AIDS-associated polyclonal lymphoma: identification of a new HIV-associated disease process
Article Abstract:
Individuals who are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have an increased incidence of non-Hodgkin's B-cell lymphomas. This type of malignant tumor is extremely aggressive and metastasizes to many sites in the body. Tumors from multiple sites from three patients who died with AIDS-associated lymphomas were analyzed to see if the tumors were monoclonal (originating from one cell) or polyclonal (originating from more than one cell). All the lymphomas were B cells which secreted the immunoglobulin M (IgM) and were at similar stages in maturation. The clonality of the cells was tested by the examination of genetic rearrangements of the immunoglobulin gene, which would be different in different cells. The majority of B-cells tested were polyclonal, with only a minority of the cells being monoclonal. This polyclonality of B-cells associated in lymphomas has not been seen in other studies. In one case, but not the other two, the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is associated with another type of lymphoma, Burkitt's lymphoma, often seen associated with HIV infection, was present. The oncogene (a gene implicated in the development of some cancers) C-myc, which is rearranged in Burkitt's lymphoma, was not altered in these lymphomas. Therefore, polyclonal B-cell lymphoma not associated with EBV may be a newly described disease associated with HIV-infection. Further study is needed to identify the possible factors that would cause multiple clones of B cells to become cancerous. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0894-9255
Year: 1991
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Continuous low-dose interferon-alpha therapy for HIV-related immune thrombocytopenic purpura
Article Abstract:
Low-dose interferon alpha may be effective in treating immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). ITP is a bleeding disorder characterized by a drop in blood platelets, which are the blood cells that form blood clots. It is common in HIV-infected people, and can have many causes. Thirteen HIV-infected patients with ITP were taught to give themselves a subcutaneous injection of three million units of interferon-alpha2b three times a week. They were examined once a month. Only one patient responded completely, eight responded partially and four did not respond at all. A complete response occurred when the patient's platelet level returned to normal and remained so for more than one month. All of the patients noticed a reduction in bleeding episodes. Most of the patients experienced side effects from the treatment, including fatigue, fever, muscle pain and headache.
Publication Name: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes and Human Retrovirology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 1077-9450
Year: 1995
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