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Stavroula Giannouli

Publications and source records attributed to Stavroula Giannouli.

10 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

A meta-analysis of genotypes and haplotypes of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphisms in acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

A meta-analysis of case-control studies that investigated the association between the C677T and/or A1298C polymorphisms in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) was carried out. Pooled odds ratios (OR) of various genetic contrasts of each polymorphism were estimated using random (RE) and fixed effects (FE) models. Pooled ORs for combined genotypes and haplotypes were estimated after adjustment for study effect using a log-linear model and the expectation-maximization algorithm in combination with log-linear modeling, respectively. The recessive model for allele 1298C produced a rather marginal association: RE OR: 0.67; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.46-0.99 and FE OR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.49-0.84. In Caucasians, the results of the recessive model for allele 1298C was consisted with a protective effect of ALL development: FE OR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.46-0.87. In childhood ALL, according to the results of the allele contrast and the recessive model for 677T allele it was conceivable that a protective effect exist: RE OR = 0.74; 95% CI: 0.57-0.96 and RE OR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.51-0.94, respectively. The combined genotypes produced significant pooled OR for the 677CC/1298CC relative to 677CC/1298AA (OR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.36-0.80). The haplotype 677C/1298C might be more protective to ALL relative to haplotype 677C/1298A (OR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.61-0.97). When studies not in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) were corrected to account for departures from HWE, then, the pattern of results remained the same. Overall, there is high heterogeneity between the studies in both polymorphisms. A differential magnitude of effect in large versus small studies and alteration of early extremes effects existed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Effect of cA2 anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha antibody therapy on hematopoiesis of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes.

PURPOSE: Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) plays a prominent role in the pathophysiology of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). The aim of this study was to explore the biological and immunoregulatory effect of the treatment with the anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha monoclonal antibody cA2 on bone marrow (BM) progenitor/precursor and stromal cells and lymphocyte subsets, as well as the clinical response in MDS patients. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Ten low-intermediate risk MDS patients received i.v. cA2 (3 mg/kg) at weeks 0, 2, 6, and 12. The number, survival, and clonogenic potential of BM progenitor/precursor cells, the hematopoiesis-supporting capacity of BM stromal cells, and the lymphocyte activation status were investigated in the patients at baseline and following treatment using flow cytometry, clonogenic assays, and long-term BM cultures (LTBMC). Clinical response was evaluated according to standardized criteria. RESULTS: cA2 administration reduced the proportion of apoptotic and Fas+ cells in the CD34+ cell compartment (P = 0.0215 and P = 0.0344, respectively) and increased the clonogenic potential of BM mononuclear and CD34+ cells (P = 0.0399 and P = 0.0304, respectively) compared with baseline. The antibody reduced tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels in LTBMC supernatants (P = 0.0043) and significantly improved the hematopoiesis-supporting capacity of LTBMC adherent cells. The proportion of activated peripheral blood and BM T-lymphocytes decreased significantly after treatment, suggesting an immunomodulatory effect of cA2. Two patients displayed minor hematologic responses whereas the remaining patients displayed stable disease with no disease progression. CONCLUSIONS: The encouraging biological insights from cA2 administration may be useful in conducting further clinical trials using cA2 for selected MDS patients, particularly those with evidence of immune-mediated inhibition of hematopoiesis.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Aberrant alternative splicing of interferon regulatory factor-1 (IRF-1) in myelodysplastic hematopoietic progenitor cells.

Interferon regulatory factor-1 (IRF-1) mRNA expression was examined in specific cell populations (BMMC, CD34+ and CD71+) derived from 45 MDS patients and 20 controls. All the MDS cell populations, presented an identical IRF-1 mRNA expression pattern, characterized by the absence of full-length IRF-1 mRNA and presence of multiple alternative transcripts. The most common deletions involved exons 2 and 3. Two novel truncated IRF-1 protein forms were detected in MDS BMMC. IRF-1-induced iNOS mRNA expression was exclusively detected in BMMC having full-length transcript. The expression of IRF-1 truncated mRNA and protein forms might be a critical event in the development of MDS.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

Autoimmune manifestations in common variable immunodeficiency.

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a disorder characterized by decreased serum immunoglobulin concentrations and increased incidence of recurrent infections. Interestingly 20-25% of patients with CVID develop clinical features suggestive of an autoimmune disease. Although this association is well established, the immunodeficiency background of CVID patients manifesting autoimmune disorders is often overlooked. This study describes three CVID patients displaying a variety of autoimmune manifestations. The pathophysiologic mechanisms of autoimmunity in CVID are also reviewed.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Membranous glomerulonephritis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

We present a case of chronic lymphocytic leukemia associated with nephrotic syndrome. Renal biopsy revealed membranous glomerulonephritis accompanied by interstitial monoclonal lymphocytic infiltration. Combination therapy with cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone (COP) was successful in inducing an effective response in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Improvement of renal function and proteinuria was also observed.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin in the CHOP regimen for older patients with aggressive (stages III/IV) non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin is associated with a lower risk of cardiotoxocity than conventional formulations of doxorubicin, allowing the use of higher cumulative doses. In this Phase II study, 25 patients aged over 70 years (median 79, range 75-82 years) with aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) (International Prognostic Index (IPI) -2, 12 (48%); IPI-3, 10 (40%); IPI-4, 3 (12%)) received CHOP with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin. All completed 6 treatment cycles and were evaluable for efficacy and safety. A complete response was achieved in 13 (52%) patients and a partial response in 12 (48%) patients, which was maintained for at least 12 months. The median time to progression was 26 months (range 14->42) and median overall survival was 32 months (range 26-48). No Grades III/IV toxicity occurred; adverse events included neutropenia, anaemia, nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation in 16-29% of the cycles. Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin is an effective and well-tolerated component that may be substituted for doxorubicin in the CHOPC (cyclophosphanide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednizolone) regimen for the treatment of aggressive NHL in elderly people.

Aged↗