Thorough evaluation of growth factor profile and cytoadhesion molecules
(CAMs) expression in MyelOMO Al) is becoming of utmost importance from
both the biologic and therapeutic aspects. We have therefore measured the serum
levels of IL-3, GM-CSF and 2 CAMs (i.e. ICAM-I and VCAM-1) in 28 cases with
MM (aged 48-74 years; M/F=16/12). Seven of those patients were tested at diagnosis
while the others were already under therapy for MM. The patients were
divided into stage 1 (n=12); stage II (n=9) and stage III (n=7). Thvelve matched
normal individuals were also included. The results showed significantly higher
values of serum 11--3 (p=.011) and GM-CSF (p=.023) in patients with MM (M
(Si)) for It-3=20. 7(10.4) pghnl; and for GM-CSF=28.0(11. I) pg/m11 as compared
to amity! group IM(SD) for 1L-3=10.7(5.3) pend; and for GMCSF=
14.0(6.3) pg/m11. The rise in both cytokines was most pronounced in stage
111 cases IM(SO) for 1L-3=26.84(8.99) pg/m1 (Fprob=.0105); and for GM-CSF
...3153(10.67) Wm, (Fprob=.0018)1. These changes were not affected by prior
treatment of MM cases. On the other hand, serum concentrations of ICAM-1 (but
not VCAM-1) was highly statistically (p=.000) encountered when the entire group of MM patients (M(SD) for 1C14M-1=280(79) ng/m1; and for VC4M-
1=364(58) ng/m11 was compared to normal control 1114(SD)for 1CAM-1=167(47)
nghttl; and for VCAM-1=374(46)1. Also, only !CAM-1 levels were significantly
different when the differeht stages of MM were considered; being highest in stage III.
(M(SD)r.--363(76)nghnl; Fprob=.01011. Whether these perturbations in serum
growth factors and CAMs are attributable to/or the consequence at the progressive
MM cell outgrowth in advanced disease needs fitrther studies. |
