engleski

CD31 overexpression is associated with poor prognosis in multiple myeloma

Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molrcule (PECAM) belongs to the immunoglobulin supergene family, carries designation CD31 and can form both homophilic and heterophilic interactions with CD38 ligand. Although known biological function in vitro (for example in blocking endothelial cell and leukocyte binding) the full significance of CD31 molecule is unknown and its function in vivo has yet to be demonstrated. As multiple myeloma (MM) is characterised by progressive accumulation and proliferation of CD38 pos plasma cells, our intent was to clarify the possible relationship between abnormal plasma subpopulation phenotype, clinical data and therapy outcome. Study population consisted of 45 consecutive MM, bone marrow (BM) cells were stained with CD31 and CD38 moAbs and analysed by flow cytometry analysis. Typically we analysed 50000 events usind large gate on lymphocytes. We observed that double positive CD31CD38 subpopulation increase was related to severity of disease. There was a correlation between the elevated percentage of these cells and more severe bone disease (p<0.05), high Bence Jones proteins (p<0.05) and serum calcium levels (p<0.05). We faied to detect any correlation between exoression of CD38 and clinical data. Despite these apparently negative findings for CD38, a possible relevant role of CD31 was noted. An increase of CD31 pos cells was related to low hemoglobin level (p<0.01), high CRP (p<0.01) and finally to higher mortality rate (p<0.05). Interestingly, we have found correlation of CD31 expression with the parameters of MM disease which might deserve further evaluation alos in the context of recent data on increased angiogenesis in this disorder. One could speculate on the possible conection of high CD31 expresssion by neoplastic myeloma cells and increased formation of BM blood vessels in the disease, also with the prognostic importance.

CD31 and CD38 expression; multiple myeloma

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