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Biomedical subjects

M H Freedman

Publications and source records attributed to M H Freedman.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Risks of AIDS.

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Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Neurotoxicity associated with deferoxamine therapy.

We have documented visual and auditory neurotoxicity in 42 of 89 patients with transfusion-dependent anemia who were receiving iron chelation therapy with subcutaneous deferoxamine (DFO). Of the affected groups, 13 presented with visual loss or deafness or both, and ophthalmologic, audiologic, and visual evoked potential studies (VEPs) uncovered abnormalities in 29 more. Four patients with visual loss had optic neuropathy with a marked decrease in acuity and loss of color vision. These 4, and 16 other asymptomatic patients, had abnormal VEPs. When DFO was stopped, 3 of 4 with visual problems regained normal visual function but VEPs remained abnormal. Of the other 16 with abnormal VEPs, 9 became normal or improved and 7 did not change; on restarting DFO, the 9 became abnormal again. There were 22 abnormal audiograms that showed a high-frequency sensorineural deficit; 13 patients were symptomatic and 4 needed hearing aids. On stopping DFO, 9 became asymptomatic but 15 audiograms remained abnormal and 2 deteriorated further on restarting the drug. An analysis of the clinical data showed that members of the affected group were younger, had lower serum ferritin values, and were self-administering higher doses of DFO/kg body weight. Significantly lower doses of DFO were being taken by patients without abnormalities than by those with visual symptoms, abnormal audiograms, or prolonged VEPs (P less than 0.001, less than 0.006, and less than 0.04, respectively). The data implicate high-dose DFO as a central factor in the pathogenesis of the neurotoxicity. Our serial studies provide the basis for effective yet safe DFO administration for patients who require the agent.

Adolescent↗

Juvenile chronic myelogenous leukemia.

Juvenile chronic myelogenous leukemia (JCML) is a malignant hematopoietic disorder of monocyte-histiocyte lineage that affects children less than 4 years of age. Since the disease represents only 2% of all childhood leukemias, experience with it has been limited even in large centers. This review summarizes our 10 year institutional study of JCML as well as a comprehensive literature survey. The goal of the article is to underscore the cardinal features of juvenile chronic myelogenous leukemia that are useful for diagnosis, and to highlight recent advances in the understanding of the biology and treatment of the disease.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗

Synergistic antiproliferative effects on HL-60 cells: deferoxamine enhances cytosine arabinoside, methotrexate, and daunorubicin cytotoxicity.

Deferoxamine (DFO), a widely used therapeutic iron chelator, was found to inhibit proliferation of the promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL-60 in a dose-dependent fashion when tested in a clonogenic assay at concentrations ranging from 1.0 to 10.0 microM. Cytosine arabinoside, methotrexate, and daunorubicin also produced dose-dependent inhibition of HL-60 colony growth when tested singly in vitro. When DFO, 1.0 microM, was included with each agent in dose-response studies, a synergistic enhancement of the antiproliferative effects was observed. This synergism probably results from a DFO-induced decrease in intracellular levels of deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates and an inhibition of the cells at the early S-phase of cell cycle. Our data suggest that DFO has potential as an adjunctive antileukemic agent.

Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic↗

Modulation of human marrow haematopoiesis by leucotrienes in vitro.

The influence of products derived from the arachidonic acid 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) pathway on normal human marrow haematopoiesis was studied using clonogenic assays. The leucotrienes (LT) B4 and C4 caused a reduction in granulocyte-macrophage (CFU-GM) as well as erythroid (CFU-E and BFU-E) colony numbers in a dose-dependent manner. Conversely, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), a LT synthesis inhibitor, promoted proliferation of these colonies. The inhibitory effect of LTC4 but not that of LTB4 was abolished by FPL-55712, a LT antagonist; the enhanced colony growth induced by NDGA was reversed by both LTB4 and LTC4. LTD4 had no significant effect on colony growth despite its structural similarity to LTC4, which implies that the haematopoietic suppression by LTB4 and LTC4 is specific for these compounds. Depletion of marrow T-cells or removal of adherent cells, or both, did not alter the response to LTB4 and LTC4, suggesting that LT action is exerted directly on progenitor cells and probably is not mediated by other cell populations. Our studies show that the 5-LO pathway is functional in these culture systems and yields products with inhibitory properties. The 5-LO pathway may have an important regulatory function in normal marrow haematopoiesis.

Adult↗

A variant form of Bernard-Soulier syndrome: mild haemostatic defect associated with partial platelet GPIb deficiency.

