Immune and hormonal changes in early-stage chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients

• Published in: Annals of hematology Vol. 65; no. 5; p. 219
• Main Authors: Everaus, H, Lehtmaa, J, Luik, E, Kŏdar, H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany 01.11.1992
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; B-Lymphocytes - immunology; beta 2-Microglobulin - metabolism; Female; Gonadal Steroid Hormones - blood; Humans; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System - physiopathology; Immunoglobulin A - blood; Immunoglobulin E - blood; Immunoglobulin G - blood; Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell - immunology; Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell - physiopathology; Leukocyte Count; Lymphocyte Activation - drug effects; Male; Middle Aged; Pituitary-Adrenal System - physiopathology; T-Lymphocytes - immunology; Thyroid Hormones - blood
• ISSN: 0939-5555
• DOI: 10.1007/BF01703948

Fifty-six previously untreated stage-I (according to Rai) chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients were examined for their clinical data, immunological characteristics, and hormonal values. Dysfunction of T and B lymphocytes was demonstrated by changed lymphocyte blastogenic response to stimulation with phytohemagglutinin (PHA), concanavalin A (ConA), pisum sativatum agglutinin (PSA), wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), recombinant interleukin 2 (IL 2), and dextran sulfate (DxS); also by decreased immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgA, IgE) and increased beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-M) values. Simultaneously, dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, immune system integration, imbalance of sex hormones, and changes in thyroid hormones were observed in the same group of patients. Disturbed immunohormonal interactions in early-stage CLL may be responsible for the pathogenetic mechanisms in this lymphoproliferative malignancy.