Assessment of IL6 and TNF α in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Abstract

Background: Among the cytokines and inflammatory markers, Interleukin 6 [IL6] and TNF α are the most common markers in the practice of medicine. Many studies determine the values of these two markers among the patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia [CLL] in comparison to the healthy population which may help in correlation of their levels in relation to the severity of CLL.Aim of the work: To assess IL6 and TNF α in Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and correlate its results with the stage of the disease. Patients and methods: This study was carried out at the Clinical Pathology Department, Al-Azhar University. The study included 40 patients suffering from CLL, who attended to the National Cancer Institute in Cairo during the period from January 2021 to July 2022.Results: In our study, there were significant increase in TNF α levels and IL6 between cases of CLL patients and control groups. After classification of the patients in two groups according to modified Rai staging system, 21/40 [52.5%] at stages I, II [intermediate risk] and 19/40 [47.5%] at stages III, IV [high risk], there were no statistical significant difference [p-value = 0.205] between intermediate group and high-risk group as regard TNF α and also as regard Interleukin 6.Conclusion: Serum levels of IL6 and TNF α were significantly elevated in newly diagnosed CLL patients compared to control group. However, there were no significant difference in serum levels of IL6 and TNF α were observed in high risk groups than the intermediate risk group. Therefore, our study suggests that these markers cannot be used to differentiate between different CLL stages.

Keywords

• markers of apoptosis
• chronic lymphocytic leukemia
• il6
• tnf