Platelets from patients with Bernard-Soulier syndrome (BSS) are larger than normal and demonstrate characteristic aggregation abnormalities. A molecular defect involving platelet membrane glycoproteins has been established as the primary abnormality, and the major defect is described as an absence of GPIb, the receptor for von Willebrand factor, which prevents the adhesion of BSS platelets to damaged endothelium. Associated deficiencies of GPV and GPIX are also recognized. The overall clinical effect is a haemorrhagic tendency which, although variable, is severe at times in all patients. We report a child who presented with the typical morphological and aggregation abnormalities associated with BSS, but who had negligible bleeding problems. Further investigation revealed a significant but incomplete deficiency of GPIb and of GPV and GPIX. This case suggests that BSS may be a heterogeneous disorder with clinical consequences dependent on the extent and complexity of the platelet membrane glycoprotein deficiency.

Bernard-Soulier Syndrome↗

Serial studies of auditory neurotoxicity in patients receiving deferoxamine therapy.

Visual and auditory neurotoxicity was previously documented in 42 of 89 patients with transfusion-dependent anemia who were receiving iron chelation therapy with daily subcutaneous deferoxamine. Twenty-two patients in the affected group had abnormal audiograms with deficits mostly in the high frequency range of 4,000 to 8,000 Hz and in the hearing threshold levels of 30 to 100 decibels. When deferoxamine therapy was discontinued and serial studies were performed, audiograms in seven cases reverted to normal or near normal within two to three weeks, and nine of 13 patients with symptoms became asymptomatic. Audiograms from 15 patients remained abnormal and four patients required hearing aids because of permanent disability. Since 18 of the 22 patients were initially receiving deferoxamine doses in excess of the commonly recommended 50 mg/kg per dose, therapy was restarted with lower doses, usually 50 mg/kg per dose or less depending on the degree of auditory abnormality, and with the exception of two cases no further toxicity was demonstrated. Auditory deterioration and improvement, demonstrated serially in individual patients receiving and not receiving deferoxamine, respectively, provided convincing evidence for a cause-and-effect relation between deferoxamine administration and ototoxicity. Based on these data, a plan of management was developed that allows effective yet safe administration of deferoxamine. A dose of 50 mg/kg is recommended in those without audiogram abnormalities. With mild toxicity, a reduction to 30 or 40 mg/kg per dose should result in a reversal of the abnormal results to normal within four weeks. Moderate abnormalities require a reduction of deferoxamine to 25 mg/kg per dose with careful monitoring. In those with symptoms of hearing loss, the drug should be stopped for four weeks, and when the audiogram is stable or improved, therapy should be restarted at 10 to 25 mg/kg per dose. Serial audiograms should be performed every six months in those without problems and more frequently in young patients with normal serum ferritin values and in those with auditory dysfunction.

Adolescent↗

Subclinical VEP abnormalities in patients on chronic deferoxamine therapy: longitudinal studies.

As deferoxamine (DFO) appeared to have certain toxic effects on the sensory pathways in some of our patients on nightly subcutaneous deferoxamine (DFO) for transfusion-dependent anemia, treatment was stopped in all of these patients to obtain a comprehensive baseline assessment of sensory function. Visual evoked potentials (VEPs) were studied in all patients; the 77 described in this report all had normal ophthalmological examinations. Abnormally prolonged VEP latencies were found in 21%. The patients remained off DFO for 2-6 months, and most of those with abnormal VEPs who were retested showed improvement in their VEPs over this period with the VEPs returning to within normal range in half the cases; two showed no change. Since restarting DFO, VEP latencies in 10 of these patients have increased again beyond normal limits, as have the VEPs in 7 who had previously normal VEPs. Although most of the 77 patients have VEPs that are currently normal and stable while on DFO, a significant sub-group have abnormal VEPs that appear sensitive to the administration of DFO and may reflect a vulnerability to DFO neurotoxicity. These data suggest that the VEPs can detect subclinical toxic effects of DFO on the visual system and should be considered as a monitor for patients receiving chronic DFO therapy.

Deferoxamine↗

The value of intensive combination chemotherapy for juvenile chronic myelogenous leukemia.

