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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
06:21
Assessment of the Metabolic Profile of Primary Leukemia Cells
Published on: November 21, 2018
Apoptosis of leukemic cells: a case report
Ljiljana Vrbanus1, Mirna Sucić, Mirjana Marković-Glamocak
1Clinical Department of Pathology and Cytology, Zagreb University Hospital Center and School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.
Collegium Antropologicum
|August 12, 2010
Summary
This study observed significant apoptosis in bone marrow leukemic cells of an acute myeloid leukemia M5b patient, contrasting with preserved cells in peripheral blood. This suggests potential ex vivo artifact or an unfavorable cytokine ratio in bone marrow specimens.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) transformation involves delayed maturation and altered growth factor response.
- Fas (CD95/APO1) signaling and decreased Bcl-2 are noted in AML M4/M5 subtypes.
- This study investigates apoptosis in AML M5b leukemic cells.
Observation:
- Peripheral blood analysis revealed leukocytosis with 80-90% monocytic cells.
- Bone marrow samples showed few preserved immature monocytic cells but numerous apoptotic cells.
- Cytochemistry confirmed monocytic lineage in both peripheral blood and bone marrow apoptotic cells.
Findings:
- Peripheral blood cytomorphology indicated immature monocytic cell proliferation.
- Bone marrow cytomorphology revealed significant leukemic cell apoptosis.
- Esterase staining was positive in all analyzed cells, confirming monocytic lineage, and inhibited by sodium fluoride.
Implications:
- The observed bone marrow leukemic cell apoptosis may be an ex vivo artifact due to specimen handling.
- An unfavorable cytokine-to-cell ratio in bone marrow aspirates could contribute to apoptosis.
- Findings contribute to understanding leukemic cell behavior and specimen artifact in AML M5b.
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Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
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