Published online 23 November 2008
Haematologica, Vol 94, Issue 1, 127-130 doi:10.3324/haematol.13598
Copyright © 2009 by Ferrata Storti Foundation
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Myeloproliferative Disorders

CD146+ bone marrow osteoprogenitors increase in the advanced stages of primary myelofibrosis

Claudio Tripodo1, Andrea Di Bernardo1, Maria Paola Ternullo1, Carla Guarnotta1, Rossana Porcasi1, Sabrina Ingrao1, Umberto Gianelli2, Emanuela Boveri3, Emilio Iannitto4, Giovanni Franco4, Ada Maria Florena1

1 Department of Human Pathology, Paolo Giaccone University Hospital, University of Palermo, Palermo
2 Pathology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Odontology, San Paolo Hospital, and "Policlinico IRCCS" Hospital, Mangiagalli and Regina Elena Foundation, University of Milan
3 Department of Surgical Pathology, University of Pavia Medical School, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia
4 Haematology Unit, Department of Oncology and Haematology, Paolo Giaccone University Hospital, University of Palermo, Italy

Correspondence: Claudio Tripodo, MD, Department of Human Pathology, University of Palermo, via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy. E-mail:tripodo{at}unipa.it

CD146+ bone marrow stromal cells have been recently recognized as clonogenic osteoprogenitors able to organize a complete hematopoietic microenvironment. In this study we used immunohistochemical analysis to investigate the contribution of CD146+ bone marrow osteoprogenitors to the stromal remodeling occurring in the different stages of primary myelofibrosis. We found that CD146+ cells sited at the abluminal side of the bone marrow vessels and branching among hematopoietic cells significantly increased in the advanced stages of primary myelofibrosis (p<0.001), paralleling the extent of fibrosis ({rho}=0.916, p<0.0001) and the microvascular density (r=0.883, p<0.0001). Coherently with a mural cell function, such cells also displayed smooth-muscle actin expression. Our data providing evidence of CD146+ cell involvement in bone marrow stromal changes occurring in primary myelofibrosis are consistent with the capability of these cells to participate in fiber deposition, angiogenesis, and bone formation. They could also represent rationale for new therapies targeting the bone marrow stroma in primary myelofibrosis.

Key words: bone marrow osteoprogenitors, primary myelofibrosis.