Evaluation of Interleukin- 6 in Lymphoma

Background: Cytokines play a pivotal role in lymphoma ,cytokines either can be produced or exert effects on neoplastic or reactive cells. The elevated level of cytokines can contribute to the clinical and histopathologic alterations associated with malignant lymphoma. Objectives: to assess the level of IL-6 in newly diagnosed lymphoma patients in relation to their level in normal control subjects and to evaluate the correlation between IL-6 and hemoglobin (Hb), stage of disease and B-symptoms ,age and sex. Methods: This is a case control study, a total of 40 patients with lymphoma (HL & NHL) who attended private Clincs and hospitals in Mosul city and 40 age and sex matched control were included. A venous blood sample were taken for Complete blood count, Retic and IL-6 level. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to determined IL-6 level. Results: There were a significant difference between the mean level of IL-6 of lymphoma cases and control (p-value=0.00). In the subset of patients with anemia, IL-6 levels inversely correlated with hemoglobin levels (p-value=0.00). There was significant correlation between IL-6 and patients with more advanced stage IIIIV disease(p-value=0.04). there was positive correlation between IL-6 level and B-symptoms)p=0.05( Conclusion: IL-6 level was elevated in lymphoma and it was significantly higher in lymphoma patients .IL-6 plays important role in the development of anemia in lymphoma.The adverse impact of elevated IL-6 is consistent with demonstration of higher level of IL-6 in patients with advanced stage of disease.