Impact of low and high doses of ionizing radiation on the hematopoietic system: molecular mechanisms of cellular response and clinical manifestations, 2025
The hematopoietic system is among the most radiosensitive systems in the human organism. Cellular... more The hematopoietic system is among the most radiosensitive systems in the human organism. Cellular responses to ionizing radiation, regardless of dose magnitude, share common regulatory mechanisms, particularly in the control of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress plays a critical role in cellular senescence and in the dysregulation of stem cell proliferative capacity. Exposure to high doses of ionizing radiation (≥ 1 Gy) leads to significant physiological consequences, with severity increasing proportionally with dose. Acute hematopoietic syndrome, a subsyndrome of acute radiation syndrome, typically manifests following exposure to doses between 2 and 6 Gy. Clinical symptoms emerge within hours postexposure, progressively exacerbating due to severe impairment of hematopoietic organs, vasculature, and bone marrow. Prompt diagnosis and therapeutic intervention are essential for mitigating disease progression and facilitating recovery. Conversely, prolonged exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation is associated with delayed stochastic effects, often manifesting long after initial exposure. Although these effects do not exhibit a direct dose-response relationship, the risk of long-term hematopoietic dysfunction increases with cumulative radiation dose. In all cases, ionizing radiation exposure necessitates comprehensive biodosimetric assessment, precise dose estimation, early diagnosis, and the implementation of effective therapeutic strategies. This review aims to examine systematically the comparative effects of highand low-dose ionizing radiation on the hematopoietic system, with a particular emphasis on the molecular mechanisms influencing stem cell function and the potential clinical pathologies that may arise.
В последните години биодозиметричните методи за анализ на поета доза йонизираща радиация, се нало... more В последните години биодозиметричните методи за анализ на поета доза йонизираща радиация, се наложиха в европейската практика. Основни методи за биодозиметрия са дицентричен хромозомен анализ (наличие на дицентрични хромозоми), тест за наличие на микронуклеус в двуядрени клетки, FISH анализ (флуоресцентна in situ хибридизация), преждевременна хромозомна кондензация (PCC) и др. НИЛ по радиобиология и радиационна защита, ВМА-София, е в етап на разработване на два основни метода за биодозиметрия (дицентричен хромозомен анализ и тест за наличие на микронуклеус в двуядрени клетки). Първият метод се използва за оценка на риска от развитие на късни, стохастични ефекти при хронично, продължително, нискодозово облъчване. Следващият етап ще бъде интегриране на двата метода, като рутинна диагностика на поета висока доза при радиационен инцидент или оценка на риска при пациенти с онкологични заболявания. Целта на настоящото изследване е да се оптимизират двата биодозиметрични метода за нуждите на НИЛ по РЗР, ВМА МБАЛ-София. След направен детайлен анализ и преглед на двата методи, приоритет се дава на дицентричният хромозомен анализ. Избран е като най-точен, бърз и високоефективен метод за анализ на поета висока доза йонизираща радиация или за оценка на риска от развитие на късни, стохастични ефекти, при нискодозово, продължително облъчване. Тестът за анализ на микронуклеус в двуядрени клетки е добър метод за потвърждаване на резултатите, получени от дицентричния хромозомен анализ. Биодозиметричната оценка на погълната доза йонизираща радиация, е висококвалифицирана дейност. Включва екип от професионалисти, правилен подбор на приложимите методи и предварителна оптимизация на процеса.
The aim of the review is to summarize the scientific knowledge, innovative diagnostic methods and... more The aim of the review is to summarize the scientific knowledge, innovative diagnostic methods and medical therapeutic approaches of Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS), and in particular of Hematopoietic Acute Radiation Syndrome (H-ARS). It is necessary to emphasize that the evaluation of the potential risk for the development of ARS includes a complex consideration of the type of irradiation, determination of the radiation dose (threshold dose for the development of ARS is ≥ 1 Gy) and what parts of the body are affected (whole body or partially irradiation). On the basis of the obtained assessment, radiobiology specialist physicians create an optimized individual treatment scheme. The paper describes in detail the newest directions in the diagnosis of ARS (biodosimetry) and the therapy of H-ARS, summarized on the basis of studies, literature data and laboratory/clinical experience. The current work focuses on the biodosimetry methods applicable in Bulgaria and on the scientific studies of potential effective therapeutic agents for the treatment of H-ARS, which gradually enter in the contemporary clinical practice.
