Cytokine serum levels and acute graft versus host disease after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation
Tong, J.; Viale, M.; Bacigalupo, A.; Podestà, M.; Sogno, G.; Tedone, E.; Marmont, A.M.
Haematologica 77(4): 365-366
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0390-6078 PMID: 1427449 Document Number: 401042
Acute graft versus host disease (aGVHD) is a major obstacle to successful allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). The pathogenesis of the disease is still unclear. Recently, several studies have shown that cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) can be soluble mediators in aGVHD. Antibodies against TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma have been used for GVHD prophylaxis. GM-CSF has also been detected in sera from patients with aGVHD. Furthermore, TNF-alpha serum level monitoring has been reported to predict aGVHD, thus permitting initiation of early treatment. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible correlation of TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, IL-2 and GM-CSF serum levels with aGVHD in patients receiving BMT.