complex (GO-apt). Graphene oxide (GO) can absorb carboxyfluorescein-labeled Sgc8 aptamer (FAM-apt) by π-π stacking and quench the fluorescence through fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). In the absence of Sgc8 target cell CCRF-CEM, the fluorescence is almost all quenched. Conversely, when the CCRF-CEM cells are added, the quenched fluorescence can be recovered rapidly and significantly. Therefore, based on the change of fluorescence signals, we can detect the number of CCRF-CEM cells in a wide range from 1 × 102 to 1 × 107 cells/mL with a limit of detection (LOD) of 10 cells/mL. Therefore, this strategy of graphene oxide-based fluorescent aptasensor may be promising for the detection of cancer.