Radiation biodosimetry deals with the measurement of a biological response that serves as a surro... more Radiation biodosimetry deals with the measurement of a biological response that serves as a surrogate for estimating the absorbed radiation dose in exposed humans. The biodosimetry methods include cytogenetic methods such as dicentric chromosomal assay (DCA), cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay (CBMN), Fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) assay, Premature chromosome condensation (PCC), etc. All of them score the marking damages such dicentric chromosomes or centric rings to calculate the absorbed dose of ionizing radiation. As a part of the European union, Bulgarian radiobiology laboratories had to switch the direction of the mainly research activity to possibility for routine practice of analysis and diagnostic of the assessment dose after ionizing exposure. This possibility determines to use of more precise methods to diagnose cellular injuries accurately. For a short period of time Bulgarian laboratories had to choose method of analysis, to develop working protocols and their own calibration curves for them. The Research laboratory of Radiobiology and Radiation protection, Military Medical Academy-Sofia is in the process of integration of DCA as a main method of biodosimetry and CBMN as a supplementing method. The criteria to choose DCA as a main method is affordability and accuracy of the method. Next stage is to organize the whole process of integration as a routine diagnostic practice as additional source of information for the patients used by the clinical hematologists and oncologists. Aim of the study: The aim of the current study is to present and describe the selected biodosimetry methods, planned to be used in the Military Medical Academy-Sofia. Materials and methods: Dicentric chromosomal assay (DCA) and cytokinesisblock micronucleus assay (CBMN). Results: The review of the described methods, give the priority to the golden standard method (DCA). It is chosen as the most affordable, applicable and highly effective for the needs of the Scientific laboratory of Radiobiology and Radiation protection, Military Medical Academy-Sofia. Cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay (CBMN) is good supplementary method, but cannot be used as a main dosimetry method, because of its limitations. Conclusion: The biodosimetry assessment of the absorbed dose is a high skilled activity. It has involved team of professionals, correct selection of applicable methods and preliminary optimization of the process. Take into consideration of the advantages and disadvantages of the selected methods, the most affordable and effective method is DCA analysis.
The serious harmful effect of the ionizing radiation, leads the researchers to search for new eff... more The serious harmful effect of the ionizing radiation, leads the researchers to search for new effective substances with radiation protection activity. The damaging effect of the ionizing radiation exposure is one of the most dangerous professional circumstances for the pilots and astronauts. Have been found that normal cellular antioxidant metabolites, could be effective radioprotectors. The antioxidants’ potential to reduce the cellular damage in animal models have been studied for more than 50 years. In last decade a lot of normal cellular metabolites such as amino acids, nucleotides, fatty acids, etc. were researched for potential antioxidant activity. The amino acids are highly active metabolites that participate in various anabolic and catabolic processes. The high metabolic activity determine their active role in neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS, free radicals) and accordingly high antioxidant activity. AIM: Follow up of the after-radiation exposure recovery and radiation protection activity of betaine (N, N, N-trimethyl glycine) applied to experimental animals (mice). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Have been used 120 experimental animals (white male mice C3H, with body weight 23 gr), supplied by the “Certified vivarium for experimental animals”, Military Medical Academy-Sofia. They were divided in four experimental groups. Two of the experimental groups were exposed to radiation by 137Cs-source with power 2,05 Gy/min (The Institute of Plant Physiology and Genetics “Acad. D. Kostov”, Bulgarian Academy of Science, Sofia). The amino acid betaine has been applied peroral as a food supplement. For the purpose of the current study was controlled the following index: Cu/Zn SOD protein expression in three radiation sensitive organs (liver, spleen and testicles). The protein expression is confirmed by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: The obtained results gave the opportunity to perform comparative analysis of protein expression of Cu/ZnSOD in three different organs (liver, spleen and testicles) and to confirm the positive radiation protection effect of the researched substance. CONCLUSION: Betaine (N, N, N-trimethyl glycine) showed positive effect to the survival rate in all examined experimental animals’ groups. The application of Betaine induced increase of the expression of Cu/Zn SOD protein in the researched experimental groups.
