Expression of CD38 and Zap-70 Antigens in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

INTRODUCTION: Chronic B-cell lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) is a chronic lymphoproliferative disease (CLPD) characterized by the proliferation and accumulation of CD5+/CD23+ B lymphocytes in peripheral blood (PB), with infiltration in lymph nodes, spleen, liver and bone marrow (BM). This is the most common leukemia seen in adults in Western countries. Being able to predict rapid disease progression in patients with B-CLL may help determine the establishment of a more appropriate treatment strategy. A well-established predictor of these conditions in the categorization of CLL-B has been the detection of overexpression of CD38 and ZAP-70 in the leukemic cells of these patients. This circumstance indicates the need for anticipation of the initiation of therapy. OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to evaluate the expression of CD38 and ZAP-70 antigens in patients with B-CLL, correlating them with clinical and laboratory findings in these patients. METHODS: 5 mL of PB were collected in Vacutainer glass tubes with potassium EDTA from 39 patients with ATLL and analyzed by hematological tests and immunophenotyping by flow cytometry with a panel of monoclonal antibodies conjugated to fluorochromes and specific for CLPD. Hematological parameters global and specific WBC count, hemoglobin dosage and platelet count were performed on the hematology analyzer. Differential counting and cytomorphological analysis of leukocytes were performed on peripheral blood smears stained by the Leishmann method, in which 100 leukocytes were counted in an immersion objective. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Of the patients diagnosed, the age range ranged from 45 to 89 years with a mean age of 68.8 years. Of these, 26 were male and 13 were female. In male patients the age ranged from 47 to 89 years with a mean of 70 years and in females the age ranged from 43 to 89 years resulting in a mean age of 66.9 years. In all cases, a typical morphology of B-CLL was observed in the peripheral blood of these patients, with a predominance of mature, small and homogeneous lymphocytes. In the analysis of the immunophenotyping of the patients, an immunophenotypic profile was observed CD19+;CD22+;CD20+; CD200+; CD5+; CD23+; FMC7-; CD45+. The expression of ZAP-70/CD19+ was observed in 5 cases (12.8%) and CD38 above 30% in 8 cases (20.5%). CONCLUSION: Significant differences were found between CD19+/ZAP-70+ and CD38 cases in patients with CLL-B with laboratory parameters associated with poor prognosis, showing the importance of using these cellular markers as independent prognostic indicators for these leukemias.

No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.