white blood cells

Genotype-specific blood counts

Vanderbilt researchers report genotype-specific reference ranges to improve interpretation of laboratory blood results in African Americans with a common gene variant that lowers white blood cell counts.

Inga Saknite, PhD, Eric Tkaczyk, MD, PhD, and colleagues are studying how white blood cell motion in the skin’s microvasculature can help predict which stem cell and bone marrow transplant patients would have a relapse of their blood cancer. (photo by Anne Rayner)

Study finds 10-second videos predict blood cancer relapse

Vanderbilt research shows that 10-second videos of white blood cell motion in the skin’s microvasculature greatly improved the prediction of which stem cell and bone marrow transplant patients would have a relapse of their blood cancer.

Blood test figures in cancer risk for people with HIV

A Vanderbilt study found that, among adult patients with HIV, those who have lower counts of certain types of blood cells have a markedly higher risk of developing cancer.

Study links depression scores, white blood cell count

From left, Scott Borinstein, MD, PhD, Jonathan Mosley, MD, PhD, and Sara Van Driest, MD, PhD, found that some healthy African Americans are having bone marrow biopsies they don’t need. (photo by Erin O. Smith)

Gene variant linked to unnecessary bone marrow biopsies in African Americans

A gene variant that lowers white blood cell levels and is common in individuals with African ancestry contributes to unnecessary bone marrow biopsies, according to a study published June 28 in JAMA Internal Medicine.

Lean vs. obese adipose tissue cells

A greater understanding of the mechanisms and cell types involved in returning adipose (fatty) tissue to the lean state may lead to more effective treatments for obesity.