The irradiation exposure could affect the cellular genome and specifically target genes, such as ... more The irradiation exposure could affect the cellular genome and specifically target genes, such as TP53 gene. The TP53 gene is known as a "guardian of the genome" and is a tumor suppressor gene. Its role is to keep the cell of malignant transformation. After ionizing radiation exposure, the TP53 could mutate and the cell could continue to active proliferation (tumor cellular transformation). It has been noticed that different type of substances could have radioprotective effect and to protect the cell of malignant transformation, apoptosis, genome injuries or necrosis. Some of the natural metabolites that are proven antioxidants, show significant ability of radiation protection of the cells. The aim of that study is to analyze the possible radioprotection ability of two origin metabolites (amino acids)-trimethyl glycine (betaine) and N-acetyl-L-cysteine, applied together and in combination, first before irradiation (preventive treatment) and then 2 hours after irradiation (as a therapeutic agents). The research work is done as invitro analysis to peripheral blood cell cultures. Conclusion: The conclusion of the study is that both amino acids showed good radiation protection activity after in-vitro performed analysis. The most significant results showed the combination of both natural metabolites.
Applications of the radiation-induced biomarkers for the detection and assessment of absorbed dos... more Applications of the radiation-induced biomarkers for the detection and assessment of absorbed doses by oncology and onco-hematology patients periodically exposed to therapeutic doses of ionizing radiation
Applications of the radiation-induced biomarkers for the detection and assessment of absorbed dos... more Applications of the radiation-induced biomarkers for the detection and assessment of absorbed doses by oncology and onco-hematology patients periodically exposed to therapeutic doses of ionizing radiation
Acute radiation syndrome is a special medical
condition that combines symptoms of four
different ... more Acute radiation syndrome is a special medical condition that combines symptoms of four different sub-syndromes combined or separately. The assessment of the acute radiation syndrome follow strictly defined protocol approved by IAEA. The most important part of the assessment is to calculate the absorbed dose after the exposure and the type of the irradiation such as whole-body or significant partial body exposure to over limited dose (> 1 Gy absorbed dose). The next step is the medical treatment of the patient. The treatment of the acute radition syndrome depends on the patient condition, dose rate and the type of irradiation. Patients who received a high dose and whole body irradiation (> 1Gy and < 10 Gy) are going to be triage to three different groups: patients, who recover with minimum interventions, those who require aggressive supportive treatment such as bone-marrow transplantation and those, who will receive palliative care. The possibility of local or systematic infection increased with the irradiation, because of the appeared damages in the cutaneous and mucosal barriers and immune system suppression. To prevent the risk of infections in the medical treatment scheme have to be included antibiotics, an antiviral and antifungal drugs. The application of the antimicrobial drugs follow three different approaches depends on the medical condition of the patient.
MILITARY MEDICINE OFFICIAL EDITION OF MILITARY MEDICAL ACADEMY AND BULGARIAN SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY OF MILITARY MEDICINE, 2020
Most of the cellular damages and the development of radiation-
induced cellular pathology are ind... more Most of the cellular damages and the development of radiation- induced cellular pathology are indirect effects caused by free radicals. Oxidative damage is the result of the reactive oxygen species generated by ionizing radiation. This perspective is at the heart of research and development of tools that can provide a longer window of protection against lethal damage and other effects resulting from low-dose irradiation in professional groups, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. A major focus in radiobiology is the study of substances capable of trapping free radicals or preventing their expression, with minimal or no toxic effects. Many natural antioxidants, such as N-Acetyl-L-cysteine and α-Lipoic acid, have antimutagenic properties and have radioprotective potential. They act as modulators of the biological response (immunomodulators) and can redirect the cell to apoptosis in the event of neoplastic transformation. The aim of the study was to compare the potential radioprotective ability of the two native immunomodulators, administered before irradiation, separately and in combination, with a 1Gy absorbed dose in an experimental human lymphocyte cell model. Biodosimetric method of cytogenetic analysis of metaphase chromosomes were used to determine the presence of radiation-induced dicentric and circular chromosomes. Survey results showed radioprotective effect. Reducing the number of chromosomal aberrations correlates with the radioprotective ability of the two native antioxidants to reduce the risk of radiation damage.
