This study investigated whether cytokines secreted by chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells participate in bone alterations of affected patients. The authors concluded that CLL cytokines prevent osteoblast-induced bone formation and contemporarily stimulate the expansion of osteoclasts. Moreover, osteoclasts protect leukemic cells from apoptosis and stimulate their proliferation. These findings widen the perspective for novel therapeutic targets.

This study of non-transplanted patients with sickle cell disease documented the occurrence of ineffective erythropoiesis at late stages of terminal erythroid differentiation with cell death between the polychromatic and the orthochromatic stages. The molecular mechanism responsible for cell death is likely related to HbS polymerization and its interaction with chaperone protein HSP70. Of note, increased expression of fetal hemoglobin can rescue differentiating erythroblasts from cell death.