Researchers have discovered how circulating stem cells that support blood production change with age, which could simplify the diagnosis of blood cancers. The study, published in Nature Medicine, provides reference ranges for these cells and may help determine people at risk of diseases like myelodysplastic syndrome.
The study analyzed 148 people’s blood cells to track changes over time and identify patterns that are outside the normal range. The researchers found that the composition of circulating stem cell subpopulations varied greatly between individuals, but the underlying cell states remained consistent.
A key finding is an age-related shift in the balance between different types of blood cells in men, with older men more likely to have a bias towards myeloid cells. This could be due to male-specific genetic mutations or changes in hormone and bone marrow environments.
The study’s results could help diagnose myelodysplastic syndrome from peripheral blood samples, bypassing the need for bone marrow testing. The researchers believe their findings will provide valuable insights into blood malignancies and help redefine normal versus abnormal states in hematology.
Source: https://www.insideprecisionmedicine.com/topics/patient-care/circulating-hematopoietic-stem-cells-show-diagnostic-potential