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Updated: Aug 21, 2026
Flow Cytometry Analysis of Tissue Factor Expression in Human Platelets
Published on: November 22, 2024
Bone marrow expression and plasma concentration of basic fibroblast growth factor in patients with idiopathic
Bora Son1, Kyeong Seob Shin, Sook Young Bae
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Japan.
Background:
Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is one of main regulators of hematopoiesis, including megakaryopoiesis. The main bone marrow finding of patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is increased megakaryopoiesis. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the change in the production of bFGF and its expression pattern in the bone marrow of patients with ITP and to correlate these characteristics with the plasma concentration of bFGF.
Methods:
Paraffin sections of bone marrow biopsies from 17 patients with ITP and 5 healthy control subjects without pathologic alterations were investigated by immunohistochemistry for bFGF and CD68. bFGF messenger RNA (mRNA) in situ hybridization was performed with bone marrow biopsy sections, and the plasma levels of bFGF were evaluated by enzyme immunoassay.
Results:
bFGF was expressed strongly in stromal cells and weakly in megakaryocytes. The density of bFGF-expressing stromal cells was decreased in 70% (12/17) of the patients with ITP but in none of the control subjects. The numbers of stromal cells and the cellular distributions of bFGF mRNA in patients with ITP were similar to those of the control subjects. The plasma levels of bFGF were significantly lower in almost all of the ITP patients relative to those of the control group.
Conclusions:
The results indicate that the concentrations of bFGF in plasma and bone marrow stromal cells in ITP cases are decreased, whereas the production of bFGF remains unchanged. Although the mechanism of low cellular and plasma concentrations of bFGF needs to be elucidated, these findings may complement the serologic and morphologic diagnosis of ITP.
Insights
Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) levels are decreased in the bone marrow and plasma of patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). This study found reduced bFGF expression in stromal cells, suggesting a potential diagnostic marker for ITP.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) regulates hematopoiesis, including megakaryopoiesis.
- Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is characterized by increased megakaryopoiesis in the bone marrow.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate changes in bFGF production and expression patterns in the bone marrow of ITP patients.
- To correlate bone marrow bFGF characteristics with plasma bFGF concentrations in ITP.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry for bFGF and CD68 on bone marrow biopsies from 17 ITP patients and 5 controls.
- In situ hybridization for bFGF mRNA and enzyme immunoassay for plasma bFGF levels.
Main Results:
- bFGF expression was strong in stromal cells and weak in megakaryocytes.
- Decreased density of bFGF-expressing stromal cells observed in 70% of ITP patients.
- Significantly lower plasma bFGF levels found in most ITP patients compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- ITP cases show decreased concentrations of bFGF in plasma and bone marrow stromal cells.
- bFGF production remains unchanged, but cellular and plasma levels are reduced.
- These findings may aid in the serologic and morphologic diagnosis of ITP.