Abstract
The irradiation exposure could affect the cellular genome and specifically target genes,... more Abstract The irradiation exposure could affect the cellular genome and specifically target genes, such as TP53 gene. The TP53 gene is known as a “guardian of the genome” and is a tumor suppressor gene. Its role is to keep the cell of malignant transformation. After ionizing radiation exposure, the TP53 could mutate and the cell could continue to active proliferation (tumor cellular transformation). It has been noticed that different type of substances could have radioprotective effect and to protect the cell of malignant transformation, apoptosis, genome injuries or necrosis. Some of the natural metabolites that are proven antioxidants, show significant ability of radiation protection of the cells. The aim of that study is to analyze the possible radioprotection ability of two origin metabolites (amino acids)–trimethyl glycine (betaine) and N-acetyl-L-cysteine, applied together and in combination, first before irradiation (preventive treatment) and then 2 hours after irradiation (as a therapeutic agents). The research work is done as invitro analysis to peripheral blood cell cultures. Conclusion: The conclusion of the study is that both amino acids showed good radiation protection activity after in-vitro performed analysis. The most significant results showed the combination of both natural metabolit
Ionizing radiation exposure induces severe cellular injuries, such as single-and double-strand br... more Ionizing radiation exposure induces severe cellular injuries, such as single-and double-strand breaks, base lost, base's changes, chromosomal aberrations, etc. Double strand breaks are the most significant and dangerous for the cell. As a result of action of the ionizing radiation the level of free radicals (more specific reactive oxygen species) increases many times and leads to severe cellular injuries. Oxidative stress has appeared. Double strand breaks could lead to formation of genomic instability that could become a stable change and to mutate the cell. High doses of ionizing radiation led to destroying of the whole DNA-genome and to formation of DNA-fragmentation. The aim of the currents study is to qualitatively determine the possible radioprotective ability of the amino acids Nacetyl-L-cysteine and N,N,N-trimethyl glycine (betaine). DNA-ladders method has been used for conformation of the radioprotective activity of analyzed two amino acids (betaine and N-acetyl-Lcysteine). The obtained result of the conducted research showed a possible high potential for radioprotective ability of both metabolites and set the stage for additional studies in an experimental cell model to confirm or reject the result.
Overview of some of the current biodosimet ry methods for evaluation o f t he assessment dose after ionizing exposure in the EU laboratories Applicable biodosimetry methods in Bulgaria, 2024
The radioprotection activity of different substances, such as cellular metabolites with antioxida... more The radioprotection activity of different substances, such as cellular metabolites with antioxidant activity to reduce the cellular damage induced by ionizing radiation has been studied for more than 50 years. Many research studies are focused on the radioprotective efficacy of naturally occurring antioxidants (natural metabolites), and how they might influence various endpoints of radiation damage. Aim: in the current study has been research the irradiation recovery and possible antioxidant activity after feeding the experimental animals with trimethyl glycine (betaine), as a food supplement. Materials and methods: in the current study were used experimental modal animals (white male mice c3h, weight 23 gr.) That were divided in four groups. Two of the groups were exposed to radiation from 137 cs with power 2,05 gy/min. The food supplement has been administrated to three of the experimental groups of animals, peroral, every day during 15 days before irradiation of those that are exposed. Lipid peroxidation levels in liver, spleen and testis were followed to all of the groups. Results: the research analysis gave significant results of decrease the levels of lipid peroxidation (in liver, spleen and testis), comparing the measurements in four different groups for every organcontrol group with irradiation without feeding, control group without irradiation with feeding, experimental group with irradiation and feeding. Conclusion: the researched amino acid has positive effect over survival rate in experimental animals. Administration of the amino acid shows decrease of the oxidative stress in the experimental group in comparison to control group with irradiation.
International Journal of Computational Engineering Research (IJCER), 2023
The worldwide political situation determines, the EU radiobiologists to develop and improve bidos... more The worldwide political situation determines, the EU radiobiologists to develop and improve bidosimetry methods for analysis of the assessment dose in their own laboratories. For a short period of time every Radiobiology laboratory in the EU had to choose or improve applicable method of analysis, to develop working protocols and their own calibration curves for the applicable methods. The Scientific laboratory of Radiobiology and Radia tion protec tion, Milit ary Medical Academy Sofia is responsible for biodosimetr y esti mation of the assessment dose to the military structures in Bulgaria . Aim of the study: The aim of the current study is to analyze and compare some of the current biodosimetry methods, used in the European laboratories. Selection of a part of the analyzed methods for current use in one of the Bulgarian radiobiology laboratories; Materials and methods: comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of the most used radiobiology methods used in the EU radiobiology laboratories such as Dicentric chromosomal assay (DCA), cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay (CBMN), premature chromosome condensation assay (PCC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) chromosomal analysis. Results: The detailed analysis and review of the applied European methods, give the priority to the golden standard method (DCA), as the most applicable, shorten and highly effective for the needs of S cientific laboratory of Radiobiology and Radia tio n protec tion, Milit ary Medical Academy SofiaSofia. The advantages of the FISH technique show a good perspective and could be performed for biodosimetry in the laboratory. Conclusion: The biodosimetry assessment of the absorbed dose is a high skilled activity that involves team of professionals, working in the laboratory, correct selection of a few appropriate methods and preliminary optimization of the process. Take into consideration all described factors for our routine work use of DCA method is the first and optimal option. The FISH-technique presents many advantages that makes it a good additional option.
