Anemia in Lymphoma: The Role of Cytokines

This study was to investigate the role that cytokines play in the pathogenesis of lymphoma associated anemia.

IFN-γ, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β and EPO in plasma samples from 45 lymphoma patients and 12 controls were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and EPOR on their bone marrow cells were detected by flow cytometry. Their bone marrow CFU-E were cultured in vitro also.

Of 45 initial lymphoma patients, 25 (55. 6%) had anemia before diagnosis, 13(28. 9%) had anemia during therapy, 7(15. 5%)never had anemia. Plasma IFN-γ and TNF-α levels were significantly higher in severe and moderate anemia patients than those in mild anemia patients, no anemia patients and controls. Patient's plasma EPO, IL-6 and IFN-γlevels showed an inverse correlation to their Hb. Lymphoma without anemia patients had significantly high bone marrow EPOR level than that of lymphoma associated anemia patients and controls. Patients bone marrow CFU-E showed positive correlation to their Hb and EPOR.

Increased plasma IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-6 might contribute to anemia in lymphoma, EPO and EPOR levels were elevated to balance such negetive effects and maintain hemotopoiesis.

No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.