Serum levels of tumour necrosis factor-α in patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Serum levels of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) have been evaluated in the peripheral blood of 91 patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (B-CLL), and have been correlated with the clinical stage (according to Rai's staging system) and relevant haematological and immunological data. Increased values were detected, compared to 36 normal age-matched controls (36 pg/ml ± 5 versus 0.11 pg/ml ± 0.08; P < 0.05). An increase of TNF-α serum levels was observed in all stages including stage 0, with a progressive increase in relation to the stage of the disease. A significant relationship between serum TNF-α levels and the number of circulating monocytes (P < 0.002) and an inverse correlation with the level of the haemoglobin (P < 0.001) was established, as defined by the Pearson's correlation test. In contrast, no correlation was observed between TNF-α serum levels and the other parameters taken into account, including the white blood cell and platelet counts, the absolute number of peripheral blood (PB) lymphocytes, CD5 + B lymphocytes, CD57 + lymphocytes, serum levels of lactic dehydrogenase, total serum immunoglobulins and the serum levels of IgG, IgA and IgM. These data suggest that, in addition to the B-CLL neoplastic cells, the PB monocytes may be involved in the release of TNF-α. © 1994.