Centrosome amplification as a possible marker of mitotic disruptions and cellular carcinogenesis in multiple myeloma

Centrosome amplification (CA) as a potential marker of mitotic disruptions in multiple myeloma (MM) was investigated in two populations of B-cell lineage: B-cells and plasma cells (PCs). Using immunofluorescent staining, it was shown that CA in B-cells is present in 3.2 +/- 2.5% in healthy donors versus 9.9 +/- 7.9% in MM patients (p < 0.0001). Based on the calculated threshold value of CA in B-cells, 37% (14/38) of MM patients were positive. There was no significant correlation between CA-positive MM cases (based on PC samples evaluation) and the occurrence of cytogenetic abnormalities in PCs, including del(13)(q14), del(17)(p13), gain(1)(q21) and hyperdiploidy. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.