| Popis: |
Interleukin-18 (IL-18) plays a role in the host’s response to tumours and angiogenesis. We determined serum levels of IL-18, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiogenin (ANG), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) and CRP in 65 newly diagnosed myeloma patients. IL-18, VEGF, angiogenin, TNF-alpha and CRP were significantly higher at stage III in comparison to stages 11 and I. These cytokines (measured in 27 patients) significantly decreased after treatment. In survival analysis, higher levels of IL-18 were associated with a poorer prognosis. We conclude that increased serum IL-18 in myeloma patients correlates with advanced disease, increased levels of angiogenic cytokines and worse survival. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