The peripheral blood consists two main compartments
– blood plasma and form elements (blood cell... more The peripheral blood consists two main compartments
– blood plasma and form elements (blood cells). The
peripheral blood consists of two main components –
blood plasma and formed elements (blood cells).
Hemoblastoses develop when mutations occur in the
precursors of blood cells (progenitor cells). The progenitor
cells of the blood cells are mostly known as
stem cells. Stem cells have strong proliferative potential
and differentiate to two main blood branches –
myeloid (derived from myeloid progenitor cells) and
lymphoid (derived from lymphoid progenitor cells).
Under the action of various hematopoietic growth factors,
they differentiate into different cell types of their order [3]. Leukemias are a group of oncological diseases
characterized by an increase of the leukocytes
in the bone marrow and blood. Depending on the progression
of the disease, they are acute and chronic,
and according to the origin of the affected cells – myeloid
and lymphoid. Combinations between them give
four main categories [7]. The presence of certain chromosomal
markers underlies the WHO cancer classification.
Their observation is necessary to confirm or
reject a previously established diagnosis. The diagnosis
is made based on the clinical expertise, laboratory
tests and the observation of the specific cytogenetic
markers.
Chronic myeloid (myelogenous) leukemia is hemoblastosis,
which affect the cells of the myeloid branch. This
disease is characterized by the presence of a specific
chromosomal marker – Ph-chromosome. The presence
of the Ph-chromosome can be determined by
cytogenetic analysis. Cytogenetic analysis has a crucial
role in the diagnostic process and therapeutic response
in patients with hemoblastoses.
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Papers by Galina Racheva
Целта на настоящото изследване е да се оптимизират двата биодозиметрични метода за нуждите на НИЛ по РЗР, ВМА МБАЛ-София.
След направен детайлен анализ и преглед на двата методи, приоритет се дава на дицентричният хромозомен анализ. Избран е като най-точен, бърз и високоефективен метод за анализ на поета висока доза йонизираща радиация или за оценка на риска от развитие на късни, стохастични ефекти, при нискодозово, продължително облъчване. Тестът за анализ на микронуклеус в двуядрени клетки е добър метод за потвърждаване на резултатите, получени от дицентричния хромозомен анализ.
Биодозиметричната оценка на погълната доза йонизираща радиация, е висококвалифицирана дейност. Включва екип от професионалисти, правилен подбор на приложимите методи и предварителна оптимизация на процеса.
condition that combines symptoms of four
different sub-syndromes combined or separately.
The assessment of the acute radiation
syndrome follow strictly defined protocol
approved by IAEA. The most important part of
the assessment is to calculate the absorbed
dose after the exposure and the type of the
irradiation such as whole-body or significant
partial body exposure to over limited dose (>
1 Gy absorbed dose). The next step is the
medical treatment of the patient. The treatment
of the acute radition syndrome depends
on the patient condition, dose rate and the
type of irradiation. Patients who received a
high dose and whole body irradiation (> 1Gy
and < 10 Gy) are going to be triage to three
different groups: patients, who recover with
minimum interventions, those who require
aggressive supportive treatment such as
bone-marrow transplantation and those, who
will receive palliative care. The possibility of
local or systematic infection increased with the irradiation, because of the appeared damages
in the cutaneous and mucosal barriers
and immune system suppression. To prevent
the risk of infections in the medical treatment
scheme have to be included antibiotics, an
antiviral and antifungal drugs. The application
of the antimicrobial drugs follow three different
approaches depends on the medical condition
of the patient.
induced cellular pathology are indirect effects caused by free
radicals. Oxidative damage is the result of the reactive oxygen
species generated by ionizing radiation. This perspective is at
the heart of research and development of tools that can provide
a longer window of protection against lethal damage and other
effects resulting from low-dose irradiation in professional groups,
diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. A major focus in radiobiology
is the study of substances capable of trapping free radicals
or preventing their expression, with minimal or no toxic effects.
