DNA Methylation in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

As a consequence of the impending increase in life expectancy, there is urgent need to adopt life-saving interventions, such as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, (SCT) in groups of patients that have been regarded as unsuitable for such medical procedures owing to their advanced age. However, a growing body of evidence shows that age per se does not account for a reliable estimation of the capability of an individual to cope with the stressful procedure of SCT and to deal with the cognate adverse effects. Recent literature shows that changes in epigenetic markers (i.e. the extent of methylation) at specific loci of genomic DNA marks the rate of aging and allows for the estimation of the so called "biologic aging." In other words, individuals of the same chronologic age may turn out to be older or younger respect when their biologic age is assessed. This latter is expected to be tightly linked to changes in major homeostatic mechanisms and consequently to be in relationship the chance of successful SCT. The primary objective of the study is the study of DNA in patients undergoing allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. DNA will be assessed for the extent of methylation, which will be also in relationship with circulating exogenous DNA (i.e the microbiome).