Nine children with juvenile chronic myelogenous leukemia (JCML) were diagnosed in an 8-year period from 1977 to 1984. The clinical courses and outcomes of five patients who received minimal or no chemotherapy were compared with that of four patients who were treated with intensive acute nonlymphoblastic leukemia (ANLL) combination chemotherapy. None of the five patients in the former group achieved clinical remission and their survivals were 1, 4, 4, 7, and 29 months, respectively. All four patients in the latter group achieved clinical remissions that lasted 11, 21, 21, and 27 + months, respectively. The durations of their survival (21, 26, 30, and 32 + months) were significantly better than the five patients who received minimal or no chemotherapy (P less than .05). Despite hospitalizations for chemotherapy and for treatment of chemotherapy-associated complications, the clinical status and quality of life of the children who achieved clinical remission were superior to those who remained in relapse. Although intensive chemotherapy induced lengthy remissions, three of the four patients have relapsed. Cytogenetic and cell culture data indicated that the monocytic-macrophage cells characteristic of JCML appeared to be suppressed during remission rather than totally eliminated. We recommend that ANLL-type combination chemotherapy be used as the initial treatment of JCML because of its promptness in effecting clinical remissions. Improved maintenance and consolidation protocols have to be developed to produce durable remissions and cures. Alternatively, bone marrow transplantation may be a useful option soon after remission is achieved with chemotherapy.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗

Recombinant human interferon alpha-2 and juvenile chronic myelogenous leukemia: cell receptor binding, enzymatic induction, and growth suppression in vitro.

Recombinant human leukocyte interferon (HuIFN alpha 2) was studied to determine its potential as a therapeutic agent for the lethal monocytic malignancy of infancy, juvenile chronic myelogenous leukemia (JCML). In sharp contrast to cell cultures of normal marrow, specimens from two patients with JCML yielded an excessive and rapid proliferation of monocyte-macrophage elements without growth factor in clonogenic assay and in liquid culture. Using IFN alpha 2 labeled with 125I, the characteristics of IFN binding to cultured JCML monocyte-macrophages and their receptor site numbers were determined. IFN binding to cells from both patients disclosed two components: a high-affinity of 120 and 430 sites/cell, and a lower affinity of 1230 and 2500 sites/cell, respectively. In control studies, normal blood mononuclear cells or tonsillar B-lymphocytes displayed only a high-affinity component. Brief exposure of JCML cells to IFN alpha 2 in vitro resulted in a sharp increase in the IFN-induced enzyme 2-5A synthetase, indicating the ability of JCML cells to respond metabolically. Dose-response studies performed in a clonogenic assay showed a dose-dependent growth inhibition of JCML monocyte-macrophage colonies using IFN alpha 2 at concentrations of 10(2)-10(5) U/ml. These studies provide new information on the biological characteristics of JCML malignant cells, and suggest that IFN may be useful for treatment of this disorder.

2',5'-Oligoadenylate Synthetase↗

The regulatory role of interleukin 2-responsive T lymphocytes on human marrow granulopoiesis.

The effect of recombinant interleukin 2 (IL2) on marrow CFU-C colony formation was evaluated to define the role for T lymphocytes in human marrow granulopoiesis. The colony-stimulating factor (CSA) used in our experiments was found to contain IL2. IL2 depletion from CSA resulted in a reduction in CFU-C colony proliferation. Addition of exogenous IL2 caused an increase in CFU-C colony numbers in a dose-dependent manner. This increase could be prevented by anti-Tac, a monoclonal antibody (MoAb) to the IL2 receptor. Moreover, anti-Tac in the absence of exogenous IL2 resulted in an overall decrease in colony numbers. Depletion of either adherent cells or T lymphocytes abolished the effect of IL2 and anti-Tac on colony growth. In the presence of IL2, re-addition of T lymphocytes to the T-depleted marrow or adherent cells to adherent cell-depleted marrow resulted in a significant increase in CFU-C colony numbers, whereas no significant effect was found when IL2-depleted CSA was used. Although T lymphocytes were not themselves essential for CFU-C colony growth, our studies indicate that IL2 and IL2-responsive T cells can regulate in vitro granulopoiesis.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Effect of deferoxamine on DNA synthesis, DNA repair, cell proliferation, and differentiation of HL-60 cells.

The ribonucleotide reductase inhibitors deferoxamine and hydroxyurea induce monocyte-macrophage cell differentiation in the leukemic cell line HL-60 as judged by the expression of cell surface antigens, nonspecific esterase activity, and morphological changes. Treatment of HL-60 cells with deferoxamine results in inhibition of DNA synthesis and irreversible loss of colony-forming ability. In addition, both deferoxamine and hydroxyurea caused an increase in the number of DNA strand breaks in HL-60 cells. A DNA methylating agent, N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine, also caused cellular differentiation in HL-60 cells associated with DNA strand breaks. These observations are consistent with a role for DNA damage or for inhibition of DNA synthesis and repair in the differentiation process of HL-60 cells.

