The role of IL-2 in the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma “a study in Iraqi patients”

Abstract

IL-2 plays a pivotal role in the induction of host immune responses against tumor growth and it has anti-tumor activity. Therefore the present study aimed at shedding light on a group of Iraqi patients with multiple myeloma by evaluating the level of this cytokine in their sera . The age and gender were also taken into consedration. and investigate if there was any association between IL-2 and the level of β2-m. A group of 49 patients and 22 healthy volunteers were included in the study. The quantitative determination of IL-2 serum level was performed by ELISA. The patients were divided into two groups: the first group included (17) patients who were recently diagnosed and not received any treatment at the time of collecting samples, while the second group included (32) patients who received treatment. Results: A significant decrease in the serum level of IL-2 was observed in MM patients (3.89 ± 3.64 vs. 11.61 ± 23.37 U/ml) as compared with controls. There were no significant difference in level of IL-2 between the patients who received treatment and those who did not as well as there was no association between production of IL-2 one hand and production of β2-m and IgG on the other hand . Finally there was no association between age and IL-2. The serum level of this interleukin showed no gender-related variations between males and females and there was no correlation between it (IL-2) and gender factor.