Many natural antioxidants, such as N-Acetyl-L-cysteine and α-Lipoic
acid, have antimutagenic properties and have radioprotective
potential. They act as modulators of the biological response
(immunomodulators) and can redirect the cell to apoptosis in the
event of neoplastic transformation. The aim of the study was to
compare the potential radioprotective ability of the two native immunomodulators,
administered before irradiation, separately and
in combination, with a 1Gy absorbed dose in an experimental human
lymphocyte cell model. Biodosimetric method of cytogenetic
analysis of metaphase chromosomes were used to determine
the presence of radiation-induced dicentric and circular chromosomes.
Survey results showed radioprotective effect. Reducing
the number of chromosomal aberrations correlates with the radioprotective
ability of the two native antioxidants to reduce the risk
of radiation damage.
The irradiation exposure could affect the cellular genome and specifically target genes, such as TP53 gene. The TP53 gene is known
as a “guardian of the genome” and is a tumor suppressor gene. Its role is to keep the cell of malignant transformation. After ionizing
radiation exposure, the TP53 could mutate and the cell could continue to active proliferation (tumor cellular transformation). It has
been noticed that different type of substances could have radioprotective effect and to protect the cell of malignant transformation,
apoptosis, genome injuries or necrosis. Some of the natural metabolites that are proven antioxidants, show significant ability of radiation
protection of the cells.
The aim of that study is to analyze the possible radioprotection ability of two origin metabolites (amino acids)–trimethyl glycine (betaine)
and N-acetyl-L-cysteine, applied together and in combination, first before irradiation (preventive treatment) and then 2 hours after
irradiation (as a therapeutic agents). The research work is done as invitro analysis to peripheral blood cell cultures.
Conclusion: The conclusion of the study is that both amino acids showed good radiation protection activity after in-vitro performed
analysis. The most significant results showed the combination of both natural metabolit
Milit ary Medical Academy Sofia is responsible for biodosimetr y esti mation of the assessment
dose to the military structures in Bulgaria . Aim of the study: The aim of the current study is to analyze and compare some of the current biodosimetry methods, used in the European laboratories. Selection of a part of the analyzed methods for current use in one of the Bulgarian radiobiology laboratories; Materials and methods: comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of the most used radiobiology methods used in the EU radiobiology laboratories such as Dicentric chromosomal assay (DCA), cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay (CBMN), premature chromosome condensation assay (PCC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) chromosomal analysis. Results: The detailed analysis and review of the applied European methods, give the priority to the golden standard method (DCA), as the most applicable, shorten and highly effective for the needs of S cientific laboratory of Radiobiology and Radia tio n
protec tion, Milit ary Medical Academy SofiaSofia. The advantages of the FISH technique show a good perspective and could be performed for biodosimetry in the laboratory. Conclusion: The biodosimetry assessment of the absorbed dose is a high skilled activity that involves team of professionals, working in the laboratory, correct selection of a few appropriate methods and preliminary optimization of the process. Take into consideration all described factors for our routine work use of DCA method is the first and optimal option. The FISH-technique presents many advantages that makes it a good additional option.
– blood plasma and form elements (blood cells). The
peripheral blood consists of two main components –
blood plasma and formed elements (blood cells).
Hemoblastoses develop when mutations occur in the
precursors of blood cells (progenitor cells). The progenitor
cells of the blood cells are mostly known as
stem cells. Stem cells have strong proliferative potential
and differentiate to two main blood branches –
myeloid (derived from myeloid progenitor cells) and
lymphoid (derived from lymphoid progenitor cells).
Under the action of various hematopoietic growth factors,
they differentiate into different cell types of their order [3]. Leukemias are a group of oncological diseases
characterized by an increase of the leukocytes
in the bone marrow and blood. Depending on the progression
of the disease, they are acute and chronic,
and according to the origin of the affected cells – myeloid
and lymphoid. Combinations between them give
four main categories [7]. The presence of certain chromosomal
markers underlies the WHO cancer classification.
Their observation is necessary to confirm or
reject a previously established diagnosis. The diagnosis
is made based on the clinical expertise, laboratory
tests and the observation of the specific cytogenetic
markers.
Chronic myeloid (myelogenous) leukemia is hemoblastosis,
which affect the cells of the myeloid branch. This
disease is characterized by the presence of a specific
chromosomal marker – Ph-chromosome. The presence
of the Ph-chromosome can be determined by
cytogenetic analysis. Cytogenetic analysis has a crucial
role in the diagnostic process and therapeutic response
in patients with hemoblastoses.