Biological and Immunological Properties of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Derived From Bone Marrow in Childhood Acute Myeloid Leukemia

<strong>Objective: </strong>Pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a common form of pediatric leukemia and is characterized by the accumulation of abnormal white blood cells, called blasts, in the bone marrow (BM). The aim of this study was to understand the BM microenvironment by studying the biological and immunological properties of BM-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and mononuclear cells (MNCs) to elucidate the potential role of phytohaemag glutinin in cell viability. <strong>Materials and Methods: </strong>BM and peripheral blood samples were obtained from seven pediatric AML patients and seven donors. BM-MSCs and MNCs were isolated and characterized. Population doubling (PD) values, adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation capacity, cell viability, phytohemagglutinin (PHA) assay, and flow cytometry were performed. <strong>Results:</strong> Mononucleated cells from peripheral blood of AML patients and donors and T-cell activation markers (CD3+CD69+, CD4+C25+, CD3+HLA-DR+) were measured by flow cytometry (𝜒2=2.184; p=0.823). BM-MSCs were co-cultured with MNCs, and PD values for AML patients were similar to those of donors (z=1.074; p=0.394). It was statistically significant when healthy MNC and healthy MNC PHA(+) groups were compared (p=0.015). When healthy MNC PHA(+) and healthy MSC+AML MNC PHA(+) groups were compared, it was found to be statistically significant (p=0.014). <strong>Conclusion: </strong>This interaction is also not unidirectional. This interaction serves as a marker for understanding the immunological effects of AML.