Antigens, Surface↗

Residual juvenile chronic myelogenous leukemia cells detected in peripheral blood during clinical remission.

At diagnosis peripheral blood (PB) or bone marrow from patients with juvenile chronic myelogenous leukemia (JCML) have shown two reproducible abnormalities when studied in cell culture: impaired growth of normal hematopoietic progenitors and excessive proliferation of malignant monocyte-macrophage elements. We used these findings to assess quality of treatment response by serially studying PB specimens from four JCML patients (patients 5, 7, 8, and 9) in complete chemotherapy-induced remission. PB readily yielded high numbers of monocyte-macrophage colonies in CFU-C and CFU-GEMM assays when cultured in early remission, and the colonies were cytogenetically proven to have arisen from a malignant clone in patient 9. When studied later in remission, the abnormal cell proliferation persisted in three of the four patients, but in patient 8 PB colony growth resembled controls. Similarly, when PB from patient 8 was studied in liquid culture without using added growth factor, cell proliferation declined identical to controls, whereas PB from the other three patients showed exuberant growth of monocyte-macrophage elements. Patient 8 successfully completed therapy and has been in a long-term, disease-free remission. The other three had recurrent, ultimately fatal disease. The cell cultures have allowed detection of residual abnormal cells that circulate in PB of JCML patients in remission. Although patient numbers were small because of the rarity of JCML, the data suggested that persistence of leukemia cells in these patients had a bearing on clinical outcome.

Antigens, Surface↗

In vitro and in vivo effects of deferoxamine in neonatal acute leukemia.

A six week old infant with acute leukemia failed to attain remission with chemotherapy. Because we previously demonstrated that the iron chelator deferoxamine (DFO) has antiproliferative properties and modulatory effects on cell differentiation, a protocol was designed for in vitro study and for clinical use in the patient. At diagnosis, blast cells were morphologically undifferentiated, had nondiagnostic cytochemistry, showed an abnormal karyotype (t[4;11]), expressed markers of B cell lineage, and demonstrated C mu gene rearrangement. Tissue culture of marrow or blood cells yielded colonies of leukemic blasts. Increasing concentrations of DFO produced a dose-dependent suppression of patient's blast colony growth in vitro, and blasts within colonies showed a marked change in surface antigen expression from lymphoid to myelomonocytic markers, became monocytic in appearance, and developed intense staining for nonspecific esterase. When DFO was given intravenously to the patient as a single agent for 48 hours, blasts no longer expressed lymphoid antigens and became strongly positive for myelomonocytic markers, identical to the in vitro findings. Intravenous DFO halted rising peripheral blood blast cell numbers and allowed a several-fold increase in normal hematopoietic progenitor colony growth. When combined with low-dose cytosine arabinoside in the treatment protocol, DFO caused striking leukemic cytoreduction. Our findings indicate that DFO has antileukemic properties by virtue of its effects on proliferation and differentiation, and they prompt further experimental and clinical studies with this agent.

Antigens, Neoplasm↗

Detection of residual acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells in cultures of bone marrow obtained during remission.

We used a semisolid culture assay to quantitate leukemia cells in the bone marrow of patients with childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). In bone marrow cultures from 40 patients with newly diagnosed disease, the colonies that developed in vitro consisted of lymphoblasts with the same surface markers and abnormal karyotype as the original diagnostic marrow specimens. We also studied marrow cultures from 13 patients in chemotherapy-induced remission; 6 of these, including 1 obtained from a patient during successful engraftment after marrow transplantation, also yielded lymphoblast colonies in culture, with the same immunologic phenotype or abnormal karyotype as the original leukemic marrow. Four of these patients, including the one who underwent marrow transplantation, relapsed within 2 to 30 months of the abnormal cultures; the other two are still in remission, one of them 30 months after diagnosis. Bone marrow cultures from eight normal controls and from the other seven patients in remission did not yield lymphoblast colonies; all seven of the latter are still in remission. This assay appears to allow detection of small numbers of residual leukemic cells. We conclude that the technique will be valuable in monitoring the efficacy of chemotherapy and allogeneic bone marrow transplantation in acute lymphoblastic leukemia, as well as in evaluating the quality of purged marrow for autologous marrow transplantation.

Antigens, Surface↗