Transcript:Srdan Verstovsek, MD, PhD: Myelofibrosis is one of the myeloproliferative neoplasms, a chronic disease of the bone marrow. It is, unfortunately, the aggressive type. It does affect the life expectancy of the patients. The average survival is about 5 to 7 years.

Osteoprogenitor cells, also known as osteogenic cells, are stem cells located in the bone that play a prodigal role in bone repair and growth. These cells are the precursors to the more specialized bone cells (osteocytes and osteoblasts) and reside in the bone marrow.

Osteoprogenitor cells are the ‘stem’ cells of bone, and are the source of new osteoblasts. Osteoblasts, lining the surface of bone, secrete collagen and the organic matrix of bone (osteoid), which becomes calcified soon after it has been deposited.

Features of Osteoprogenitor When these cells are introduced into the bone defect area of adult animals, they can promote bone formation, so it is clear the function and differentiation process of osteoprogenitors allows us to have a deeper understanding of the metabolism of bone tissue.

Osteoprogenitor cells are activated during the bone remodeling process or regeneration of injury. Some of the transcription factors such as core binding factor alpha-1 and osteoblast-specific genes like bone morphogenic factor (BMP) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) play crucial roles throughout the processes.

Your doctor may suggest an ultrasound test, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or X-rays. An ultrasound can see if your spleen is enlarged. An MRI can look for changes in bone marrow that can be signs of myelofibrosis. X-rays can show changes in bone density that may be a sign of the disease.

Itching occurs as a result of the activity of cytokines (small proteins involved in cell signaling) associated with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) and because a certain type of cell called a mast cell may release substances called histamines, which cause itching.

When your body is forming blood in your liver and spleen, you may develop tumors elsewhere in your body, such as the lymph nodes, spinal cord and lungs. You may also feel confused because your liver isn’t clearing toxins from your body efficiently, and these toxins affect the brain.

2 Ophthalmic manifestations are rare as well; there are few documented cases of ocular myelofibrosis at the time of this writing. Myeloproliferative neoplasms can have ocular manifestations, usually as retinal hemorrhages in the retina, but sometimes different parts of the eye can be involved simultaneously.

However, to answer the second part of it, which is the memory lapses, yes, patients report that, absolutely. It is a recognized MPN symptom.

You can take steps to help yourself feel better if you’ve been diagnosed with polycythemia vera. Try to: Exercise. Moderate exercise, such as walking, can improve your blood flow.

Some people might develop vague symptoms such as headache, dizziness, fatigue and blurred vision. More-specific symptoms of polycythemia vera include: Itchiness, especially after a warm bath or shower. Numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness in your hands, feet, arms or legs.

In general, the guidelines for people with PV are the same as for everyone else: eat a low-fat diet in sensible portions with fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes. Drink plenty of fluids. It’s important to stay well hydrated to keep your blood from thickening.