Ex vivo platelet morphology assessment of chronic myeloid leukemia patients before and after Imatinib treatment. Issue 6 (17th February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Repsold, Lisa; Pool, Roger; Karodia, Mohammed; Tintinger, Gregory; Joubert, Anna Margaretha
• Is Part Of: Microscopy research and technique. Volume 85:Issue 6(2022)
• Page Start: 2222
• Page End: 2233
• Publication Date: 2022-02-17
• Subjects: chronic myeloid leukemia -- Imatinib -- morphology -- platelets -- scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy; Electron microscopy -- Technique -- Periodicals; Microscopy -- Periodicals; Microscopy -- Technique -- Periodicals; 502.825
• DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24079
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1059-910X

Abstract

Abstract: Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative disease and the first line treatment is through the administration of Imatinib, a first generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Thrombocytosis and bleeding irregularities are common in CML, however, the morphological variations in CML patients' platelets are not well documented. In this study, ex vivo platelet morphology of control participants, as well as CML patients were assessed before and after Imatinib treatment. The topographical and structural morphology of platelets were determined via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Qualitative data of SEM and TEM revealed that CML patient's platelets were prone to aggregation and coagulation at time of diagnosis; the samples that were not aggregated at time of diagnosis showed typical discoid shaped platelets, which was comparable to control participants' platelets. TEM results of CML patients' platelets at diagnosis showed that internal granular constituents including dense bodies were decreased in comparison to control participants. In all CML patients, platelets appeared activated after 6 months of treatment with Imatinib with membrane structure abnormalities and constituent variations. Research to date has primarily focused on the effects of CML on leukocyte populations, however, the results of the current study implicate the impact of CML pathogenesis on platelets, seemingly as a result of alterations in normal hematopoiesis. In addition, the impact of Imatinib treatment on platelet morphology was also established, indicating an increase in platelet activation. Recognizing and understanding the impact of CML disease progression on platelets is of importance to aid improved patient treatment. Research Highlights: In the study, results from SEM and TEM indicated that CML patient's platelets were prone to aggregation at time of diagnosis, and activation after Imatnib treatment. Platelet samples that did not aggregate had decreased internal granular constituents. Abstract : SEM image of platelet of CML patient after 6 months of treatment with Imatinib. Platelet morphology indicates platelet activation through formation of pseudopodia, spreading of platelets and membrane alterations after 6 months of treatment with Imatinib.