Pathogenesis of polycythemia vera--new concepts

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Stem Cell Biology
• Oncology

Background:

• Polycythemia vera is an acquired clonal disorder.
• It originates from pluripotent stem cells.
• Characterized by expansion of committed stem cell pools, particularly erythroid cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the nature of polycythemia vera.
• To investigate the role of erythropoietin in polycythemia vera erythropoiesis.

Main Methods:

• Review of available data.
• In vitro studies.
• In vivo studies.

Main Results:

• Polycythemia vera involves acquired clonal stem cell disorder.
• Expansion of committed stem cell pools, especially erythroid line, is observed.
• Erythropoiesis in polycythemia vera is partially modulated by erythropoietin.

Conclusions:

• Polycythemia vera is a stem cell disorder.
• Erythropoietin plays a role in regulating erythropoiesis in polycythemia vera.