Myelodysplasia and apoptosis: new insights into ineffective erythropoiesis

Recent evidence suggests that intramedullary apoptosis in MDS contributes to the ineffective erythropoiesis with anemia. Although conflicting data exist about the level of apoptosis in bone marrow erythroblasts, apoptosis might play an important role in MDS but cannot explain in all cases the observed refractory anemia. To further unravel the precise mechanisms, more insight into the signaling pathway of apoptosis in MDS is warranted. In addition, the role of ineffective terminal differentiation of the erythropoiesis related to the apoptotic signaling pathways may further help understanding the pathogenesis of MDS.