In a previously published work (Shi, Guanfang et al.), the expression of Beclin-1 and LC3B-II was quantified by RT-PCR and Western blot method on mononuclear cells from peripheral blood, and the results showed a lower expression of Beclin-1 and LC3B-II in patients with myelofibrosis compared to healthy subjects and patients with polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia [26], thus implying downregulation of the process of autophagy associated with the development of bone marrow fibrosis. This evidence concerns the gene BECN1 and acquired polycythemia vera.