High-leukemia line

High leukemia line is a genetically determined, inherited ability for the spontaneous occurrence of leukemia in mice. It is characterized by a high incidence of leukemic tumors and the presence of certain genetic mutations in bone marrow cells.

Research into the highly leukemic lineage began in the 1960s in the USA. In 1970, the first line of mice with a high incidence of leukemia was described, which was named BALB/c. This was a line of mice that were crossed with a line of CBA mice.

Currently, more than 20 strains of mice with a high tendency to leukemia are known. All of them have genetic mutations that lead to dysregulation of the growth and differentiation of bone marrow cells and to an increased likelihood of developing leukemic tumors.

Studies of highly leukemic mice have shown that these animals are valuable models for studying the pathogenesis of leukemia and developing new methods for their treatment. They are also used as test systems for testing new drugs and vaccines.

Human life and health are threatened by mutations in blood cells such as white blood cells. Because of this, changes occur that cause an increased risk of developing cancer. Such anomalies are called leukemia, although the reasons for their occurrence have not yet been fully elucidated. Often, women with leukemia first learn of the diagnosis between the ages of 25 and 30. Men tend to get this disease later in life.

The main causes of blood cancer are mutations in genes, as well as various chromosomal changes and structural and functional defects. If we talk about the “right” cells, the bone marrow and lymph nodes contain a large number of protective cells that reliably resist pathogenic agents and inhibit the growth of tumor cells. But if the “corrections” are violated, cancer cells “win”; they stop resisting protein attacks and impose pathological inhibitors on the molecules of cell membranes, thereby dooming the protective cells to “death.”

There are two main types of leukemia: chronic and acute. They differ in the degree of vital activity, the speed of development of the disease, the rate of progression, the effectiveness of treatment and other indicators. Acute leukemia, as a rule, arises suddenly and develops rapidly; a characteristic feature for them is the high frequency of formation of blast tumors.

Among the factors that can cause such a disruption in the formation of healthy cells and the appearance of disease, one can highlight heredity, exposure to certain chemicals, radiation, certain infectious diseases (mononucleosis, cytomegalovirus), human residence in regions with increased background radiation, accidents at nuclear power plants and other. That is why it is important to lead a healthy lifestyle and eat well. In addition, it is necessary to undergo an annual examination, especially for people at risk, in order to promptly identify the disease and stop the process of its development.