DOI: 10.36347/sajb.2015.v03i03.007

Pages: 271-277

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is a major regulatory cytokine which stimulates proliferation of dividing cells while inducing apoptosis in mature progeny. Beta 2 microglobulin (B2M/ β2M), a known prognostic factor in multiple myeloma, reflects tumor burden and turnover. Few in-vitro and clinical studies have demonstrated conflicting observations regarding levels and prognostic significance of TNF-α in CML. Studies have shown prognostic relevance and association with disease stage for B2M in CML. The present study was conducted in the department of Biochemistry in collaboration with Department of Medicine (Clinical Haematology Unit); Pt. B. D. Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak. Levels of TNF-α & Beta 2 Macroglobulin (B2M)were studied in thirty newly diagnosed cases of MBCR-ABL positive chronic myeloid leukemia, confirmed with real time PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction).Both TNF-α& B2M were estimated in cases before and after chemotherapy (imatinib mesylate). 30 age and sex matched healthy controls were also taken. Initial TNF-α and B2M levels were significantly raised in CML cases in comparison to controls (TNF-α94.48±25.60pg/mL vs not-detectable or 8 pg/ml and B2M 2.47±1.32mg/mL vs 0.99±0.67mg/mL, p<0.001 respectively). Both baseline TNF-α& B2M levels at diagnosis were significantly higher in patients not achieving remission after 6 months of imatinib therapy than levels in patients achieving remission (p=0.019 & 0.02). B2M levels were significantly correlated with TLC (r=0.543; p=0.004). Levels of TNF & B2M decreased significantly after therapy in remission group. Thus, TNF-α& B2M levels may help predict non-responding CML patients, studies in larger number of patients are required to validate the observations.